Lead Deadwood School District May Board of Education Meeting

001Yes. >> Madison >> here. family to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. We have one change, right? >> Well, I think I think we're going to have >> Okay. What else do we have changes? >> I have under 143 new business contract resignation with the resignation of Tony Al, high school assistant track coach. And then the one that we had talked about, Amber, I think we're going to slide right in after 1:47, uh, after we announc the next meeting, uh, we're going to do a tour of the new construction in this building. And so, since we'll have the whole board together, that tour, anybody that wants to come along is welcome. It'll just be

002kind of a nickel tool and then we'll come back here and other I'll make a motion to approve the agenda as amended second. We have a motion and an indictment. All in favor? >> I um 13 is the waiver of resation. Um 139 is approved the minutes from April 14th, 2026. They were mailed out by Nancy. Any changes? Not entertain a motion. Make a motion to approve the minutes as read. Have a motion in a second. All in favor? >> I. Motion carries. Next item is 140 approve expenditures. Uh we would be entertaining a motion to approve unless there's something we have a motion in a second. All in favor? Motion >> carries. Um item 141 financial statements entertain a motion to approve pay unless there's something the board members wish to pull out of

003motion. Have >> a motion and a second. All in one in favor. >> Um 142 patrons and others. We have the community center foundation for here tonight I believe. I know I did get a text from Robin that she would not be able to be here. So you guys were coming and we're gonna speak a little bit. >> So I'm curious. Did the letter go out to everybody or just to I know I got it. Did Did everybody get it or just me? >> Okay. I thought it was emailed to everybody. >> My name is Annley and I am a resident of LEA two threequarters of the year now. So I'm trans but I joined a board um and the board is the LEA community center foundation board. Our goal is to um figure out

004a way to build a new community center or to um renovate the current community center that we have. And we are currently pursuing funding through congressionally directed spending with Senator Mike Browns to the tune of $15 million to support construction of a new site. And we submitted this in early April and we should hear back by the end of this year. um not the fiscal bus uh fiscal budget year but by the end of December on that um we were um exploring rebuilding the site where the Hanley is. However, feedback from architects and design professionals indicated that the site constraints uh topography and um the very significant issues with the building itself uh that it would be probably equally um costwise to redo the handling as it would be to build a new center. And

005if I'm misspeaking in any way, please team community center back me up here. Um so um with that in mind uh and recognizing that the proposed school land development is no longer moving forward, we wanted to specifically ask if the school district might be open to a conversation about whether a portion of the district land could potentially pay play a role in this project. At this stage, we are simply seeking to understand what may or may not be possible along with considerations and requirements that would guide that decision. So, our intention here tonight is simply dialogue. We want to ensure that we're being thoughtful and collaborative as we explore all of our options and engage community partners like the school district. So, your perspective is important to us as we research the potential of violent

006path forward. Um we also of course welcome deeper collaboration. Um inviting a member of the board to be on our board. Um but having u a community center that we work together on would give shared access to students and staff. Um, we could, uh, have coordinated use of the facilities such as the gymnasium, a fitness area, specialized spaces, uh, incorporating features that align the district needs such as an athletic training area, uh, golf simulator, driving range, or additional space for programming and events. And then, of course, we have some space to serve an emergency or community response facility. Any questions at this point? Yes. The question I have is uh and I realize we're just kind of in a dialogue stage right now, but when would you need um either a commitment or a temp

007check by board on this? Like what's kind of your timeline? Are you looking for them to decide next month, hey, we can do something or are we looking at in the next year? What is I think that's going to be an important question for these guys. So, I'll let Dennis speak a little bit more on this, but we also are um needing to see if we get this funding. So, that's part of the reason why this is preliminary, but we want to make sure we've explored all this options. And I'll introduce ST now. We probably all >> not a chance. Um, no. I think a letter of understanding or memorandum of understanding maybe would be sufficient. We didn't have to tie in our funding request. We didn't have to have a sophistic. We did put

008that uh we had that we had we put land acquisition as an option. So they will understand that could possibly be they did put the restrictions on exactly are we tied to um remodeling that building and building a new one in the spot or if we have another area. So, I'm just thinking as we go on and have maybe a letter of understanding at your time would probably be sufficient. >> So, in like that letter potentially in the next 3 months, 3 months. Okay. >> I would I think we'd be all right with that. Yeah. And um it I don't know uh the area that we're looking at. I guess if you have any ideas where you think what it's looking at is right across from the firewall. Here's the firewall. Here's the track. I

009think Amber, you can help me out. Maybe it's a track A or track one. I can't remember no more. >> Well, we didn't class that problem. >> No, but >> it's part of a big boundary. >> Part of a big Yeah, but it's it's called part of track something. Yeah, I think it's track ah forget. But I'm not going to think >> part of the largest. >> Yeah, it's I think it's 48 if I remember right. >> Yeah, but I we we thought that be spots right across from home part of the game as she had said part of it going to be we need a what you call a refuge center when you have another atlas. We have no place for people to go and there's no other there's no building in town except

010for the fire hall and city hall with generators and the new building. When we do do that, we'll have be area for rescue or and refuge and for the elderly to have their air pumps so we have some place for people to go feed them whatever we need to do there plus the fire right across the way. >> Yeah. I look at as a young professional, right, in my 50s. Um, but when I was moving here, I was looking at what what the community had to offer. And I think it's a big selling point, particularly bringing teachers, administrators here to have a um joint venture together where they have full access to a community center that has um really anything anybody would ever want with regard to exercise, um gathering spaces, um and any other

