Gone but not forgotten

New teacher steps in to fill vacant position after tragic death

How do you process taking over the position of someone you worked with, who lost their life tragically in an accident?

Columbus Elementary School teacher Casey Fedako had one of the most difficult decisions to make in her life when she was suddenly asked to take over former 1st grade teacher Lisa Kana Klekar’s classroom following Klekar’s heartbreaking and untimely death in a car accident.

Klekar lost her life after losing control of her vehicle between Fayette and Colorado counties on August 10 in what came as a shock to the Columbus Independent School District community.

With the start of the school year looming just around the corner on August 14, Klekar’s kids were now left without a teacher to teach.

Fedako, a 4th grade social studies and science teacher in her own right, was asked by Columbus ISD on August 12 to consider fulfilling Klekar’s role, to ensure Klekar’s students did not go without a main teacher for the year.

The former 4th grade teacher said she was “nervous” and “scared” at first and was skeptical about leaving her own students whom she had grown to love but knew what decision she ultimately needed to make.

“Given the unfortunate circumstances, I was asked if I would consider taking over her 1st grade classroom,” said Fedako. “My immediate reaction was nervous and scared. I honestly did not want to move out of 4th grade. It was a grade level that I really loved, and I worked with some really great people. After a lot of emotions and thinking, I accepted the move. I knew that I could not leave these sweet kids without a teacher.”

The same day Fedako was asked to take the position, she was able to meet Klekar’s kids and realized what she needed to do. She says that as a teacher, you “always put the students first” in any situation, especially one like this.

“I met the sweet kiddos last night and I know that God put me here for a reason,” said Fedako. “I am looking forward to teaching in a room that was once filled with so many positive and loving memories. When you are a teacher, you always put the students first. I did what I needed to do under these unfortunate circumstances. My new team has been very welcoming and helpful.”

Fedako says for the most part the kids do not understand Klekar’s death, and says it is best they do not know due to their innocence. A photo of Klekar can be seen hanging on the wall of the classroom as Fedako and her students walk in, reminding them of Klekar’s impact.

“The 1st grade kids do not really know what happened, and I think that is probably for the best being they are so young,” said Fedako. “It has been difficult being in her classroom knowing it was the last place she was before leaving this world. I printed out a picture of her and I have it hanging on the wall as you enter the room. I will never take it down. Little stuffies below the calendar were brought from a little girl Lisa taught last year. She wanted Lisa to have them. I hope Lisa will always look over the kids and me.”

Fedako says despite now knowing Klekar personally, they worked across from each other previously and Klekar would always greet her with kindness, a trait she was well known for. Regardless of their closeness, Fedako says her and the other staff members at the school and across the district are still having a hard time processing what happened.

“I did not know Lisa really well, but when I taught 2nd grade, she was the co-teacher across the hall from me,” said Fedako. “We would talk sometimes as we would pass each other in the hallway. She was one of those people who always said hello and greeted you with a sweet smile. It has been very difficult losing such a kind person. Life can dramatically change in the blink of an eye. Lisa was always full of life and always had a positive attitude. Her smile was extremely contagious. She was such a great asset to our school and seriously one of the kindest souls. Her presence at CES will be greatly missed. We must always remember to be kind, give grace, and keep smiling. That is what Lisa taught me.”