Milbank School Board Approves New Hires and Hears Reports on Summer Projects

The Milbank School District Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, June 9 in the boardroom. The board approved personnel, financial, and policy items. They also received reports on summer projects, insurance updates, and planning for the upcoming academic year.

FCCLA Chapter Proposed

Superintendent Justin Downes introduced a proposal from Sara Koepke, the Milbank family and consumer science teacher, regarding starting a local chapter of FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America). Downes stated, “This is similar to our other student organizations with competitive events and would be a nice addition to our organizations.” Currently, there are several chapters across the state. Over 30 MHS students have shown interest, so the topic will be brought forward for action in July.

Staff Changes and Contracts

The board approved the hiring of Renae Hanson, an experienced special education teacher from Big Stone City, and Laurie Wollschlager as a paraprofessional. Several supplemental contracts were also approved:

*Kathy Tyler – Assistant Debate Coach
*Holly McKernan – Theater Manager, One-Act Play, Three-Act Play (Fall/ Spring)
*Sandy Christensen – Assistant HS Oral Interpretation
*Anna Hamm – Head HS Oral Interpretation
*Tina Balling – Assistant HS Oral Interpretation
*Jackson Graf – Middle School Track Coach
*Caitlyn Graf – Middle School Basketball Coach

In addition, Alexis Adelman was approved as the new director of OST (Out of School Time).

Annual Plans and Agreements

The board unanimously approved several required documents and policies:
*Comprehensive Plan
*LEA and LAU Plans
*Parent Engagement and Title I Parent Engagement Policies
*Policy for Homeless Children
*School Resource Officer (SRO) contract with the City of Milbank

Nine open enrollment applications Kindergarten (3), Third grade, Fourth grade, Fifth grade, Ninth grade (2), and 12th grade were approved. Training incentive increases for staff members: Kody Johnson, Karen Loeschke, Kristal Gallegos, Bonita Spiering, Jhoselim Serrano, Sara Rupert, Janell Reyelts, Herendira Salazar, Yanet Guillen Guijosa were also approved. Lane changes were granted for Kellie Christians and Alexis Schubert.

SDHSAA Board Vote and Financial Actions

The board voted to support Ryan Rollinger as the East River At-Large Representative on the SDHSAA Board of Directors. 

Financial approvals:
*A $300,000 transfer from the line of credit to the general fund
*Repayment of the full line of credit, totaling $1,006,587.47 (including interest)

Reports and Summer Projects

Superintendent Downes and Business Manager Nancy Meyer reported on several ongoing summer projects, including fostering the growth of the football field, improvements to the elementary Learning Center, and waxing school floors. Next year’s schedules and handbook changes are being determined and will be presented  during the July meeting. Downes invited board members to the ASBSD/SASD joint convention on August 7 and 8. 

Insurance premiums are expected to rise as they are rated on wages paid and an experience factor. “The district was at 0.7 and the increase rate will be 1.03,” Meyer told the board, “We can expect to have a little higher premiums for the next couple of years, and then we should go back.”

Policy Updates

The board approved Sections C and D of the Policy with recommended revisions. Notable adjustments included updates to the district’s organizational chart and evaluation procedures, changes to financial thresholds, and clarification of administrative responsibilities.

A three-year waiver was also approved to allow certain high school credits to be awarded before ninth grade. Algebra was cited as an example.

Looking Ahead
The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 14, following the annual budget hearing at 5:30 p.m.