011needs that the school district might have would be something we'd be absolutely open to talking about and hearing what you have to and nobody laughed at my young professional joke. Not going to leave me. I'm glad you clarified one service. >> Thanks. >> I guess in my eyes it looks like it's a good joint effort from the school district. You guys are in charge of you know kids and stuff like that and the family center does that too. So it's kind of a community joint effort with you and us. So that's what we're trying to do here. And as you all well know probably in the headlines, the Hampton Center is a big conversation, but keep in mind the community this our foundation is separate. So >> yeah, >> they have their own board. This

012board was really put together to look at what needs to be for how we move the board center that we're looking for. >> So are you working in cooperation with H center or there's a >> are you guys trying to do something else? >> No, we're working together. I guess at this point I there's too much information for me to talk about it right now. I mean, you know, we got the letter. We didn't really know exactly what was being asked originally. Um I don't think all if they didn't all get it. I don't know. This it was about a month. >> I was going to say after started talking I'm like I remember this >> months ago. I think without having a more um I'm more of a you ask what you need and

013then we'll make a decision based on that. I'm not one to really say well maybe we would do it or maybe we wouldn't kind of a thing. I I would want more concrete what you're asking what you need. So maybe that's kind of what I would do for it. Um I mean I can speak for myself in the public arena a lot. I don't put my name on the submit unless I can talk about it, you know, intelligently and know what's going on and why and where and and whatnot. That's kind of where I'm at right now. So I know that when we have and I think I don't want to speak for the board, but I suspect that we have a number of people here who wouldn't necessarily have to be sold on the

014benefits of a such a community center and that kind of thing like we've seen other communities where they they are really benefit community. I think that what could be a challenge here, and I'm just trying to be upfront with you, is um I think several people here remember like the last time we talked about doing some things with that land. Um we as we kind of got through that process, we got quite a bit of push back uh from the from the community and and granted some of that had to do with the you know appropriate use of tax dollars and that kind of thing. So, it's not just about the land use, but I I just want uh I guess I would advise my board as we go forward with this um to to

015be just kind of cognizant of how much headwind will we face, you know, because I think we, you know, in theory it sounds great to to donate or make a deal on a little bit of land that's going to benefit the community. Um, but then also they're going to have to weigh how much of a fight do does this board want to take on for a project that's not really their deal. That kind of thing. So, what I think would probably be beneficial for this board to make a decision on writing that letter, for instance, would be to somehow gauge the public perception of, you know, are are people going to be okay with this? because ultimately like every board they answer to the public who replaces them and and they're not a bunch of

016cowards. They're not going to just go whichever way the wind blows. But I think that could be something that that should be factored in and I think we should go in with our eyes wide open that how will we gauge that public perception? >> Well, I think there's a big difference on I mean I've been a part of grants and other things but I think if you need a letter of support from the school district saying yes, we would support something like this but maybe not financial support. I think that's a big difference as far as like asking for financial support of some way, whether it was donating land or it was, you know, going into some sort of an agreement. I don't know exactly what you're asking for. I think that's where I'm still

017a little bit confused. If it's writing a letter of support for the grant that you're trying to get, that's a totally different question. Yeah, I think we're just really interested in starting some dialogue about that land and if it's an option for us uh to look at as a place that we can potentially build a new community center for lead. And um when you think about um all of the changes that have happened in lead over the last 20 years and there's been a lot um you know and there's a lot of very passionate people on either side of the Hanley or do we need a community center? Um but what I can tell you is that we're taking people out of lead and we're going down to Deadwood and Spearfish for um facilities that

018we don't have here. and I'd like to keep people here. I moved here because I love this community and uh really want to see it thrive. It's a it's a selling point for not just teachers, but for bringing in um professionals to work uh at SURF or other places that the community has and work and all of them. And so um it's it's a real benefit for this community. And when I think about optics and looking out, we want to make sure that whatever we do, we do it with the idea in mind that this is something we're doing in collaboration with the school and this is a a joint um effort to to get this going. I think my question just with that being said would be I can speak for myself and I

019don't think the school district would I don't think I would support anything related to monetary support for a different we have enough within our own district dealing with funding. So, the funding source you're looking for I think that's different than a public support source and that's the part I still I don't looking through your letter I don't think it's very clear on what you're asking. >> Do do you just to clarify do you look at a do you view like a any kind donation of say land in real estate and of course that has real value. So when you say not a monetary donation or commitment, does that include? >> Yeah, because I think I mean ultimately getting support from the school district and having demand donated to this project would be wonderful. Yeah, I

020think it's gonna for me it's going to depend on your funding source afterwards >> and that's right million dollar >> funding from the catch 22 as well because I would imagine that at some point they're going to want to know what's what's your plan you know and you're going to either need a commitment from us or you're going to have to figure out something else as far as like are we willing to donate 5 acres or whatever. whatever it is, whatever you're going to come back and ask us for. >> Um, but then too, I think for me, I'd want to know >> beyond I mean, we all understand the benefits of a community center, but I'd be curious to know what potentially would be in for in in it for the school, too. Um,

