Tobey Cass

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and a discussion concerning student achievements, including superior awards received at a state festival competition. Staff recognitions included acknowledgment for Counselor's Week and a statewide nomination for Barb Miller. The board recognized School Board Recognition Week, expressing appreciation for the service of the board members amidst legislative discussions concerning local trust. A segment was dedicated to acknowledging numerous donations received by Costa Elementary Schools and other agencies, benefiting students, families, libraries, and teacher grants. The board reviewed the monthly cash flow report, noting that while the preschool fund was temporarily negative due to expenditures related to new building construction, overall financial performance was sound, resulting in clean audit opinions, including for federal dollars. Discussions followed regarding the school board election timeline, an update on the NAPUS Winter Meetings emphasizing successful advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. and increased federal funding for impact programs, and an introduction to SD-FIT as a potential investment vehicle offering better interest rates than current bank savings accounts.

The meeting focused on strategic planning efforts for the school district. A significant portion of the discussion involved outlining the process for conducting a deep dive into strategic planning, which includes preparing and disseminating four distinct surveys for students, parents, community members, and staff. The process detailed how results would be compiled to develop up to four SMART goals, followed by defining action steps through internal (teachers and classified employees) and external (parent and community members) focus groups. A representative from the YMCA provided board education regarding their long-standing partnership with the district, emphasizing their involvement in wraparound services, particularly focusing on 0 to 5 early learning programs, and highlighting their pursuit of national accreditation standards (Precidium) concerning safety protocols.

The meeting commenced with acknowledgements recognizing achievements in One Acts competition, outstanding school counselors, and the service of board members, alongside thanks for various community donations. Key agenda items included the approval of resignations and appointments within personnel, and a voluntary separation request. An audit presentation was given detailing FY25 findings, noting one finding related to drafting year-end financial statements, while Title I and IDEA audits had no findings. Financial reports showed year-end balances for multiple funds as of January 31, 2026. Discussions covered the School Board Election petition circulation timeline, an update on the FLISA Winter Meeting and preparations for Congressional meetings, and the naming of SDFIT as an official Depository option. The Board established a custodial account for the Hermosa Leadership Class. Policy reviews included the first reading of Policy GCBDF (Nursing Mothers) and tabling the first reading of Policy BHD (Board Member Compensation and Expenses). Curriculum topics included professional development focusing on literacy, CTE grant availability, and discussion of the Custer County Youth Survey results. The Board discussed the transition regarding the School Resource Officer funding cut and will seek further information for March. Superintendent reports covered strategic planning feedback, CTE grant applications, and engagement with legislative sessions, including anticipated bills concerning property tax and cell phone bans. Administrator reports covered CDL class visits, PLC work on pacing guides, upcoming NAEP testing, facility maintenance including playground equipment installation and heating repair suggestions, and SPED updates including developmental milestone charts and upcoming screenings.

The meeting included an acknowledgement and thanks for the Scott and Mary Hosi scholarship, named the Wildcat Future Innovator Scholarship, which offers two $1,500 awards to senior students planning careers in STEM fields at a South Dakota State College or vocational school. The primary discussion centered on a potential partnership with the Black Hills Area Community Foundation to address local workforce housing needs. This partnership involves establishing a fiscal sponsorship fund, aiming to raise $75,000 in charitable dollars to cover material costs for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program to build one workforce home per year. Discussions covered the mechanism, including setting up a deed restriction to ensure affordability upon resale and repaying the fund to sustain future construction. The board expressed support for establishing this fiscal sponsorship fund to jumpstart the program, noting that the CTE program aims to create workforce housing while simultaneously building the local workforce.

The meeting included acknowledgments for scholarship donations, a presentation from the Black Hills Area Community Foundation regarding a partnership to build affordable workforce housing using the CTE building, and another partnership to establish 529 college savings accounts for economically disadvantaged students. Facility updates covered the receipt of the CTE Certificate of Occupancy, minor wind damage repairs, and flood mitigation at Hermosa concessions, along with approving a contingency fund change order and a final pay application for the Dean Kurtz CTE project. Financial discussions included monthly cash flow reports for multiple funds, setting dates for the upcoming School Board Election, and approving the signing of a Quit Claim Deed for old school property. Policy discussions focused on updating District Fundraising Policies for transparency. Curriculum items included approving an early graduation request, planning an in-service focused on District Literacy, reviewing pre-ACT data, and approving an additional middle school boys' basketball coach. Administrative reports noted that February 13th is a makeup school day, Impact Aid funding status, continuation of Strategic Planning, and the transition of Resource Officer support.