Board Of Education Approves Change in Graduation Requirement

The Milbank School District Board of Education met in their regular meeting Monday, September 12. A change in the computer technology requirement for graduation at MHS was approved following a short discussion. Principal Dan Snaza explained the rationale for the change.

“Computer/technology classes are constantly evolving and changing from year to year. Students are entering elementary school with the technology knowledge that used to be taught or is being taught in high school computer classes. Because of this, the State of South Dakota has dropped the computer class requirement from the diploma requirements.”

Snaza said currently Milbank requires one computer/technology credit. “I would like to see that requirement lowered to .5 credits and the elective credits increased by .5 credits to maintain the 24 credits needed for a diploma from MHS.” His recommendation was approved unanimously by the board.

In the final review of the FY 2017 budget, the adopted budget levy requests include: General Fund, $1.568 per thousand of ag valuation and $3.687 per thousand for owner occupied; $7.630 per thousand for other non-ag; Special Education Fund, $1.405 per thousand of valuation; and Capital Outlay Fund, $2.45 per thousand of valuation.

A first reading of a new policy regarding advertising in the school and sponsorship program was given. A first reading of an updated policy on paid holidays for 10.5 month employees of the district was also given.

Carol Ydstie was hired as a middle school special education paraprofessional. She fills the position previously held by Sue Pauli. Pauli took over the duties of the middle school/high school librarian previously performed by Sara Snaza.

Superintendent Graf reported Molly Tesch submitted her resignation as food service employee. Her final day of employment with the district will be September 27. “We are currently advertising for her position,” Graf said.

Graf reported, “Our enrollment numbers have been changing daily, mostly for the better.” “As of the start of this week, that number has increased to 928 students, which does not include the Bulldog preschool students. Making up the total number of students are 377 at Koch School, 220 in grades 6-8, and 331 in grades 9-12.

Included in the enrollment report, Graf explained the district has 111 incoming open-enrolled students and 46 outgoing students. “This represents a net gain of 65 students. That number makes up approximately 12% of our student body.” In addition to the open-enrolled students, the district has three additional high school students from Big Stone City attending on a tuition agreement. One additional application was approved for a first grade student from Wilmot. The student has been attending in Milbank, but has moved to the Wilmot district.

In other action items, a conflict of interest was approved for Tracy Upton. The document will be submitted to the state in response to a change in South Dakota law. Approval was given for lane changes for Ryan Scoular and Miriam Schwenn. Scoular will move from lane 5 to lane 6, with a salary increase of $505. Schwenn moves from lane 3 to lane 4 with an increase of $342. Dick Schwandt was again selected as a delegate for the ASBSD Delegate Assembly scheduled for November 18, in Pierre.

Reports were heard by Dan Snaza, high school principal; Kris Evje, middle school principal and special service director; Keri Schliesman, elementary special education director; and Superintendent Graf.

The next regular meeting of the school board will take place Monday, October 10, at 7 p.m. in the Central Office board room.