Chamois R-1 will be saying farewell to Elementary Principal Dee Luker this year as she retires after 15 years in her current position, and 22 years of service with the school district. She will assist in teaching summer school at Chamois, and will aid with substitute needs in the future.

Early in her career, Dee and her husband, Dave Luker began their family. The arrival of her own children prompted her to hold off on teaching full time to raise her own children.

“The most important thing to me was to raise my children,” said Dee, “and then I could help to raise someone else’s.”

Dee and Dave will always call Chamois home, and have worked hard to have positive impacts on the local community.

“It’s a wonderful place to teach, it’s a wonderful place to live,” Dee said, “I think it’s the best kept secret in Missouri.”

Dee has taught P.E. and Health to students in kindergarten through ninth grade, and has played a crucial role in the development of valuable programs to benefit students in the district. The Buddy Pack program aids in alleviating food-insecurity for many students, and is also being utilized by other school districts. Luker also brought the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program to the school, which has had a positive impact on students’ attendance and behavior.

Community groups and organizations, such as the Chamois Lions Club and current or previous residents, have also contributed to opportunities and assistance for local students through grants and generous donations.

One such success is a program developed by the Chamois Industrial Development Corporation to provide free back-to-school supplies for students in need. Many local students rely on this program each year to be successful in their studies.

The remote location of Chamois creates challenges for many residents when seeking employment and the ability to maintain a sustainable income. These programs and opportunities create a sense of stability that allows students to succeed academically and prepares them well for future endeavors. The positive impact is reflected daily in the actions and behaviors of students interacting with people outside of school, and after graduating.

“It’s a safe place to live,” Luker said. “People accept you for who you are. We don’t have cliques in school, we don’t have a dress code that people can’t attain financially, and our kids are just great.”

Prior to her 22 years in Chamois, Dee also taught for two years in Louisiana and for six years at Our Lady of Lourdes in Washington. The Lukers relocated to Chamois in 1996 after a long search for a peaceful, secluded farm to grow old together.

The realtor informed the Lukers they were the first potential buyers that had shown further interest in the property in three years, beyond the hilltop gate. The only entrance to the property is a very rough, gravel road. The gate sits atop a hill overlooking lush green fields and forested areas that must be crossed to reach the secluded farm.

The purchase of the farm was the beginning of Bar Luk Cattle Company and several successful endeavors with her work at the Chamois School. Dee and Dave will continue their work with the farm and cattle post-retirement, working to develop a new farm-to-table delivery service and continue to offer quality local-grown beef. Her retirement will allow her to travel more often for the new service and existing delivery routes.

Although her days as principal have come to an end, Luker said she plans to remain active with the school, in the community, and will continue working with the family farm and Bar Luk Cattle Company.