When you think of school administration, the first people who come to mind are probably the principals and vice principals, and maybe the athletic director.

However, there are three office ladies that run things on a more day to day basis. Between the three of them, their responsibilities include attendance, registration, and athletic administration, as well as much more.

Marti Fuhriman seemingly does it all. She handles attendance, substitute related things, chromebook registration, student of the month, green and gold lists, renaissance, report cards, parent teacher conferences, update staff lists, phone numbers, final waivers, and many other things that come up throughout the year.

Fuhriman started working at Lakeland High School in December of 2014. However, she has been in the district since 2009, coaching junior high volleyball. Then, in 2011, she started at the district office as the substitute coordinator. Starting at the high school in 2014, she has remained in this role ever since, and is the longest serving office lady. Her nickname in the office is “Momma Marti”

“I am called that because I am always giving out advice.”

Fuhriman went on to say, “ “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path. Then by all means follow that path.”

The second is Jen Shute, whose official title is school registrar, which means she handles the registration and class credits for students. She also is in charge of distributing official transcripts to seniors.

Shute began at LHS in 2019, and this was her first role in the district. Prior, she was an assistant manager for Walmart, after being a district manager for Hollywood video and movie gallery.

When asked about why the sudden change, and career choice Shute said, “I had kids and the schedule works out well.

Shute went on to say, “I always arrive late at the office, but I make up for it by leaving early.”

Last, but not least is Amy Fortin, the reigning certified staff of the year, does athletic registration, rosters, grade checks, athletic attendance, end of year sports certificates, and tells Mr. Neff what to do.

Fortin started work at LHS six years ago, as a receptionist for a couple years, then was a secretary with the Students With Disabilities department, and detention as well. After all that, she was placed into the role that she currently holds, working closely with the athletic director.

When asked about how she likes her role, Fortin said jokingly quoted Muhammad Ali, stating, “It’s a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.”

All three office ladies agree that it is nice to have a schedule that aligns with the schedules of their kids, and that is one of the many reasons they like what they do.