Nicole Keegan

The agenda for this meeting included key operational items such as the approval of the proposed agenda, sharing successes (including Student Volunteers of the Semester, Central High School Girls Wrestling Team, and SD Achievement Test results), and student reports. The meeting included reports from the Superintendent and the Chief Financial Operations Officer. Significant procedural discussions involved a first reading of several RCAS Policies, Procedures, and Exhibits pertaining to fiscal management, budgeting, investment revenues, meal charges, and suicide prevention/intervention policies. The board was also scheduled to approve several agreements and MOUs, including those with AIM Masters, Delta Dental, the SD Board of Regents (FAFSA), and the SD Dept of Ed (House Bill). Furthermore, the agenda included approvals for a Student School Board Committee Recommendation, a Title VI Position Reorganization Proposal, and a consent agenda covering previous board minutes (December 2 and December 16, 2025), claims reports, enrollment options, employment recommendations, terminations, and surplus property. An executive session was planned to discuss qualifications, competence, performance, character, or fitness of an officer or employee, and to consult with legal counsel.

The Board of Education meeting included the approval of the proposed agenda and recognition of success for Robbinsdale Elementary School. Open forum discussions covered student discipline, middle school alternative programming, and teacher criminal conduct. Key reports included an update on the Mindset Matters Health Conference and daily huddles for student behaviors from the Superintendent, and an update on budget revisions for finalized Title funds from the CFOO. The calendar committee presented final drafts for the 2026/2027 calendars, which were subsequently approved. A presentation was given on the 2024/2025 state report card, noting a decline in overall achievement scores but an increase in the graduation rate. The Board approved several agreements, including a 5-Year Renewal Agreement with Johnson Controls for software maintenance, and approved various consent agenda items, including October 2025 balance sheets for multiple funds. Multiple resolutions were adopted to amend budgets for Title IA, Title ID, Title II, and Title IV funds to reflect 2025-26 allocations. The Board also reviewed and approved claims reports, discussed K-12 change of status, employment recommendations, terminations, leaves, and approved requests for student enrollment assignments under SDCL 13-28-10. Additionally, the Board declared various supplies and equipment as surplus property.

Key discussions during the meeting included an update from the Rapid City Public School Foundation regarding recent grants and awards, student reports, and Superintendent updates concerning potential impacts from the Governor's 0% budget proposal and federal Title program proposals. The CFOO presented the 'SAFE' count projections showing decreasing student enrollment for the upcoming years. Special presentations covered volunteer metrics and a preliminary student board proposal regarding granting PE credit for athletics participation. Agreements approved included partnerships with Beef Logic for culinary education, the SD DOE for teacher mentoring, and Think 3D for professional development for support services managers. Financial matters involved approval of the consent agenda, review of November 2025 balance sheets across various funds, and approval of claims reports. The Board also addressed enrollment options, including student assignment requests, open enrollment applications, and transfer of athletic eligibility. Personnel actions included updates on K-12 change of status, employment recommendations, and substitute placements, as well as terminations and leaves. Furthermore, the Board considered and recommended approval for a medical benefit premium holiday for the upcoming Christmas Recess, established the June 2nd, 2026, election date, received committee reports, and entered into executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters.

Key discussions during the meeting included highlighting success from the District Wide Food Drive and extra RCAA Food Pantry Distribution Event. The Superintendent reported on the forthcoming Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program and expected administrative shifts of federal education programs from the U.S. Department of Education to the U.S. Department of Labor. Budget indicators concerning property valuations, tax levies, and enrollment were presented. The Board approved several agreements, including a one-year renewal with Apptegy for digital services, an agreement with Pennington County for combining 2026 elections, an agreement with the SD Department of Health for hosting a Scrubs Camp, and a three-year agreement with Upland Software to transition the Filebound system to a cloud-based platform. Furthermore, the Board approved two grant budget amendments: one for the School-Based Mental Health Grant ($1,327,450 increase) and one for the Homeland Security Grant ($25,000 increase to purchase equipment). The Board also authorized the submission of Rapid City Public School Foundation Grant Requests totaling $3,616.75 and declared specified surplus property as no longer necessary for school purposes.

The Board of Education meeting included discussions on various topics such as the approval of the proposed agenda, recognition of school psychologist month, student board reports, and updates from the Superintendent and CFOO. The CFOO provided an update on the Rapid Valley Elementary expansion project, noting that costs exceeded projections. The board approved Rapid City Area Schools Policies, Procedures, and Exhibits A to K, as well as proposed agreements, including one with Credit Collections Bureau for delinquent accounts, Rochester Armored Car for cash pickup, Solution Tree for administrator training, and Target River for marketing services. Additionally, the board approved a consent agenda with a change order for the Valley View Elementary Roof Replacement project. Other topics included Rapid City Public School Foundations grants, a substitute pay increase proposal, declaration of surplus property, and an agreement with Pennington County for 2026 election year polling locations. The board also discussed student assignment requests and went into an executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters.