Angels Eliminate Milbank School Lunch Balances

The Milbank School District Board of Education met for its regular meeting on Monday, January 12. President Dick Schwandt presided over the meeting  and Superintendent Justin Downes provided administrative updates. The board operated with a reduced membership following the recent resignation of board member Jeremy Steffensen, who stepped down after being appointed Grant County Sheriff, and the absence of Amy Thue, who was out of town. Other members present were Jon Christiansen and Annelies Seffrood.

Consent agenda items approved by the board included the December board meeting minutes, the business manager’s financial report, and the bills presented for payment. 

Enrollment Update

Downes presented an update on student enrollment, noting that district reports can be difficult to interpret due to multiple calendars and programs being combined in the data. After reviewing the breakdowns, he said overall enrollment appears to be trending in a positive direction.

Four open enrollment requests –two for J-K, one for fifth grade  and one for ninth grade –for students already attending the district were approved.  

Angel Funds Eliminate Lunch Balances

The board heard a report on community-supported lunch “angel funds,” which eliminated approximately $8,000 in outstanding student lunch balances. Downes said 90 students from 62 families benefited. The donations helped families eligible for free or reduced with lunch balances that accumulated due to paperwork issues or other circumstances. Downes expressed appreciation to the donors and organizations involved by saying,“A lot of passionate people were involved who wanted to take care of these balances.”

Policy Review

The board conducted a first reading of an updated corporate policy that includes a minor one-sentence revision related to the oath of office process for newly elected board members. The policy is expected to be considered for adoption at a future board meeting.

Personnel Actions

The board approved several resignations:  Miriah Hicks (head debate coach), Carol Ydstie and Kristal Gallegos (paraprofessionals), and teachers Brian Allmendinger, Brittni Cordingley, and Morgan Schmitt. Schwandt thanked each individual for their service and contributions to the district.

Approved hires included Kathy Tyler as head debate coach and Cindy Davis as a paraprofessional. The board also approved experience pay activation for Jeremy Tostenson.

School and Program Reports

High school Principal Dan Snaza,reported that at the Educators Rising (ER) regional competition, MHS student Yanderyn Olivares was recognized as the most prepared student. The State ER competition will be  in Spearfish on February 22-23. All eight Milbank students qualified. 

The regional contest for one-act plays will be held January 27.  State competition follows February 5-7 at  Brandon Valley.  All-State band tryouts will be held in Huron this week. 

Elementary Principal Dave Graf shared updates on new partnerships with the Grant County Library and Peaceful Pines. These two connections replaced the school’s former partnership with the Artists in Residence program. The winter concert will be held Monday, January 26. Graf also reported on upcoming kindergarten screening and district-wide comprehensive needs assessment surveys involving staff, parents, and students.

Middle School Principal and Activities Director Ryan Scoular recognized December Students of the Month. Scoular reviewed the Christmas  concert and school dance. He stated the music department is working with the Festival singers to get ready for their upcoming event. He also noted that prior to the holiday break, Mr. Cantine and his eighth-graders visited  the nursing homes for Christmas caroling. Scoular also updated the board on athletic and academic activities as winter sports approach postseason competition.

Special Service Director, Andrea Hagen reported Title I Parent Night will be held  February 11. Hagen will also assist with kindergarten screening on January 30 by providing Special Education staff support during the screening day  She plans to attend the Aberdeen data-dive team meeting on January 20–21 to analyze district data collected for the comprehensive needs assessment. Hagen will organize and schedule WIDA (ELL) testing starting the first week of February and coordinate the EL 

Legislative and Financial Updates

Downes provided a legislative update, noting several education-related bills that are under consideration at the state level, particularly those involving funding and property taxes. He encouraged community members to stay engaged and advocate for education funding.

Board petitions for the one open seat can be circulated beginning February 2. They must be completed by March 24. 

Downes reported the Booster Club has fully paid off its five-year note from the district ahead of schedule.  He stated  the district plans to renew its operating agreement with First Bank and Trust later this spring. 

Downes encouraged all to nominate a staff member for Teacher of the Year. Updates were also shared on apprenticeship pathways for paraprofessionals and students, supported by the Department of Labor.

The  regular January meeting concluded with plans to enter executive session.

Next Meeting

The board set its next regular meeting for Monday, February 10. The meeting, to be held at MHS, will start at 6 p.m.