021beyond the basic community center, I mean, like the family center does a wonderful job right now of accommodating, you know, youth practices and things like that. you know, we do sometimes run into those issues where we run out of space in our buildings with different things. You know, I'd be curious to have that conversation and I mean, that would be something down the road, but I'd kind of like to know what the district would be getting back in the event that they agreed to do this in my direction. And I think that's a big part of what would be how we collaborate um would be that this would be space available to the school to use for those types of things. Um and um so not just selling the community center but it's a place

022that the school can use for its different activities sports um you know there's things outside of sports that space as well. We would provide because you guys the school has lots of space for your kids to play basketball areas for kids to play basketball. I can't be here on Saturdays or Sundays or in the middle of in the evening. That's what we would cover what you guys do not know, I guess. >> And what I mean they'd be open during the day, but verbally we play school. >> It's all comes down and we call it a community center and that's what we want to be is a true community center. It's not just about kids. It's about the elderly. It's about middle age. It's about community center. the whole community. Anybody can use that building.

023It's not just certain people or that's why we call the community center. When we go to Congress or we went to the state, we made that perfectly clear. It's for the community. That's what your taxpayers money is being spent for. And I guess if I was on your board, I understand totally about being on boards. I mean, but um yeah, you have to explain it. But I guess if I was sitting out here and I'm not didn't hear about it, you're doing it so for the community and that's >> that's easy to defend. To me, that seems to me it's easy to defend. I I also think working on talking points and providing talking points so that you're able to speak intelligently when you're out on the community about the value of this and what

024it's doing for not just the community but particularly when it opens up and you know what happens too. And the only thing I'd say um also would be I mean with the conversations we just had this last winter um one of the big things that got brought up is well it's your job to educate kids >> you know and so if we're going to look at potentially being in support of something like this that's my job is to make sure that we're educating our kids and that we're doing the best that we can for our staff. So that's where I'm just curious. You know, I think it'd be something that I mean I I I think it'd be good to have more conversation. I don't think that it agree. >> And I think we're really

025looking to to find out is this something that you're willing to have conversation about and willing to kind of dig in a little deeper and um explore what's possible together. I think this is a good first step. >> Yeah, >> I would say if it's something, you know, if you guys get a little bit further along in some areas stop, um I think it would be better off me personally, I'd rather have a special meeting specifically item than, you know, to have a regular agenda. I think that would be better because then you can have a little background for that. Um kind of like we did with the school plan project >> and you had an evening maybe ask your people too. >> Yes. >> Where do you feel that you know better and see

026what they say? >> So are you having do you have plans in the next few months to have some public meetings and policy input meetings but what not about we can make plans about this if that's what you're asking. Yes. We could just I'll be I'll be blunt like it's not always about having those public meetings where where we invite the public to come in and give their input and then they kind of come in and they beat the heck out of you and they say that our board members are not good people and our superintendent's not a good guy because you should be concentrating on kid educating kids and and this is ridiculous and I mean those just aren't fun. >> Yeah. And so if we could somehow gauge the public interest without us

027having to have meetings and take the abuse, that'd be kind of fun. >> Well, I think what it's come down to is I think you have all of us are willing to listen, be a part of the conversation, but we're not going to be the headliner of it. So, if you guys get to a point that you have, you know, maybe you want to have more of the meeting or you want to have more of that public input, I think we're all willing to to participate or maybe we have one more, you know, we can get to the point that we asked one board member to be kind of that person that goes to the meetings. >> Absolutely. >> And then kind of can come back and give an overall update to this board. I

028don't think we want to have all of us at a meeting. >> No. And I think that >> that would be my >> right to do that. >> Yeah, >> if that's what they're asking still trying to figure out exactly. >> So what we're well and I said you know ultimately having a part a portion of that land donated towards this project but I don't and in turn working on this collaboratively so that it becomes really space that open to the needs of this land use committee like screw you back together. Okay. I do not want to take off everyone. You know, honestly, I think it kind of comes down to that like uh what I'm hearing the board say is they're they're willing to listen on this and willing to engage in some conversation,

029but two things. they're not necessarily willing to buck uh public opinion on that and they're not necessarily wanting to do the heavy lifting on it. Now, it may be a deal. It may very well be a deal where like everybody in the community is like, "Heck yeah, let's do this." And we think we think the school is a perfect spot for that. It may and if if that's the way that comes back, then the board would take that information and and make a decision. It may not be that. And I guess that's what that's what I'm saying is the board is I don't think the board is willing to fight a fight over this with with the public and I don't think they're they're wanting to do the heavy lifting to get there. >> But

030I think they're certainly open to some dialogue further dialogue. Does that sound correct? >> Yes. >> I think that's absolutely so appreciate that. And um I think what I'm taking away from this is that we need to have some sort of a public meeting to um kind of engage the level of heat in the community and to hopefully um engage them in something they can be really excited about and proud of, which would be my goal to do. Um and then uh I absolutely understand you're not wanting to bug things, but that doesn't put you in a good light and we would never ask you to do that. um we'll we'll gauge things and we'll do the bucking and we might come back and say y'all don't want to walk down you know so so

031we can we can do that and happily we'll do that and then um hopefully have another conversation I think we're all open for conversations >> and and I hope you can appreciate our cander because sometimes the way boards go you listen to something you kind of shrug and then that that seems like it's agreement and then maybe a couple months later it's like wait a minute why didn't you raise these concerns before. So I think that was kind of what we had there. So yeah, >> thank thank you guys for >> Yeah. Thank you so much for taking the time to hear what we had to say too. We're we're so excited about this and um we just want the community to get on board. So thank you. >> Thank you guys. >> Thank you.

