School Board Temporarily Raises Capital Outlay Levy

The Milbank School Board of Education held its regular meeting on Monday September 8. Members present:President Dick Schwandt, Amy Thue, Jon Christensen, Annelies Seffrood, and Jeremy Steffensen.

The board approved the consent agenda that included the minutes of the August meeting, accepted business manager Nancy Meyer’s financial report, and approved the bills presented for payment. The board also accepted the 2025 Annual Financial Report for submission to the South Dakota Department of Education.

The board discussed the impact of the recent closure of the Big Stone School District. The closure temporarily expands Milbank’s taxing authority for two years. The district was given the opportunity to increase their millage rate up to three mills. Downes, however, recommended a more modest approach. After discussing it, the board decided to set the capital outlay levy at 2.85 mills. The boost will support facility improvements such as tuckpointing in the theater and other interior and exterior maintenance projects.

Superintendent Justin Downes reported on the open enrollment numbers. “We have more students coming in than going out. We have a total of 92 incoming open-enrolled students and 69 outgoing. That’s positive,” he stated. He also explained, “A vast majority of our outgoing students live on the fringe of our district.”  Four students were approved for open enrollment – one each in  first, fifth, and seventh grades and one in the senior class.  Milbank Elementary Principal Dave Graf noted the elementary school has two classes of 24 students and the fifth grade has 25 students. 

Board members approved several personnel actions. Caitlyn Graf was granted a lane change. Angel Campbell was hired as a kitchen worker. A supplemental contract for assistant gymnastics coach Miranda Dunnihoo was approved. Training incentive pay increases for Pam Liebe and Teresa Adolph at 25 cents per hour were also authorized.

The board gave the green light for two FFA members to travel  to Indianapolis. The students were selected to play in the National FFA band during the national convention in October. Downes reminded the board of his positions on the South Dakota School Superintendents Association (SDSSA) and the South Dakota United School Association (SDUSA) executive boards and their upcoming meetings that he will be attending.

Principals and directors shared updates about the start of the school year:

• Milbank High School Principal Dan Snaza reported strong student involvement with competition among student organizations during their membership drives. He said, “HOSA is now reaching nearly 80 students and other organizations like FBLA and FCCLA are also showing growth.”  HOSA stands for Health Occupations Students of America. FBLA is Future Business Leaders of America, and FCCLA stands for Future Career and Community Leaders of America. Snaza said, “ I think it is great that we are able to support that many organizations so kids have options. They are all not athletes. They are not all dealing with agriculture. Honestly, there is something for everybody.” Snaza informed the board that Homecoming plans are being organized and committees are being formed. He also  mentioned the success of the new Freshman Seminar class and the rollout of the E-HallPass system. He said he feels it has improved the accountability of the students.
  
• Milbank Elementary Principal Dave Graf said the year began smoothly. He commented that in-service training allowed teachers to collaborate and organize intervention groups based on student data.
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• Special Education Director Andrea Hagen reported working on the Title 1C Migrant Education application.
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• Milbank Middle School Principal and Athletic Director Ryan Scoular noted the first quarter is half over next Wednesday. He said Fall sports are off to a strong start, and Milbank will be hosting a golf meet and a cross country event this week. He also reminded the board that Homecoming week is approaching, and the Homecoming football game will  be played against Vermillion.
  

Much of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing sections I and J of the district’s policy manual. Downes explained that many of the changes are being made to align with state law or recommendations from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota. Some outdated policies were repealed and others were revised for clarity. Several updates were adopted during the meeting. The board also reviewed policies related to class size, student organizations, out-of-state travel approvals, and financial limits for student activities. 

Principals and directors shared updates on the start of the school year:

• High School Principal reported strong student involvement with a big competition with student organizations and their drive for memberships. HOSA membership is now reaching nearly 80 students and other organizations like FBLA and FCCLA are also showing growth. Snaza said, “ I think it is great that we are able to support that many organizations so the kids have options. They are all not athletes. They are not all dealing with agriculture. Honestly there is something there for everybody.” Snaza told the board Homecoming plans are being organized with committees being formed. He mentioned the success of the new Freshman Seminar class and the rollout of the E-HallPass system, which he feels has improved accountability of the students..
  
• Elementary Principal Dave Graf said the year began smoothly, noting that in-service training allowed teachers to collaborate and organize intervention groups based on student data.
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• Special Education Director Andrea Hagen reported working on the Title 1C Migrant Education application and the start of annual meetings for the year.
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• Middle School Principal and Athletic Director Ryan Scoular said the first quarter is half over next Wednesday. Fall sports are off to a strong start, with Milbank hosting both a golf meet and a cross country event this week. He also reminded the board that Homecoming week is September 21-26, with the Homecoming football game with Vermillion scheduled for Friday, September 26.
  

The next school board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, October 13.