Milbank School Board Approves Resignations and New Hires

The Milbank School District Board of Education conducted its regular meeting on Monday, March 9.  Board members present: President  Dick Schwandt, Amy Thue, Annelies Seffrood, Jon Christiansen, and Matt Trevett.

The board approved several resignations:

• Teacher Troy Gauer
• Teacher Renee Shelstad
• Teacher Halli Essington
• Assistant wrestling coach Ryan Conrad
• Paraprofessional Jason Settje

The board approved hiring: : 

• Teacher Riley McCoy
• Teacher Jalen Snaza 
• Teacher McKenna VanZee 
• Teacher Haley Ward 
• Teacher Karissa Johnson 
• Teacher Mariah Snaza
• Custodian Jason Settje 
• Varsity head volleyball coach Mandy Snaza  

Volunteer coaching positions were also approved for the upcoming athletic season:

• Wade Ericsson – Softball
• Justin Downes – Softball
• Tracey Bollas – Softball. 
• Ben Harstad – Track and Field
• Molly Jackson – Track and Field

Christine Townsend gave a presentation highlighting Milbank Elementary School’s recognition as a National ESEA Distinguished School in Category 3 for excellence in serving English learners. Townsend and Janelle Reyelts attended the National ESEA Conference in Denver from February 10-12. Around 4,000 educators from across the country attended. Milbank Elementary was one of  63 schools in the nation recognized. Milbank was one of only 10 schools recognized in Category 3 for exceptional achievement in serving special populations.

Milbank Elementary also reported success with its English Learner (EL) program. Last year, 18 students in third through fifth grades exited the program after achieving proficiency on the Smarter Balanced Assessment.  “That’s a pretty amazing number and it is a testament to our whole staff,” C.Townsend stated.

Milbank Elementary Principal Dave Graf credited the teamwork among staff members and the school’s focus on using student data to guide instruction. “The most important action to our school success has been the collective effort amongst our staff working with all students,” Graf said. He listed the collaboration among teachers, targeted reading interventions, and strong community partnerships as things that have helped students succeed.

During the community input portion of the meeting, former South Dakota legislator Fred Deutsch, a resident of the Watertown area, addressed the board. Deutsch, who is  seeking election to the state legislature, shared his concerns about recent developments affecting public education in South Dakota. He said his experience serving three terms on a school board, including as a school board president, and eight years in the legislature motivated him to continue advocating for public schools.

Deutsch said he has been troubled by funding issues and by proposals that would allow public education dollars to follow students into private schools. “I support parents having choices,” Deutsch said, and noted options such as open enrollment, private schooling, and homeschooling already exist. “But,” he said, “I believe public school dollars should stay with public schools.” Deutsch told the board he plans to visit all 10 school districts across Legislative District 4 ahead of the 2026 South Dakota Primary Election in June to hear concerns directly from educators and administrators.

Graf reported on the Read Across America Week activities carried out last week at Milbank Elementary. “Mrs. Cordingley always does a great job planning the events,” he said. Activities included classroom readers, scavenger hunts, and reading incentives. Students who logged at least 80 minutes of reading outside of school were entered into drawings for prizes. More than 150 prizes were distributed with support from community partners, including Whimsy on Main and Parents Promoting Education (PPE).

Superintendent Justin Downes provided a legislative update. He noted lawmakers are approaching the final days of the session. Downes reported that a bill related to reduced-price school lunches had passed (March 9) and that several funding decisions affecting school districts are still pending as the legislature finalizes its budget.

Downes also stated that the district has missed only one day of school due to snow.

The consent agenda was approved by the board:
Minutes from the February meeting, the business managers financial report and bills presented for payment were accepted. The board agreed to adopt policy BBB. 

The 2026 driver’s education rates were approved.The 2026 rate remains at  $320 – the same as 2025. Also to be noted: No refund will be issued for the class portion of the payment if the student fails the written exam. 

The board approved an open enrollment application. So far, the student has only been utilizing special services.

Middle School principal Ryan Scoular listed the February students of the month. He also reported that the last middle school dance of the year was a success. He said the third quarter service project – collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House– was completed, and Eric Townsend’s sixth-grade class had won the competition. Reporting as the athletic director, Scoular said, “All winter sports seasons have wrapped up, but there will be no rest. Spring sports start practice next week.”

Scoular congratulated the two Milbank wrestlers who placed at the 2026 Class A South Dakota Wrestling Tournament. Lawson Novy placed sixth and Kyra Tostenson placed eighth. Kyra became the first female wrestler from Milbank to place at State. “She made history in Milbank,” Scoular commented.  

Andrea Hagen, special services director for the district, reported the district will have their final comprehensive needs assessment in Aberdeen on Wednesday, March 11. Hagen said, “We have preschool screening for students in the district who are three years old.” The screening is set for March 13. “We’re ready to welcome families in and go through that screening process with them,” she added.

Dan Snaza, principal at MHS, reported the MHS band will perform at the Girls State Basketball Tournament. He also noted seniors will be completing the CPR course this week to fulfill the graduation requirement. 

Students are also preparing for state testing and upcoming activities including the National Honor Society induction ceremony, FFA competitions, the senior music trip to Chanhassen, and the spring musical.

Other items highlighted:

• Downes reminded everyone the deadline for school board petitions is March 24 by 5 p.m. The election will be held on June 2 in tandem with the primary election..

• Plans to test school water sources for lead as required by federal regulations was discussed. Grant funds are available to pay for the testing, but they are offered on a first-come first-served basis.
• The possibility of refinancing the elementary school bonds if favorable rates are available was floated. Business manager Nancy Meyer said,  “We did really well when we placed those bonds the first time. This being an election year, and they’re about at the 10 year mark –10 years left – that’s usually a good time to refinance. So hopefully we can save some money.”
• Downes mentioned the City of Milbank contacted the school confirming there are ash trees on school property. A stance will need to be taken to leave the trees, treat them, or cut them down.
• The receipt of a $6,650 rebate from Otter Tail Power and also a dividend from the property and liability insurance provider was noted.

The Milbank School District Board of Education will hold its next regular meeting at MHS on Monday, April 13.