Michelle Allen

The board meeting included the recognition of a staff member for their selection to a facilitator role for an Indigenous Education Symposium, along with awards and recognition for students who qualified for the state wrestling tournament. The superintendent provided reports on staff openings, summer professional development calendars, and upcoming negotiations. The board also reviewed an out-of-state trip request, discussed a plan for the surplus of district vehicles, and deliberated on the potential separation of the transportation department, ultimately deciding against adding administrative positions due to revenue constraints. A future district music performance was highlighted, and the board entered into an executive session for personnel matters.

The board meeting included a review of district-wide student achievements in music and wrestling, followed by a report on a recent legislative session in Pierre regarding education policies, including discussions on proposed cell phone bills and the importance of local school board control. The board also reviewed professional development survey summaries, discussed potential options for student photography services to address community concerns, and considered requests for overnight trips by student groups. Finally, the board conducted an executive session regarding personnel matters.

The meeting featured a presentation from architects and engineers regarding a high school needs assessment and project proposal, focusing on mechanical, electrical, and infrastructure upgrades, including a potential fuel source conversion from fuel oil to propane and the installation of a building-wide fire sprinkler system. The board discussed project phasing, safety considerations, cost estimates, and the possibility of creating a long-term master plan. Additionally, the board prioritized specific repair items, such as doors and concrete walkways, while noting the need for future ventilation improvements in the locker rooms.

The meeting commenced with recognition for the Todd County wrestlers for their performance in the Big Dakota Conference. The agenda adoption was approved. Key discussions included a report on the summer food service program, noting that creek would be added as an additional site, and updates on renewal applications for national food service programs. The board discussed plans to become a certified ServSafe instructor/proctor and the start of the renewal process for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Calendar updates indicated an increase in student days, including dedicated work days at the end of each quarter, and starting the academic year later to finish before Memorial Day. The board also reviewed the implementation of the safe to safe anonymous reporting system. Items approved under the consent agenda included an administrative rule waiver and an overnight college tour trip for high school students to United Tribes Technical College. Additionally, the board recommended approval of the Todd County School District continuous improvement plan update.

The meeting commenced with a flag song and student/staff recognition for efforts during wellness day activities. The agenda was adopted, followed by a superintendent's report presenting a short presentation on a recently awarded five-year literacy grant from the Department of Education. Key components of the grant discussed included establishing a literacy leadership team, devising a district literacy plan with specific deadlines for March, focusing on professional development regarding the science of reading, implementing universal screeners for K-5 students, and planning for diagnostic and progress monitoring assessments for various grade bands. The team also established vision and mission statements and short-term and long-term goals related to improving student literacy scores. Discussions also covered surplus sale procedures, with a preference noted for using a service like Big Iron for selling district assets, including vehicles and trailers. Action items included the approval of the consent agenda. Finally, the board reviewed and ultimately approved the 2026-2027 school calendar, despite one member expressing reservations about the non-five-day student week structure. Next meeting dates and a book study were noted.