School Board Approves Resignations and Out-of-State Travel

The Milbank School District Board of Education met at MHS for their regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 13.

Finances
Nancy Meyer, business manager for the district, outlined a preliminary budget for the 2024-2025 school year. According to Meyer, next year’s budget will be augmented by an additional $130,000. “In the grand scheme of things, that’s not much,” said Meyer. Board members also voted to accept the FY23 audit..Superintendent Justin Downes pointed out that $350,000 of the capital outlay portion of next year’s budget is earmarked for roof replacement, and $150,000 has been pledged for the construction of two new tennis courts and the resurfacing of the existing courts.

‌Downes noted he anticipates several other large capital projects in the next five years. According to Downes, roofs are always at the top of that list, but the football field and track, including the bleachers, will also require attention. Downes provided the members of the board with a proposal from Mammoth Sports Construction of Kansas for potential updates to some of the school’s track facilities.

The board approved a $132,000 promissory note for funds from the general fund for special education.

Student Life
Members of the two FFA teams who qualified for the national competition in food science and milk quality presented detailed information about their projects and events. Raul Berrones, who was recently elected as South Dakota’s FFA vice president, spoke to the board about his experiences.

Out-of-state travel was approved. Lydia Street, Max Schuelke, Matti Scott, and Carlos Olivares plan to attend the 2024 Educators Rising Convention June 28-July 1 in Washington D.C. Eleven students qualified to attend the HOSA Nationals June 26-29 in Houston, Texas Max Schuelke will also attend the 2024 National Speech & Debate Tournament June 16-21 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Anna Hamm, a Spanish teacher at MHS, addressed the board regarding the possibility of a student language enrichment trip to Spain or Peru in 2026. Board members agreed to review the information. No formal action was taken.

Board members voted in favor of Amendment Number 1 for the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA). The amendment allows student athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness, but would not allow them to promote their school affiliation. According to Ryan Scoular, activities director for the district, the amendment is a proactive measure. “It’s preemptive for SDHSAA to say, ‘This is what we’d like to do,’ rather than being told ‘This is what you have to do,’” Scoular explained.

Personnel
Board members approved the hiring of Morgan Schroeder, an elementary school teacher, and Nikki Brown, a middle school math teacher. Hannah Schrader was approved as an advanced CTE student teacher.

The board accepted resignations from two teachers – Kristin Tostenson and Cheryl Reite. Administrative assistant Sharon Bogenreif’s resignation was also accepted. Troy Gaue resigned as a track coach. Wanda Bohn’s resignation as a kitchen worker was approved.

Lane changes were approved for Maren Davis and Nicci Stengel. Training incentives were approved for Kody Johnson and Kelly Whitesitt. Supplemental assignment contracts were approved. An open enrollment application for a rising sophomore was approved.

The board voted for Mark Naugle to serve as the West River at-large representative for the South Dakota High School Athletic Association (SDHSAA) Board of Directors. The board also elected Rich Crow Eagle to serve as the Native American at-large representative for the SDHSAA Board of Directors.

Reports
Ryan Scoular, principal of Milbank Middle School, reported the student council delivered May baskets to area nursing homes for their main project during the quarter .

The middle school’s final music department concert was held on Monday, May 6. The MMS awards banquet will be held on Tuesday, May 14.

As athletic director, Scoular reported the MHS tennis team was currently competing in the state tournament. He said the results from the first day (May 13-14) indicate the team will surpass the number of points (147) they had accrued last year at State. The Last Chance track meet will be held in Baltic on Thursday, May 16. The state track meet will be in Sioux Falls from Thursday, May 23, through Saturday, May 25. The state golf meet is scheduled for June 3- 4. Elementary field day was held on May 10.

Downes noted in his superintendent’s report that graduation was held on Sunday, May 12. He also reported that the Northeast Area Special Olympics track meet hosted by Milbank was “a phenomenal success.”

‌The next regular meeting of the Milbank School District Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, June 10, at 6 p.m.