Milbank School Board Meeting Highlights 

The Milbank School District held its regularly scheduled school board meeting on Monday, September 9. Discussions focused on the budget, open enrollment updates, and key educational initiatives aimed at student safety and mental health.

Open enrollment applications were approved for six students (2nd, 3rd, 6th,8th 9th, and 11th grades). In the 2024-25 school year, there will be 90 incoming open-enrolled students and 66 outgoing students. The board approved a tuition agreement with Big Stone School District to allow 11 high school students into the district. In total, it is a net gain of 35 students. Superintendent Downes expressed optimism about the district’s growing student body and the positive impact it may have on the next academic year.

The board unanimously approved the 2024-2025 school budget. The general fund is set at $10,147,288, while the capital outlay fund is $2,443,937. Special education funding was allocated $3,225,240, and the bond levy is $1,118,000. The budget also included a significant $1,024,800 for the lunch program and $197,000 for the enterprise fund. The budget reflects adjustments in health insurance coverage and coding for grant funding. Milbank business manager, Nancy Meyer, noted a notable decrease in general fund revenue due to lower enrollment numbers.

Downes informed the board he will continue serving this year on the South Dakota School Superintendents Association (SDSSA) board and the South Dakota United School Association (SDUSA) board.

School board members approved the consent agenda, including the August meeting minutes, the business manager’s financial report, and bills presented for payment.

Downes raised concerns about the potential effects of Measure 28, a proposed bill that would eliminate sales tax on items for human consumption. While the measure’s original intent is to remove the sales tax on groceries, it would also remove the tax on products like tobacco and possibly marijuana. Downes explained this could have significant consequences for the state budget, particularly for public education.

The measure has sparked opposition from groups such as the South Dakota Association of School Administrators (SDASA) and SDUSA. These organizations, representing 102 school districts across the state, have not yet taken formal action, but are wary of the economic ramifications.

Downes expressed concern that the measure could cause a budget shortfall of between $130 million and $600 million for the state, with education being the largest recipient of state funding. If Measure 28 passes, public schools might face severe cuts. Downes emphasized that although the bill’s intention is good, it could inadvertently harm school funding, leading to challenges in maintaining teacher pay and other essential programs.

A lane change was approved for Brodrick Gilbertson. The hiring of Araceli Zuniga as a paraprofessional was approved. Out-of-state travel to Indianapolis was approved for the 2024 National FFA Convention members, including members chosen for the 2024 FFA Band.

The resignation of Mary Kinder as OST director was approved. Kinder will retire from the program in December. “We thank her for her dedicated service over the years turning that program into a really good program,” stated board president Dick Schwandt.

The board approved the submission of the 2024 annual financial report to the South Dakota Department of Education (DOE).

Superintendent Downes discussed updates to the district’s crisis management plan, which included changes to staffing and roles.

High school principal Dan Snaza reported in line with National Suicide Prevention Month, the district is ramping up its efforts to address mental health with the help of Prairie Winds, who will be offering counseling services twice a week. A school-wide Internet safety session was conducted by Brett Garland, the program director for South Dakota School Safety, to educate students on digital footprints and social media risks. Future initiatives will include teen mental health first aid training for staff, scheduled for November.

In addition to traditional athletic events, the school is placing a special emphasis on involving every student in activities to enhance their school experience. A new Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter was launched. Twenty students have signed up.

Snaza reported Milbank students are gearing up this week  for Homecoming festivities, including a cornhole tournament, video games, board games in the lobby, and a K-12 pep rally on Friday.

In the Milbank Elementary principal’s report, Dave Graf stated, ”Things are off to a good start and we are in the full swing of things.” The elementary will participate in the Homecoming events. He also explained, “Last week head coach Mick Thompson decided to have all the football players greet kids as they arrive at school every Friday.  It was pretty cool. There were two lines of football players greeting all the kids as they came into the building.”

Special education director Marie Ivers reported her department spent the in-service day improving communication with staff in all departments. She said she has been doing a lot of federal program updates. Her first deadline to update 19 reports and policies is September 16.

Middle school principal Ryan Scoular has plans for a guest speaker to talk to students about suicide prevention, including potential warning signs and ways to provide help.

Scoular, as athletic director, shared how all fall athletics are up and running. He said, “Homecoming week is a whirlwind and no rest for anybody.”

In the superintendent’s update, Downes said that the wellness committee met for the first time to go through the policy and updates.

Downes noted he will be at the Big Stone School on Wednesday night to answer questions from families about the upcoming transition process.  Big Stone School will be closing at the end of this school year.  He told the group, “On Friday the Big Stone students will be coming to the Homecoming parade. Scoular added, “There are also plans to welcome the students to the middle school dances and at least one activity per quarter.”

The next meeting of the Milbank School District Board of Education is scheduled for October 14 at 6 p.m.