032would have made this meeting. >> I mean, if we need get it >> middle school and high school here, uh, each board member, I give you a copy of the proposal I gave to the city of Deadwood Police Department. It's not exactly what I gave them, but it's very similar. So with this, I'm not asking the school for anything but your blessing and support in this. I don't need any money like that. Uh this would be I want to make it clear. It's not going to be like a typical police kines. It's not train any bodies, throat detection, anything of that sort. I went to a train last summer in Billings, Montana, and the instructor spoke highly of their dog program schools. He said that capable of be destroying a room. He walks in a

033dog, it stops, just wants to pet the dog. He said it helped him build rapport relationships with students. You know, they let them see the dog. They don't want to see him. That's fine. So, in two weeks, I am going to get a new golden retriever puppy, a male in Minnesota. And this it's going to be a puppy. It'll require training. So, as the year come, the second next school year is still going to develop the stage. So, as he grows older, the appropriate trainings will take place. Um, I would like to get it American pennel good citizen certified. And you can look it up online and if you have any questions on that, I can send you the link. But it's a pretty lengthy process where the owner leaves the room and the dog

034guests are pretty much set not to not make any noise. So if they get past that, I feel like it'll be very good in the school. Um, one thing I would do if this does get approved is I'd create a Google share document available to all staff to reflex time saving elementary class. It I think the benefits are very high. It's a no cost investment to the school. The city of Deadwood supports it. The mayor public safety commissioner. All the other commissioners support this. So, like I said, no cost to the school, just their support. I do have a current female golden retriever. She's nine. I mean, she's been nothing but good with our kids. Very calm. No issues at all areas in training. I foresee I mean all all dogs are different but I

035foresee another gold retriever having a similar temperament. Does anyone have any questions or styling? >> I have on full support. >> Yeah, I I completely support it. Um, you know, I've got my own golden retriever and uh she used to go to work with me regularly and uh when she did go to work with me and of course I do have kids that are in those types of situations that come into my office and it is amazing how they can you know these kids' energy will be up here and she can just immediately bring them down here. So I 100% support it. >> Thank you. And we would create a memorandum of understanding between myself and the city. It's my dog. This city dead boy is going to help support me with it. We don't

036know what that looks like yet. So, we got a lot of backing behind it and very hopeful it does happen. >> Yeah. If anyone else has any questions, staff members, feel free to reach out. You wouldn't consider a beagle. >> Untrainable. >> So, no one has anything else. Thank you for hearing me out on it. >> Yep. >> I was thinking about digs. The short for digs. Yeah, >> we're okay with that. >> You don't want One question I have I might be just being simple here is the contract for the new required teacher. So it's in the law. Okay. I'm not going to read that list just so everybody knows. I'll just Yeah. Can we just uh I don't know. Can we just approve it as printed without raining? >> Oh, okay. That >>

037we'll make note of that. Resignation of Tony Alto from question. Are we just not going to have a dance program anymore or >> um there was a there was a meeting for dance and no students in the middle school or high school showed up. So there's it was more due to lack of interest that >> Yeah. >> And I think also we could kind of see that that waning a little bit. I mean I think prior to last year we didn't have it. Mhm. >> And then if you look at like was it this school year, last school year, they were unable to go to like unable to go to some competitions because in theory they had enough and then you get somebody ineligible or you get somebody sick and then you know it's just

038>> and and that team was pretty heavy with seniors. Um I think there were five seniors that were part of the dance program this year. So with them graduating and not having as many um younger athletes interested. So, is this something that we could potentially bring back in the future if say more kids are interested? >> Yeah, I think if there's interest, it could happen. >> I can tell you that at the younger kids level, uh I think I've got 23 registered so far and they're now letting seventh graders in which is going to then help, you know, because you can have seventh grade up that which then helps fill that gap because that's been a lot of the problem that we've seen is that all of a sudden these kids get to middle school,

039they don't have the option. So they find something else and then you can't get back. >> Well, the seventh seventh and eighth graders can be on the dance team >> since your wife's a voter. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> And previous weren't allowed to though. Well, >> I didn't but >> and uh he definitely saw that it it caused. So this was provided in the county. >> Make a motion to approve the contract and resation. Second. >> So we have a motion and a second. Motion carries. Next item is approve the administrator. Motion Motion to approve the administrator negotiate agreement. >> Second motion in a second. All in favor approve the EA negotiated agreement. >> Make a motion to approve the EA negotiated agreement. >> Second. A motion and a second. All in favor? >>

040I motion carries. Next item is confident approve confidential employee negotiated agreements. >> Make a motion to approve confidential employee negotiate agreement. >> Second. Have >> a motion in a second. All in favor? Okay. Motion carries. The next item is to approve classified employee negotiated agreement. >> Make a motion to approve the classified employee negotiated agreement. >> Second. We have a motion and a second. All in favor? I. I motion carries. The next item is to consider the Southakota High School. >> What are their associations? >> We have Jeff Coers, Frederick Area School District running on oppos. So with that one, is there any concern with that one? No. No. So we have >> I mean I mean you should >> So we have to election. I'll make that motion. >> Motion second. All in favor?

