New faces join Lincoln County School District for 2026-27 school year

As students return to classrooms across Lincoln County, the 2026-27 school year brings a number of new faces to the Lincoln County School District. The LCSD Board of Trustees has approved new teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators and support staff to fill vacancies and meet needs throughout the district.

At Pahranagat Valley Elementary School, Teresa Mathews begins the year as the school’s newest teacher following the retirement of longtime educator Kari Mortensen. Mortensen began working for LCSD in 1996, concluding approximately 30 years with the district.

Jackie Thomas was hired to provide music and art instruction at Caliente, Panaca and Pioche elementary schools. Thomas fills the position previously held by art teacher Tony Allen, who resigned during the previous school year.

At Meadow Valley Middle School, Cameron Frehner joins the staff as a math teacher, filling the position previously held by Brittany Hafen.

At Pahranagat Valley Middle/High School, Rebekah Steele was hired to teach science and CTE agriculture education.

New faces throughout the district are not limited to certified teaching positions. Several paraprofessionals and other support staff members have also joined LCSD.

Lincoln County High School begins the year with Kevin Hannig in the PE and health teaching position after previously serving as a paraprofessional at Caliente Elementary School. KoDee O’Connor was hired to fill the paraprofessional position at Caliente Elementary.

At Panaca Elementary School, Angela Hansen was hired as a paraprofessional, while Larissa Frehner was hired to serve as a paraprofessional at Panaca Elementary and Meadow Valley Middle School. Andrea Stokes, who had served as a paraprofessional at Panaca Elementary, resigned at the end of the previous school year.

Pahranagat Valley Elementary School welcomed Sarah Melton as a paraprofessional, while Ashley Higbee was hired as a paraprofessional at Pahranagat Valley Middle/High School.

Students at Caliente, Panaca and Pioche elementary schools and Meadow Valley Middle School will continue to be served by Mike Strong as school counselor. The board of trustees approved the counselor position as a critical need, with Superintendent Matt Cameron noting that Strong was willing to remain another year while the district continued its search for someone to fill the position.

Administrative and district support positions also saw changes. Tory Frehner was hired as assistant principal at Pahranagat Valley Middle/High School.

Toni Lesicka was hired as the bus driver for the Pioche/Eagle Valley route.

LCHS athletics saw a new appointment, with Eric Lafaele hired as wrestling coach.

The new school year also follows the retirement of longtime Pahranagat Valley High School science teacher Eric Hansen. Hansen retired after serving the district since 1999. Earlier this year, Superintendent Cameron recognized Hansen for his years of service and his work as a science teacher.

Together, the staffing changes bring a mix of new and familiar faces into classrooms and schools as LCSD begins the 2026-27 school year.