Milbank School Board Recognized During School Board Week

Superintendent Justin Downes recognized the Milbank School District Board of Education during their regular monthly session on Monday, February 12. Dr. Douglas R. Wermedal, executive director of the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD), released a statement saying in part, “South Dakota School Board Recognition Week is set for February 19-23, which may take place after some districts are scheduled to hold their monthly meeting, but we encourage your district to recognize school board members at your February meeting.” The ASBSD also provided a certificate recognizing each school board collectively.

Milbank board members include President Dick Schwandt, Amy Thue, Jon Christensen, Annelies Seffrood, and Jeremy Steffensen. Downes said, “Thanks for all you do for the kids and families in Milbank. I appreciate that you are willing to serve on the board.”

Downes went on to say, “Thank you for your service and commitment to education and the students of the Milbank School District. As superintendent, I continue to be honored to work with each of you. The district’s students, parents, and staff are very fortunate to have each of you serving in your roles as board members. Your experience, background, and diversity is of great benefit to all.”

In his statement, Wermedel also said, “ School board members put forth a great deal of effort to ensure their students receive a great public education, their staff members have an excellent working environment, and their community has a district to be proud of.”

Downes then updated the group regarding recent legislation. “It has been the quietest year in my career. There just aren’t many active bills out there.” He then went on to discuss one hot topic — the target salary for South Dakota teachers. Downes explained the target minimum starting salary was $48,000 on Friday, February 9. On Monday, February 12, it was lowered to $45,000. Downes stated Milbank’s target minimum starting salary is $49,000. He went on to explain that Milbank is the 31st largest school by enrollment in the state of South Dakota and the 22nd by starting salary. “Of the 11 schools in our district, we were the only school in our legislative district above the target.”

Downes reminded the group that the proposed four percent increase in salary this year goes on a formula, not on the direct dollars. He also estimated 90 percent of the school districts in the state are experiencing declining enrollment. According to Downes, South Dakota has grown by about 5200 students, and Brandon Valley, Tea, and Harrisburg account for 2700 of those numbers. Milbank hasn’t grown as much, although the Milbank District has grown.

During the consent agenda portion of the meeting, the board approved a $264,500 promissory note transfer from the general fund for special education, a $14,000 transfer from capital outlay to capital projects, and a Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) payment of $66,666.67.

Downes reported the school and public lands funds have done really well. The total sits at $89,907.75, up from $70,375 in 2023 and $68,543.73 in 2022. The district received $4,500 from South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and a $4,650 refund from NorthWestern Energy from the hookup cost at the new elementary school building.

The resignation of Deb Underwood as food service manager was accepted. Schwandt said, “We thank Deb for the many years of feeding “lots” of kids. The board also approved the resignation of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teacher Julie Nolz. Nolz will retire at the end of the academic year. “We thank Mrs. Nolz for her many years of teaching,” Schwandt stated.

Abbey Trapp resigned as the adviser for the student council at MHS. Her decision was approved. Karleen Thomas resigned as a Title teacher and paraprofessional, Thomas will continue working in the district as the elementary school music teacher. She will fill the position currently held by Mariah Tietjen. Braden Femling resigned as an elementary computer teacher. Femling will instead complete his student teaching in the Milbank School District next fall. Supplemental contracts for Kristi Seehafer and Susan Karels as assistant musical-instrumental teachers were approved. Downes said the district is in the process of interviewing candidates for all open positions and the goal is to have them filled sometime in March. Open enrollment applications for one kindergartener and one 10th grader were approved. A driver’s education class is planned for this summer. Jackson Graf will be in charge.

The board accepted the lone bid for the roof replacement above the MHS theater. The bid was submitted by ARS of Sioux Falls. The board deemed a 2008 GMC pickup and V snow plow as surplus. Also, regarding the surplus equipment, the board appointed community members Justin Mathiason, Al Mathiason, and Steve Spors to evaluate the surplus property and assess its value in order to compare them to the sealed bids. Bids for the pickup and snow plow are due in the district office by February 29 at 2 p.m.

Marie Ivers, director of special services, reported that the district’s migrant tutoring program is up and running and doing very well. The group meets after school on Mondays and Thursdays. Ivers has applied for a grant to continue the summer transition program. She also reported Title Night for Milbank Elementary and St. Lawrence School is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12. Preschool screening is scheduled for Friday, March 1. Ivers reported an organizational planning meeting for the Special Olympics regional track and field meet has been held. Future meetings for event leaders and community volunteers will be set soon.

The elementary school report was presented by Downes. He noted the recent kindergarten screening and DARE graduation were both a success. The testing season begins on April 10.

The middle school report was also presented by Downes. Highlights: 150 students attended the middle school dance, students attended Med Camp at Lake Area Technical College, and the eighth-grade girls will be attending an LATC Women in Science event. Middle school students also created a promotion to sell Valentines with the proceeds going to the Cancer Walk team.

Downes gave the athletic director’s report: Gymnasts attended the state meet in Pierre during the weekend of February 9-10. Wrestling regionals take place February 16-18. Basketball post-season play is coming right up.

At MHS, Olivia Wendland was chosen as the January Student of the Month. Stella Wendland is scheduled to attend a luncheon with other high school students who are also ranked No. 1 in their graduating class of 2024. Governor Kristi Noem is expected to attend.

The one-act play earned a superior award at the state competition, along with numerous individual awards. The pops concert was well attended. The Educators Rising group celebrated Education Rising Week. Robin Schuelke and Nicole Stengel serve as advisers for the group.

In other business, the district will receive a bonus delivery of surplus ground beef for the food service department.

The next meeting of the Milbank School District Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, March 11. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at MHS.