April 01, 2009
‘Dunked!’ Principal ousted from high school Students, staff and community members gathered in support as district administration declined renewal of LOHS Principal Todd Dunckley’s contract. Dunckley was transferred to Oakview Middle School; the district has still not hired a new high school principal.
Ten of 11 Orion schools earn Blue Ribbon distinction Webber Elementary joined nine other Lake Orion schools as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, bringing the district to a total of ten of its 11 schools to earn the honor. It was the second time Webber applied for the award-the first in 2003-but its first success.

April 08, 2009
Board fills Blanchard’s position Lisa Sokol became the township’s first director of community programs when the Orion Township Board of Trustees voted to roll two jobs-director of senior services and director of parks and recreation-into one. At the time, Sokol was already heading up senior services, but the parks and recreation position had been vacant more than a year.
Schools tighten up financial belt Projecting a $6.7 million draw from the district’s fund balance over the current and following school year, district administrators said some Lake Orion school programs would either be reduced or nixed from the budget completely.
Down Syndrome Guild hops into Lake Orion for Easter
The Down Syndrome Guild of southeastern Michigan , formed to provide support, resources and advocacy for those with Down syndrome, held its first annual Easter egg hunt at Children’s Park. Nearly 40 area merchants and residents donated time, money and food for the event.

April 15, 2009
Hearing begins in fight against district A hearing began in the case of a family who filed a lawsuit against Lake Orion Community Schools. Pam and Mark Kroll, who claimed the district did not provide adequate services for their autistic son, Hayden, said the boy’s needs forced them to send him to an expensive out-of-district that school offering more specialized educational services. District officials claimed they offered the Krolls services above and beyond state requirements.
MEAP scores top notch District administrators said they were pleased when Michigan Educational Assessment Program scores came in. Of 28 Oakland County districts, officials said Lake Orion schools placed in the top seven in each area tested – reading, writing, English language arts, math, science and social studies.

April 22, 2009
Family, district come to terms After only one day of testimony, the parents of an autistic student withdrew their complaint against Lake Orion Community Schools. Mark and Pam Kroll’s son, Hayden, returned to the district’s autistic program Monday, April 20, after a settlement was reached the previous week.
Spring rains bring a flood of complaints Spring rains brought 1 to 1.5 inches of rain to the Lake Orion area Monday, setting off a deluge of complaints from residents who live or drive near Clarkston Road and M-24, as well as the intersection of Orion Road and Grampian. Both areas can become impassable from heavy rain.

April 29
What happens next at Orion GM? Word that General Motors would phase out its Pontiac brand and close three more plants as it continued its restructuring plans under the watchful eye of the federal government had Orion officials and local car dealers feeling anxious.