Cherokee Elementary families in Liberty Township will see a familiar face at the helm when the 2026-2027 school year begins Thursday, Aug. 13. Mike Stapleton, who has served as the school's assistant principal, has been promoted to principal.

Stapleton announced the transition in the school's July 17 Cheetah Mail newsletter, his first as principal.

"Having served as assistant principal for the past several years, I am excited to continue building on the strong relationships we've created together and look forward to another incredible year," Stapleton wrote.

Kelly Welling joins Cherokee as the new assistant principal. The district has not publicly detailed her previous role.

The pair replace former Principal Valerie Montgomery, who was still leading the grades 3-6 school as of her April 24 newsletter. The district has not announced the reason for Montgomery's departure.

Stapleton closed his newsletter with the motto "Be Where Your Feet Are" and the district hashtag #everyonematterseveryonegrows, the same sign-off Montgomery used during her tenure.

Key dates for Cherokee families

The school year kicks off with a staggered start approved by the Lakota Board of Education:

  • Thursday, Aug. 13 — Students with last names A–L attend their first day
  • Friday, Aug. 14 — Students with last names M–Z attend their first day
  • Monday, Aug. 17 — All students attend together

Before classes begin, families should mark several dates:

  • Friday, Aug. 7 — Homeroom teacher assignments and bus transportation information post on the Home Access Center via OneLogin
  • Friday, Aug. 7, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. — Lakota's first Back-to-School Fair for new families at VanGorden Elementary, 6475 LeSourdsville-West Chester Road (no registration required). The district describes it as the fair's inaugural year.
  • Friday, Aug. 7, 6–8 p.m. — Cherokee Back-to-School Bash, an outdoor event with spirit wear, frozen treats, and PTA information (weather permitting)
  • Tuesday, Aug. 11 — Cherokee Open House; last names A–L attend 6–6:45 p.m., last names M–Z attend 6:45–7:30 p.m.

Families with questions can reach Cherokee Elementary at (513) 755-8200 or visit the district's Back-to-School Hub at lakotaonline.com.