041I I thank the next item is the same thing a amendment follow motion uh to amend the chapter one part 4. So yes, >> second one. >> Yes. >> Second motion second. Yes. All in favor. Next. Change order. Approve the change order 008. Who's there? Uh, there's another amendment. Amen. >> Yeah, there I didn't realize there are three amendments. There's a one, two, and a three. Zach, do you know what two and three are? >> Put you on the spot. No. >> The ineligibility of a student is not affected by a transfer from a school that closes. And then the new language is the transfer cannot occur until the beginning of the school closure or the end of school year would include the end of all phsa state championships for the school year to graduation.

042amendment, right? Closing and they need to find a new place to go in that championships are completed. Does that sound right? >> Yeah. >> Ask that they're both related to high school association. Do you have any concerns or do you have a suggestion on any of them? >> I don't have any concerns with them. I think we need to approve them. Yeah. >> So, you're recommending vote yes on all. >> Yes. and amended their motion to vote yes on all three. I got one. I'm not sure about Lexi yet she's speaking. Yeah, I'm not sure how I feel about amendment three. So, my understanding with amendment three, correct me if I'm wrong, but if they graduate a semester, they can still participate in high school athletics in the second semester. Is that I read that

043correctly? until the first day of class of the second semester. Okay. >> Right. >> I guess I'd be okay with that. So yes, I amend my original motion and recommended. They're looking to mark yes on all three. So all in favor >> I motion carried. Does that make sense? >> All right. >> Um so then now we're to the change. >> Yeah. That one I want the credit back to us on the blind in the office. Yes, we like change that credit. >> It doesn't happen very often. >> I'm not that one. And and you know what? Actually, like I think is that the one I signed twice? >> Yes. So, I signed it and like and then we got an email that said, "Hey, that amendment is for like $2,55 rather than 2,000 or

044a change order. We need you to sign this." And I was like, I signed it once. Like, I'm not too like eager to sign it again. I'm like, "Whatever. I'll get around to it whenever." Well, then Bill was like, "Well, yeah, we're getting $55 more back." Oh, we are. I'll sign that right now. budget. Okay. So when we adopted the budget in July of last year, we did not have our title two allocation. So they came out uh so the title two part A allocation is uh $50,000 for salary, 3,825 for social security and 3,000 for retirement and then insurance is the $510. And we are moving to supplement the budget for the longevity benefit for the retirements and um dependencation as well. So the general fund um appropriation will be increased by 150,296 and

045funding for that is the title 3 part A of 57,335 and then the fund balance will um cover the longevity benefit of 92,961. And then in the special education budget, uh physical therapy need for uh creation by 25,000 to cover the expenses. And then in the occupational therapy services, we were uh we got some more allocation in our IDA funding. So the uh appropriation needs to be increased by 1,872 and the funding for that will come from the increase 619 federal funding of 1872. So the total appropriations in special ed is 26,872 and then the finances. I'll make a motion to adopt the sub budget. We have a motion and second that motion. Um the next item is this So each month with the proposal budget this is what will be published in the paper

046as the general fund capital outlay special ed fund and then the fund the appropriations one and then page two total appropriations you would like to find on page three. Uh general fund total budget is a 10 million 54855. Capital outlay is 1,585430. Special special education expenditures are 2 million 59431. The Jensen that's our business class 79 276. The enterprise we don't have anything that just would be a driver's ed fund. And then food service expenditures are 459 to 57 and then the means and finance on page three and four. So all those numbers are proposed by year in detail um on pages 6 through 11 on page 26 2027 annual revenue summary. It basically mimics pages 1 through five and then pages 8 through 10 is the expenditure side through pages 1 through five. So

047if you want to turn to page 11, that is where it's basically a comparison of fiscal year 24 through 27. On page 11, there's the expenditures and revenue for fiscal year 24-2. Those are actual and then fiscal year are estimates. So um in the general fund the 2027 expenditures are 103,376 more than FY26 and 568,683 more than 2025 calculate expenditures. So in FY 2027 the expenditures reflects the increase in salary and benefits. So you got 3% in salary and then the increase in the health and the dental premium increases. We had a 45 this is what Chris Roberts is estimating a 45% increase and work compon premium because of our 2425 experience and then a 6% increase in the property liability insurance. I think last year we had like 15%. So it's a it's a

048better premium for our property liability insurance. not so much slower. Huh. And then the expenditures also reflect that one FTE for the all school parah as well as online credit recovery for the old school. And then we also had two positions that were not filled resulting in a savings of approximately 185,000 in the general fund budget. In the capital outlay expenditures for FY27 uh the expenditures are the expenditures are about 2 million less than what the 2026 budget expenditures were and 51,848 more than 2025 actual capital expenditures in the special education fund for FY27 expenditures are 252,721 more than 2026. 6 budgeted expenditures and 427,000 more than 2025 actual expenditures. In 2027, we have more um costly out of district placements as well as an increase in pair of professionals to which is the one

049in the capital outlay fund. Uh the projected 2027 revenues are 692,734 less than the 2026 budgeted revenue and less than 2025 capital revenues and I'll go through that when we get to our capital outline more in more detail. And then in the special education fund, the projected 2027 revenues are 480,675 more than our 2026 budgeted revenues and 514,473 more than 2025 actual revenues. Also on page 11 is the fund balance for each fund. Um for FY 24 and 25 their actual while 26 and 27 are based on uh projected budgets. The general fund fund balance for FY25 was the 4,580759. Our estimated fund balance for FY26 will increase by about 63,000 in FY26 and our general fund fund balance is estimated to decrease by 14,000 in FY. >> I thought we talked about using more

