Packsaddle Elementary School Principal Lendy Oldaker is a 2021 Locals Love Us favorite school administrator. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
While in the middle of her first year as the top campus leader, Oldaker is no stranger to the school. She spent 18 years at Packsaddle as a teacher, programs coordinator, and assistant principal before taking over as principal.
That longevity is a snapshot of why The Picayune Magazine readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners picked Oldaker as a 2021 Locals Love Us favorite school administrator.
Her favorite part of the job are the students.
“I enjoy working with the kids,” Oldaker said. “I stand out front in the mornings and help the kids and say, ‘Let’s have a great day. It’s going to be great!’ We go out and watch them at recess, and I’m in and out of the classroom.”
Along with deep roots at Packsaddle, Oldaker has deeper ones in the Llano County community.
Her parents were born and raised in Llano, and a grandfather lived there until 2014.
While she is thrilled to receive the Locals Love Us honor, Oldaker gave the credit to those she works with and those they serve.
One of the things that makes Packsaddle Elementary so special, Oldaker said, is how the staff looks out for the students. During Christmas, if they know of a child who might not get a present, they all pitch in to buy them one.
That’s just a sample of what the staff does every day for their students beyond working to provide them the best education possible.
“Every year I’ve been here, we have an amazing staff, staff that’s willing to do what it takes to get the job done,” Oldaker said. “We have such amazing people here.”
jfierro@thepicayune.com
