School Board Elects Officers for 2026-2027 

The Milbank School District Board of Education wrapped up one school year and officially launched another during their regular meeting on Monday, July 13. Board  members present included Amy Thue, Matt Trevett, Annelies Seffrood, Jon Christiansen, and President Dick Schwandt. 

From the consent agenda, the board approved:

• Minutes from the June meeting
• Transfer of  $700,000 from the capital outlay to the general fund 
• Promissory note for $800 to the lunch fund from the general fund 
• Promissory note for $13,000 to OST from the general fund 
• Approval of bills from the 2025-26 school year
• Acceptance of  the business manager’s financial report
• Transfer of interest from capital outlay and special education fund to general fund as per policy

The board also approved contingency transfers  During discussion about the supplemental budget, business manager Nancy Meyer explained that approximately $1 million was added to the bond fund budget because the district paid off its Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB).

“The QZAB is completely done,” Meyer said. Meyer explained the payment formerly was automatically withdrawn from the district’s bond sinking fund. 

The board also approved the out-of-state travel requests for FBLA and FCCLA.

The meeting – the final meeting of the 2025-2026 school year – was then adjourned. 

Following the adjournment, the board held its annual reorganization meeting. Superintendent Justin Downes called the meeting to order.  New board member Matt Trevett signed the oath of office before taking his seat on the board. 

Members elected officers for the upcoming year. Dick Schwandt was reelected as the president and Annelies Seffrood was elected as the vice president.

As president, Dick Schwandt resumed conducting the meeting.

The board acknowledged  South Dakota’s Open Meetings Law and Downes reminded board members that any potential conflicts of interest that arise during the year must be disclosed to the state.

One discussion that drew considerable attention involved a growing number of public records requests that are being submitted to school districts across the state. The board approved a schedule of fees that can be charged when requests require significant staff time. It was decided to assess a flat fee of $250 and add a charge of $75 per hour with a minimum of one hour.

Meyer said she had responded to seven requests in the previous week. She noted some of the requests were seeking years of purchase order records or extensive administrative information.

“It is public information, but it’s unfair of them to put the undue burden on us to look for that stuff, especially at this time of year,” Meyer told the board. She added that  many districts are adopting similar fee schedules.

Board members also learned the new Boys and Girls Club intends to provide care for elementary students during late starts, early dismissals, and many no-school days. If weather permits, the club also plans to open before school on snow days and remain open after early dismissals to provide childcare for parents when classes are disrupted.

An incentive pay increase for Peggy Greiner was approved.  Board members also approved the hiring of paraprofessionals Neslah Thompson, Hermenia Ramirez Salvador, and Jadyn Crier. Maria Floricel Cruz Hernandez was also hired as a custodian.

The board voted to leave compensation for board member attendance  – except for a president – unchanged at $140 per meeting rather than increasing it to the state maximum of $166. Members also approved the district’s annual rates and fees and set substitute teacher pay at $120 per day for non-certified substitutes and $130 for certified substitutes.  

Board member Seffrood, volunteered to take over the duties of legislative contact for the district in connection with the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD). Schwandt has been the contact for approximately 15 years. Membership dues are  $2408.58  per year.  Downes and Seffrood will attend the 2026 ASBSD Joint Convention in Sioux Falls August  6-7

The board reviewed several school policies that contain minor language revisions. Downes said the changes are largely housekeeping updates reflecting new state laws that took effect July 1. The revised policies will be reviewed next month for formal approval.

The board approved open enrollment applications for nine students.

Downes reported that summer maintenance is progressing ahead of schedule. The high school has been completely rekeyed to improve security and emergency access, floors throughout the district have been cleaned and waxed, and the main gym floor has been refinished. 

Downes explained the rekeying was designed to allow those with the highest level of authority to access every room with one key. Lock boxes were also updated, to allow law enforcement agents access to all rooms in the case of an emergency. Teachers have individual access, but cannot enter other rooms.

Downes updated the board on repairs to the practice gym floor after problems with the original installation. The district has withheld payment from the original contractor, and another specialist is expected to repaint the floor before fall activities begin.

The district received a purchasing card rebate of $1,553.00. They also received a workers’ compensation dividend of $1,177.95. Downes said, “It’s the first time ever.” The district also took delivery of a mini bus. 

The next regular meeting of the Milbank School District Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, August 10.