050of the fund balance. Yeah, that's why it's it'll decrease by 14,000. >> Okay. >> Well, based on the more the expenses that came in that that's Senate Bill 245. Will does this reflect that or will that be the F18 budget that's in? The Senate Bill 245 is inve um the levies for January through June are reflected in the general plan. So it's going to it's like it's going to take some effect in FY27 but it will have a full effect in FY20 but it's payable in 2027 January through December. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So the capital outlay fund balance for FY25 was the 5.4 and the estimated capital outlay fund balance used to balance this year's budget is 1.2. 2 million is what we'll use from the capital outlay fund balance and the estimated

051fund balance for capital outlay in FY27 is set to increase by 222,000. The special education fund balance for FY25 was 876,581. The estimated FY26 fund balance is 652,558. But we will use our fund balance to balance the FY26 special ed budget. And then the estimated FY27 fund balance, um, it'll actually increase by $3,900. And the Mary Jensen fund balance for FY272,174. And that's all found on on page 11. So then on page 13 months um these are still preliminary and these numbers that I got um are unfactored like the middle of April and I didn't get an update prior to this budget being introduced today. So based on the unfactored numbers, it looks like our valuation for 2027 will increase 6.36%. Um so the difference of the possible dollars raised in FY26 and FY27 is

052a minus 62,776. So then if you go to the next page on page 14, we are actually based on this proposed budget requesting less than the maximum levies. So with evaluation of the 23 we're requesting the 1.026 and a the maximum is the 1.051. you want to say anything? >> Yeah, maybe a little bit here. So, bear in mind as Margie and I talked about this that mill lever uh request the second column over 20.7 mill request. Uh that is an approximation. Um that's my map checked by Margie. So, if those numbers and we agree that those those are what they are, that's what we're predicting that mill levy would request to get us to that to that 196,000 about 200,000 off the figure there. But I guess what I'm saying is if there's anything

053if if that if those numbers turn out to be a little inaccurate, that's not on Margie. That that would be on on me. But uh those are estimates at this point and those also get verified by the uh by the county auditor, you know. So >> So once we get our more solid valuations, I'll just call down to Brenda and say this is what we want to raise or this is what we want to request and then she does her math on the levies and say because she has to distribute to all the different we have question this morning. So by first what they were looking at there what they're going to do with the changes coming down they're starting to get a little better picture that's ask your quick memory I thought I just

054kind of remain are kind of bad, but we just want people to forget, >> right? The bottom line, I can say this, I even though like the valuations are unfactored. And I actually I I'm predicting that, you know, when when all the dust settles, we'll have a little higher percentage increase in in our overall valuations. You know, owner occupied is going to be capped at 3% increase, but I just, you know, those are conservative numbers, okay, that are there. Now, I would say I can say this for a fact. If you are a homeowner in the Lee public school district, your taxes will go down and it'll be noticed because Senate Bill 245 took care of that. That owner occupied levy. Didn't quite zero it out, but came pretty close. Okay. And then also with

055our um over request in capital outlay, we're not appropriate requesting max there. Um, now I realize there's some increases in valuation. But the other thing is with the owner occupied, the the 3% cap is is new, so people are going to see some relief in their in their tax bill. Uh, now for commercial properties, again, I don't know what the valuations are going to do. I know that with what we're proposing here, the school district is doing their part to keep it under control. Like you can honestly say to people like if you have a business owner or somebody that owns rental property whatever and they confront you about their taxes, you can honestly say, "Well, we're requesting less than the max and we're, you know, but it's a little bit of a moving target

056figuring out exactly what's going to happen with valuation." So, we're doing our part to to mitigate the increase in those other areas, but I'm confident owner occupied, you're going to see a less tax bill in the school district. that they were just asking they are discussing if we're going into trying to decide when how they were specifically in more as I can. They were happy. So, I'm pretty I started to discuss trying to figure it out, but they might have question. >> Yeah. And I know you thought >> Yeah, Brit is sending um emails a day. Okay. >> With updated ones, so I'll run those numbers and see where it's going to be. But based on the numbers that she gave me in general fund, it's almost $197,000 that would be on the table by

057request request. Okay. So then on 15, 16 and 17 in the basic lead are revenue for FY26 and then FY27 for the patient. Um the bottom line is on page 217 um our revenue general fund is going to increase 25,000 48. Okay. So now that's a capital outlay and that's the 18 to 206 uh 819 item is the capital outlay. So in FY26 you can see where we were able we could request the 2.4 4 we requested less the 2.3 and that was based on 637 students at the 3869 that's how they arrived at the 2.4 four. So for FY27, the first news allocation increased by 2 and a half% or CPI. So that number is 3,966 and our number on uh the last Friday of September 2025 was 593. So the maximum request is

058the 2.3 and we're going to request the 1,ion51 leaving about you know 1.3 million um of a savings to the tax and again that's pretty limited changes by July but it kind of gives you And that's why I said even for you know across all categories um we're really working hard to mitigate increases that September September last Friday in September it was 593 for September prior to that was 637 the amount of you have students more. What are your kindergarteners looking smaller? Um 36. >> So more >> well do we need to >> well that 593 number is already that's that's what we're >> this is this is what we have. So that's the number that we have. That's a normal >> and then let's see the last Friday in September of 2026 that will

