Milbank School Opens With Largest High School Class Since 2009

Today, August 16, was the first day of classes for students in the Milbank School District. The students were greeted by many familiar faces and 22 new staff members. 

As of Monday, there were 374 students enrolled in ninth through twelfth grades. Exactly 100 students were enrolled in ninth grade, 97 in tenth, 85 in eleventh and 92 in twelfth grade. According to MHS Principal Dan Snaza, “This is the first time 100 students have been enrolled in a class since 2009.”

Superintendent Justin Downes says enrollment is up and could continue that trend during the 2023-2024 school year as 19 new students showed up at registration and an additional five students enrolled on Monday. Last year’s high school enrollment was 348. Downes also commented, “For the first time in 20 years, there are four grades across the board in the elementary school. Milbank is fully staffed, though.”  “However, more substitute teachers are needed,” Snaza added.

Submitted Photo: 2022-23 New Staff–Front row: John Madsen, Endi Salazar, Anna Hamm, Katie Wollschlager, Elisabeth Schwenn, Makayla Johnson, Brady Femling, Elsie BowsherSecond row: Yanet Guillen, Shana Vander Grift, Marina Johnson, Brigette Downes, Mari Athey, Lauren Hill, Carter Bowsher, Will ParryThird row: Susana Chonay, Kim Kort, Sandy Christensen, Jennifer Cleveland, Kendra Junso, Karleen Murtha