About Our Staff

Mrs. Oldre

My name is Mrs. Oldre, I am the Prairie Elementary and Intermediate Library Media Specialist. I feel fortunate to be able to share my ENTHUSIASTIC love of reading with all students and staff at Prairie Elementary school!

I joined the Prairie Elementary staff in 2013 after teaching 19 years for the Hills-Beaver Creek School District. I began my career as a Kindergarten teacher and have also taught 2nd grade, 3rd grade, gifted and talented, computer and then moved into Library Media.

I grew up and graduated from Luverne, MN. I earned my BA degree in Elementary Education K-6 from Southwest State University in Marshall, MN and a Masters degree as a Library Media Specialist from Mankato State University in Mankato, MN.

My husband Kyle and I have two adult sons. I enjoy reading, traveling, golfing, socializing, volunteering, and spending time with my family.

Contact Mrs. Oldre


Mrs. Burns

Hello!  My name is  Karen Burns.  I am excited to be working as the librarian para at Prairie Elementary School.  I love books and children.  I feel I found my ideal job for my current no grandchildren  status.

I  grew up in the Worthington area and graduated from WHS.  I have a bachelor degree from Mount Marty College  Yankton,SD and a MS in Physical Therapy from Arcadia University Glenside PA.  After a rewarding physical therapy career, I am enjoying a semi retirement stint at ISD 518.

My husband, Scott of 30+ years have five adult sons.  My husband teaches at WMS.  Fun fact is that Scott and I are classmates.  We started dating seriously after our 10 year class reunion as we were both still single.


Mrs. White

Hello,  My name is Lorie White.   I am so excited to begin working at the Prairie Elementary Media Center. I love reading and helping children learn to love reading. In the past I worked in a media center while in college and at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary. I joined District 518 in 2013 as a Deaf and Hard of Hearing para working in all grade levels over the past years.  

I grew up on a farm near Sanborn, IA.  My husband and I have four adult children and one grandchild. I love reading, quilting, spending time with my family, and traveling to our national parks.