School Board Approves Outsourcing Food Service and In-School Daycare

The Milbank School District Board of Education tackled several major issues during its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 11. Members present included: Amy Thue, Matt Trevett, Annelies Seffrood, Jon Christiansen, and President Dick Schwandt.

A proposed daycare partnership inside the school building, an outsourced food service company, and the 2026 fall launch of the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains in Milbank were all on the agenda. Board members also reviewed preliminary budget figures, discussed facility needs, and heard updates from district administrators.

One of the board’s most significant discussions centered on the childcare shortage affecting district employees. Superintendent Justin Downes explained that district officials, economic development leaders, city representatives, and childcare providers have been working for nearly three years trying to address the community’s daycare shortage. The latest proposal would involve a partnership with Backyard Bulldogs Daycare to operate a daycare program in school facilities for district employees only. Downes said, “ It will most likely be a room in the high school.”

According to Downes, staff members with a total of at least 16 children would use the in-school program with their primary need being for children from birth to age three. The daycare would operate only on school contract days and would be staffed and licensed through Backyard Bulldogs not through the school district itself.

“We currently have staff for next year that don’t have a daycare option for their children, but are under contract to be here,” Downes stated. He described the situation as “crisis mode” and said the district is attempting to provide a temporary solution until a larger community childcare center can eventually be developed.

Board member Amy Thue, who also serves on the Backyard Bulldogs board of directors, said the partnership could help retain employees while also opening daycare spots elsewhere in the community.

“If we pull kids out of current daycares to come here, it will relieve some spaces in daycares for people outside of school,” Thue said.

Downes added that state legislation approved this year could help fund a larger daycare center. He said city officials, county commissioners, economic development leaders, and school representatives have all been working together to seek long-term solutions.

The board also approved a Motion of Understanding (MOU) with the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains. Downes said the organization plans to begin operations in Milbank during the fall semester.

Another major topic covered by the board involved the district’s food service program. The board reviewed proposals from two food service companies and compared them to the district’s current food service program.

Downes said increasing wages combined with stagnant reimbursement rates have created financial challenges for the district’s lunch program. Officials noted participation rates have declined while expenses continue to rise.

District Business Manager Nancy Meyer also stressed the importance of increasing breakfast participation among free and reduced-price students because the state will begin covering those meals next year.

Following discussion, the board approved switching to Lunchtime Solutions for food service management. Current employees will remain school employees unless turnover occurs. Then, it becomes the responsibility of the new company to replace that individual and they become their employee. Downes said the move is designed to protect staff members. All equipment will still belong to the school. The school will still collect lunch bills from local families. The food service contract will be renewed annually.

Nancy Meyer, business manager for the district, said, “Lunchtime Solutions would provide expanded menu options, scratch-made items, promotional ideas to boost participation, and additional meal choices for high school students. The company would also continue transporting meals to St. Lawrence School.”

Board members reviewed preliminary budget information for the 2026-27 school year. Downes said several large facility and infrastructure needs remain under consideration, including parking lot improvements near the middle school and stadium area. Curriculum updates tied to new math standards, technology purchases, and future building maintenance projects are also being reviewed.

Downes said, “We did have a company come in and take a look at the junior high parking lot. They said patching is just not an option. They’re going to have to at least mill and overlay, if not go down to the sub structure.”

Downes noted the district recently received positive water testing results as all 16 water samples tested below required limits.

Items approved by the board:

A. Approve Consent Agenda 
1. Approve Minutes of the April Meetings
2. Receive Business Manager Financial Report
3. Approve Bills Presented for Payment
4. Approve a Promissory Note from Capital Outlay to Special Education in the amount of $83,100

B. Vote for a Division IV Representative for the SDHSAA Board of Directors

C. Vote for Amendment #1 SDHSAA

D. Vote for Amendment #2 SDHSAA

E. Vote for Amendment #3 SDHSAA

F. Accept the Resignation of Kristi Seehafer

G. Accept the Resignation of Kaitlin Knoll as adviser of the Middle School Student Council

H. Approve the Summer OST Staff

I. Approve the Hiring of Adriann Wise as a Teacher

J. Approve the Supplemental Contract for Gymnastics Coach Kelly Wollschlager

K. Approve the Supplemental Contract for Gymnastics Coach Miranda Dunnihoo

L. Approve an MOU with the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Plains

M. Approve a Renewal of the Line of Credit with First Bank &Trust

N. Approve Administrative Contracts

O. Approve Out-of-State Travel Request for Educators Rising

Administrators also shared year-end reports. Dan Snaza, principal at the high school, highlighted student success in academics and activities, upcoming graduation events, and strong participation in organizations such as Educators Rising.

Milbank Middle School Principal and the district’s athletic director,  Ryan Scoular, reported the middle school completed state testing with 100 percent participation. He listed several student council community service projects that were completed such as Mercy Meals packaging and May Day basket deliveries to local nursing homes. He noted fifth-grade orientation was also conducted. Scoular said athletic events are wrapping up with state tennis next Monday, state track later this month, and state golf in June. 

Elementary Principal Dave Graf said students recently completed assessment testing and staff members are beginning preparations for the next school year.