School Board Launches E-Pass Program for MHS and MMS

The Milbank School District Board of Education convened for its regular meeting on Monday, August 11, to finalize preparations for the 2025-26 school year. President Dick Schwandt, vice president Amy Thue, and  Annelies Seffrood, Jeremy Steffensen, and Jon Christensen were present.  

Minutes from the July meetings were approved. Superintendent Justin Downes reported the district’s current enrollment stands at 1,017 students. The official count will be taken on September 26. The board approved seven open enrollment applications: one each for third, seventh, eighth and eleventh grades and two for ninth grade. 

Board members approved the launching of a new E-Pass pilot program to monitor student movement in the middle school and the high school. Starting this semester, the system lets teachers restrict restroom access and limit other activity around the building.

The board voted to accept the resignation of paraprofessionals Carter Bowsher and Carrie Novy. Carter Malone was hired as an assistant boys basketball coach. Mariah Hicks was approved as the new head debate coach. Owen Fischer, Jaicelyn Shakespaere, Kristin Wollschlager, and Dolly Madsen were approved as paraprofessionals. Brody Gilbertson.was given a lane change. Andrea Hagen, who replaced Marie Ivers as the district’s special services director, attended the meeting and gave her first report.regarding the completion of paraprofessional staffing changes.

Volunteers were approved for several sports: Jamie DeBoer as the color guard adviser,  Mandy Frogner as the girls basketball coach, Laurie Batchelor and Josh Schmeichel as  cross country coaches, and Brian Sandvig and Connor Snaza as football coaches. A 25-cent training incentive was authorized for secretaries Peggy Greiner and Tammy Rieger. 

The board discussed the implementation of Red Rover,the district’s new substitute staff management system.  Red Rover provides an automated process to replace the paper-based “blue sheet” method.

Milbank Middle School Principal and Activities Director Ryan Scoular reported excellent attendance at Registration. He said most students received their schedules and homeroom assignments. Scoular also noted, “It was good to see all the kids and their families again.” 

Scoular explained that all schools planned four days of in-service this week from  August 11-14. Monday  was reserved for new teachers and staff, and the other days were all-staff events. The new student orientation for sixth graders was set for Wednesday, August 13, along with an Open House in the evening. Milbank Elementary also set their Open House for Wednesday evening. Ninth-grade orientation is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, August 18.

The first athletic competitions begin this week, when the girls tennis team goes on the road to Lennox on Friday, August 15. Football, cross country, boys golf, and volleyball have also begun practices. The annual Bulldog Blitz fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, August 29. Brooks Gibbs, an anti-bullying speaker, will give presentations to all students on August 22.

Scoular announced Sisseton High School will not be offering football this year. He stated a previously scheduled game with the Redmen has been replaced with a matchup against Webster.

Downes addressed damage to the elementary gym floor caused by water. He said efforts to dry it are continuing, and full restoration is expected in October or November. If necessary, volleyball practices and junior high games will be moved to the armory, and contest schedules will be adjusted. Preventative maintenance on gym air exchange units were discussed to help avoid problems. Downes also reported Mibank’s football field is in good shape for the Bulldogs’ home opener on September 5.

Regarding financial decisions, the board approved the bills presented for payment and to increase the Imprest Fund from $8,000 to $10,000, as per Policy DJBA. Approval was given to issue a  promissory note to move  $7,500 to the OST Fund from the General Fund.  Additional approval was granted to issue a promissory note to move $18,200 into the Lunch Fund from the General Fund.

The board acknowledged the receipt of a Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Grant that totalled  $32,120. “This is slightly reduced from last year,” Downes stated.  “As always, we will stretch it as far as possible.” The board approved increasing the price of an adult school lunch for staff and visitors to $5.25.

Downes reported that Dick Schwandt was honored for 20 years of service as a school board member, and Amy Thue was recognized for 10 years of service during the recent Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) joint convention.

Downes announced he has been voted president-elect of the South Dakota School State Superintendents Association (SDSSA). His role will involve attending national advocacy and leadership events in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. 

In the ongoing process to update the district’s policy manual, several changes were approved. Most amendments sought to align district policy with updated state and federal laws, clarify language, and correct cross-references. Downes noted the procedure is necessary to ensure the policy manual is current and consistent with negotiated agreements.

The next regular meeting of the Milbank School District Board of Education is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, September 8.  Before the meeting, a supper for new staff will be held for all staff who wish to attend.