059be the number that you'll use next year. >> Yes. >> That number will be lower. >> It could. Yeah. Could very well. >> But we'll know that. That's the good thing about that. Yes. That enrollment for um capital you know that >> Oh, that is a capital. Okay. Yes. >> Yeah, we're using FY26 enrollment number. in that pattern where we were supposed to where we knew we were going to come to the paper that's getting >> well. So on page 20 um the net deduction in revenue over 2016 is you can see in FY26 the property tax was 2.3 and then in FY27 it's the 1.6. So then on pages 21 through 25 I'm not going to go through those are just kind of line by line on the expenditure capital outlay capital outlay expenditures

060total at 1 million decrease from 1026 because we did the more capital the special education budget um based on our going on um I know last year you can see on page 28 our request uh was 0.940 and Then 7 mil um I just put in the 1.150 um with the increase of 6.36 in valuation that may change based on once we get our final numbers. So that's 28. And then we flip over to page 29. So the maximum money that we can bring for class in special ed and we would still be able to access the extra fund if we needed to. This 1.449 but or the proposed special education budget is us requesting the 1.150. So the difference between the the maximum and the request is saving the taxpayers 691,000 special and like

061I said before we had like a 800 fund balance in 25 26 we use some of that fund balance and then in FY20 like $3400 on this And what is that? >> 176 and the FY26 is expected to be 652 and then FY27 is $656,000. So $3,400 more by 26 budget. Keep in mind special ed's a little bit different um because that you know to access the insuring cost if you had to do that you had a high need your budget um you have to request the maximum. So, like right now, we wouldn't be eligible to um I'm I'm just I'm just trying to like be transparent with the board and the public on this. Um we wouldn't be eligible to go to the extraordinary cost fund because we don't levy the max. And so,

062like some people, you know, like a different philosophy would be, okay, we should always levy the max so that we can always access that extraordinary cost fund. But then what you're doing, you can see then we'd be building our fund balance by half a million to several hundred,000 every year. And I think in the past we've had that discussion and made the decision that we're not going to bankroll we're not going to stockpile a taxpayers's money. So just know if we ever did have a a need that would blow our budget where normally you apply to that extraordinary cost fund, we we burn through that first >> through that fund balance fund balance first. >> Yes. So it doesn't put us in any worse position, but it leaves the money into our taxpayers pockets. It's

063just kind of a philosophical thing. I want you guys to make a conscious decision on it. choice A or choice B. I just want you to know what choosing and this is this is what we've done in the past. >> Do you have anything to say on the special budget? >> Yeah. And you know some kids can be very expensive but the $600,000 is a a pretty hefty fund balance I believe. I mean in case of something that was really catastrophic or something. Yeah. I mean we have a few kids right now that are in some spendy um places. Um but again we're we still have a pretty good fund balance right now where we're sitting pretty good. So >> now to the gentleman state basically that comes and so that business to FY23 that's

064and duplicate out totally. So the digger depot sales for 23 through 25 are actual and then 26 and 27 are estimated. So I won't go through that. You can see where the bigger default sales were for those years five years. And then on page 34 is the actual expenses for the class 23 24 and 25 are actual estimate. So the 2026 budget for salary benefits and supplies is 198,986 actually decrease in FY27 to 10275. Um the supplies we weren't paying the 52,000 is what we have budgeted in FY 26 but I bumped that down to 52,000. So actually there's been a decrease in expenditure for 27th budget to 26. Last service done um revenue is actively for FY27,000 over FY26 budgeted for and then the expenses well actually I should talk about our transfer from

065the general fund FY26 we budgeted 234 576 FY Y27 is 2 230,000 130. I'm going to wait to see how the expenses again revenue come in June. See if we need to do that because in October to hopefully avoid this being in excess cash again. I transferred the whole amount of the 230 by 76 of what was what the budget is. So that 230 may it might be lower. So we'll just have to kind of see how she ends up, >> but overall >> Yeah. Um like you say it it's kind of weird but the revenue and the expenditures both increase this re the expenses 477 227 and then an increase of about 12,000 and it's 489 257 I was doing some quick math very potential savings for the taxpayer of 1,939,8 you're adding general

066>> general yeah Like I said, we've added 1.37. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. >> I also want to know um what you have in front of you there. It's very detailed. A lot of work went into that. Margie went through a lot of work and it wasn't always easy because it required, you know, to keep that budget dialed in. It required administrators, myself included, getting her the information that didn't always come in a timely manner for so it was it was a lot of work, a lot of frustration. She didn't complain and here it is. >> Well, you're welcome. I was trying to make it less work for Amanda because every time you change budget, too. Yeah. So I make sure that we don't >> Yeah. Okay. So the next item on the list is there's

067no there's stuff in there. Sorry. >> I thoroughly looked through that. I want to do it. >> And that's why we do that. If you see something in there that you want to question, you got a chance either at this meeting or you could give me a call. Give Bill a call. Uh say, "Hey, what what is this?" >> Anybody have any concerns? >> No. Buy an address or plastic thing if you want to. Here's a pirate dress. There's some amazing things on there. >> Good vintage t-shirts. >> Oh, >> okay. >> Just review. >> Okay. Um, we are on to the 2026 acceptable from technology. >> Yep. No, no changes. >> Well, what a sweetheart you are. >> That's right. We just need a motion attempt to approve that. >> Make that motion. Second.

