School board praises students and staff for storm response as district coordinates relief

The North Newton School Corp board opened its March 18, 2026 meeting by thanking students, staff and community volunteers for their response after a storm that damaged parts of Lake Village.

Katherine, an administrator, told the board the Red Cross contacted the district to use school facilities for shelter and relief distribution and that the school had accepted donations ranging from toddler clothes to paper towels. "They actually called us the Tuesday of the storm asking to be able to use the building if needed," she said, adding the student council and South Noon raised $1,500 for disaster relief through a boys volleyball fundraiser.

Dr. Razer, speaking during administrative reports, commended staff who set up a shelter and arranged shuttle service from Lake Village to the high school and said district employees and board members were helping residents clean up. "Our hearts truly go out to those who were impacted by the storm," he said, and he recognized specific staff members who helped stand up the shelter and operations.

Board member Tyson said he was "very proud" of students, staff and volunteers who joined cleanup efforts. Several trustees named local young volunteers who assisted emergency crews and cleared roads following the storm.

School officials said the district will continue to distribute donated supplies and urged community members who need assistance to contact the district. The board took no formal policy action related to storm recovery at the meeting; members described continued coordination with county officials and thanked neighboring districts and county responders for assistance.