Shooting Threat at Milbank Schools Recapped at School Board Meeting

During  the regular meeting of the Milbank School District Board of Education on Monday, February 9, Milbank school officials and law enforcement leaders recapped their response to a phone call received at the high school on Friday morning, February 6. The caller threatened to shoot students and himself. 

Superintendent Justin Downes opened the meeting with a prepared statement outlining the events that unfolded.  Downes said the call was immediately reported and recorded to preserve evidence that could assist in identifying the caller. School Resource Officer Jake Folk, whose office is in the building, responded immediately after he was informed of the threat. Grant County Sheriff Jeremy Steffensen and Milbank Police Chief Cory Hooth also arrived at the school within minutes. Over 40 law enforcement professionals from more than eight agencies were consulted on site as the situation developed.

The caller, who had contacted Downes, was kept on the line for approximately 32 minutes. At the same time, law enforcement conducted perimeter and interior sweeps of the buildings. A lockdown was put in place to operate the schools within the building while restricting entry and exit until the perimeter sweep was complete. An outside law enforcement agency disagreed with that approach and moments later the schools went to a full lockdown until additional sweeps were completed. (The school district posted a social media statement on Friday around 1 p.m. stating: “Law enforcement has completed their work inside the building no devices were found on site and has cleared the school. All potential threats have been addressed, and the school day has resumed as normal.”)

Downes praised teachers and students. “Teachers were asked to do an incredibly difficult thing, keeping rooms full of children calm and focused during a very stressful time, and they did so with professionalism and care,” he stated. “Our students showed patience and maturity well beyond their years.”

Students were given a chance  to talk with their teacher for 10-15 minutes during the first hour of school on Monday,” reported MHS Principal Dan Snaza. An additional  question and answer meeting is planned with Snaza for Thursday, February 12.

The investigation into the source of the threat remains ongoing.

The board formally installed Matt Trevett as its newest member after he signed the oath of office. Trevett fills a temporary vacancy that was created when Jeremy Steffensen stepped down to take on the role of Grant County Sheriff in January. The school board seat will be on the ballot during the June 2 school board election. Trevett plans to seek the position.

Downes read a proclamation from South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden declaring February 16–20 as South Dakota School Board Recognition Week to recognize the service and dedication of local board members. Downes also thanked the board.

During the community input session of the meeting, Ryan Kohl, a candidate for South Dakota District Four House of Representatives, shared background on himself and the reasons he chose to run for the position.

The board approved several action items:

• Accepting the resignations from Janelle Wollschlager as high school student council co-adviser, and Yanet Guillen, paraprofessional
• Hiring  June Skovbo, Nora Margarita Escudero Quintero, and Amelia Pederson as  paraprofessionals
• Hiring Pam Neugebauer as assistant spring musical -vocal 
• Activating  experience pay for Dan Snaza and Chad Nolz
• Approving a combined election agreement for June 2

In his legislative update, Downes discussed ongoing challenges related to education funding at the state level. He said conversations with legislators continue, particularly around the use of one-time funding and the need for sustainable, ongoing support for public schools. According to Downes, some bills supported by school administrators have failed, others opposed by school districts have also been defeated.

The board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda including the minutes of the meetings held January 5 and January  12, the business manager’s  financial report, bills presented for payment, and the Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZAB) payment.

Administrators from each school provided reports highlighting district activities: 

Elementary Principal Dave Graf shared that parent-teacher conferences were scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, February 10-11.  Graf stated, “It’s nice to make contact with their families again regarding progress and growth with our students. You know, not everyone has a need for a conference at this point in the year, but we bring in several families, either by request or teacher request, to continue to have those conversations and support their kids.“

Graf went on to say, “Kindergarten screening was held the last Friday in January. It was a good turnout.” 

Special Services Director Andrea Hagen reported the  English as a Second Language (ESL) department is in the middle of annual testing. Hagen also noted comprehensive needs assessments are underway, and preschool screening is scheduled for March 13, 

 Milbank Middle School Principal and Activities Director Ryan Scoular recognized the students of the month. He outlined the student council service projects including the sale of valentines with the proceeds earmarked for a local charity.  Scoular said “The big project is pop tops for the Ronald McDonald House. The kids are collecting those, and we’ll have a little competition amongst the homerooms for that, and provide a little prize for the winners.”  Scoular also highlighted a unit the sixth graders are involved in that includes corresponding with families in Norway.  He said, “The Milbank students have sent their letters and are anxiously awaiting replies.”

Speaking as the director of athletics, Scoular provided winter sports updates. He noted  gymnasts will soon be heading to State in Mitchell. He also noted , “Wrestling is winding down. We’ll have region wrestling for the girls a week from Thursday, and then the boys that Saturday. Then we’re in the state wrestling tournament. Not far behind that, the basketball postseason will start with region play.” 

High School Principal Dan Snaza reported 47 businesses participated in a Career Day organized by Mrs. Quade. MHS sophomores, juniors, and seniors were invited to attend.  Snaza said, “The event was held for two hours, and the kids moved around and had the opportunity to pick three areas to go visit and talk with them. The majority of the business tables had a Milbank grad. So that was phenomenal.” 

Downes said district principals have been holding job interviews for staff openings and the interviews will continue next week.

Downes touched on school and public lands – $107,561.24 FY26, $110,420.24 FY25, $89,907 FY 24, $70,375 FY23, $68,543.73 FY22.

Downes reported Milbank technically will be small enough to switch the wrestling program to Class B next year.  According to Downes, all those involved feel class A is a better fit. especially with larger upcoming classes.

Nicci Stengel reported,“Educators Rising will be heading to the state competition at the end of February. I plan to accompany eight students to Spearfish. Three of the students  have not been west of the River, so I am excited to take them on this trip.”

The next regular meeting of the Milbank School District Board of Education will be held at the school at 6 p.m. on March 9.