NFSD welcomes new School Board Director, Lori Mercer. Mrs. Mercer grew up on a farm in the Mesa area and attended Connell Elementary, Olds Junior High and Connell High School. She was a cheerleader in high school and active in 4-H for 10 years. Lori graduated from EWU with a degree in Dental Hygiene, which she practiced for 30 years. Lori moved away from the area for about 20 years, but returned in 2009 to be closer to family and to raise her family in a small community. Lori and her husband Jason have two children who currently attend Connell Elementary. Lori runs a full time home-based business, Park Lane Jewelry, and she also volunteers as the beef superintendent at the Columbia Basin Junior Livestock Show. Lori loves our small community and values the quality of life here. She is honored to be able to bring the perspective of having young children in the district to the school board.