068We a motion and a second. All in favor? I motion carries. Um, next is to approve the plan with the gold prospect academy. This was emailed out last. >> Yeah. So, the Yeah. the board wanted uh some numbers on some budget numbers on what the cost would be and I would just note that um we're shooting a little high on that because those numbers include $12,000 for um an online platform. Uh the quote we have right now from Ingenuity is like $7,500. Uh, but I asked Margie to leave that 12,000 in there because some of that is a, you know, per student number. And so that gives us a little bit of little bit of cushion. But, uh, looks like a pretty high additional cost if we're looking at a FTE as a classified employee,

069a PARA. Um, but I think it's it's an investment in our future and uh something that we all agree probably needs to happen, but the board wanted to know specifically what those costs would be. So, I I share that with you. I think it was operating off my memory right now. I think the the PAR was like 54,000 with all benefits, taxes, etc. Plus 12,000. uh that's what look at the total investment for next year. And the reason I'm asking for you to have a motion to approve that is that if we go ahead and move forward with that, uh if we have that board action, then we can go ahead and get started. we can uh let the kids know about it, let parents know about it, and we can start getting wheels turning

070on getting people to apply to the academy and all that. And there some of that process would come into uh come into discussion and we go through the handbook. I know Amber had some suggested changes there um on kind of more clearly defining the process getting the forms in there. So, we're going to approve that next month. I have >> Yeah, those are those are under development. I kind of figured it'd be okay to have >> the feeling that when I graduated the form and the form there was >> um I think like Dr. I just I went through it. I read I made comments, redlinined it and just sent them back to them so that they knew going into it kind of what some of the questions were and I think a lot of

071it was just more some explanation and grammatics like just to make sure that before it goes out to the public we want to make sure all the stuff is in there. >> So I think if you have anything else that you you know have questions or concerns on or want to be put in there just let let it know next meeting would be best. >> Yeah. And so what I plan to do on the and we're kind of getting and I apologize for the order of things on the on the agenda. I guess if you know like right now we're just doing a motion to move forward with the academy if we want to do that. And then further down we've got actual handbook review. So I guess if we don't have a motion to

072move forward the handbook review becomes moved and we don't have to discuss that when we adapt to it. So >> that being said, I would make a motion for us to move forward with the GPA Gold Prospect Academy. >> I'm very proud of it. Sorry. >> You should be. >> Second. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second to move forward with the Gold Prospect Academy plan. All in favor? I that motion carries. Um, next item is the said comprehensive. >> Yeah. Jay, would you read that to us, please? >> Yeah. >> So, um, it was time to update a few things in it. Um, and I knew that we notified that we're having a a special ed review uh in this coming December, and I did not want to leave that to the

073new special ed uh director um to update and or for the um review team to look at and know that there was a few things that need to be updated and then get dinged on it and have her have to finish it up. So anyway, um got that updated and uh um it should be good to go. question. Second review approve the comprehensive plan. All in favor? >> I look like we have an update policy. I love this change. >> That's the effort deal. >> And it looks like the big change there from Parish Percy. Her recommendation is we update our language uh to reflect what the uh what the changes in technology are going to be. And so rather an auto injector administration device >> not a huge change but this is today right

074>> right so next one is the one to one hand these are all first treat so we are making decision today and only date changes on that >> for us, right? >> Well, we had new computers last year, so we're all good. >> Okay. Next item would be the elementary student handbook. Have anything you want to review for us? >> Very minimal. Just a small tweak in some student dress code. Just added a few things. We had fine tooth combed it last year. Um, not a lot, but there's not a lot. Just some date changes. >> Okay. Question from the board. Any other changes? >> Anything for you, Jay? >> No, I handed it over to Zach. Yeah. Uh so >> that's how >> the biggest thing you'll see and it's reflected in the high

075school handbook as well is that uh the the middle school and high school are going to run on the same schedule kind of down to the minute. Um we did middle school took the later lunch at noon so we could get our core classes in in the morning um in all three grade levels. Um and then we have some directed study options kind of right after that for seventh and eighth grade. And then sixth um 8th period will now be that study hall home room time. Um as an activities director, I like that idea, especially for middle school sports. Those all start at 4:00. So instead of kids missing instructional time even, you know, during some home games now, um they're missing study hall. So not as big of a deal there. Besides that, unless

076you guys have questions, there's really nothing too big that's changing. All right, we have a few changes at the high school uh indicated some of it. Um Zach kind of stole some of the thunder, but um again, we're trying to stay on the the same type of schedule. So the high school master schedule, our bell schedule is reflecting what he talked about. Our academic periods basically go periods one through seven. period 8 ends up being what is like our study all time now that we're changing to digger time. Um so you'll see a change with our master schedule there and instead of five minutes in between classes which I think was kept I I don't know for sure but I think it was kept mostly because we were on a block schedule at one point

077and then the five minutes was kept and by working with my high school BLT and just my experience the five minutes isn't really needed at all. So, three minutes is and it gets us on time on the same schedule as middle school. With us having shared staff, I think that's pretty crucial. They they make it work right now pretty well. It's not like a big problem, but it's nice if we're on the same schedule with that shared staff. So, that's one change. Um, on page eight, I don't know if you have it in front of you, but I'm just going to tell you, page eight, ultimately that is where we're with the dual enrollment classes. Um there's a section in there about kids that uh which is typically juniors and seniors that are eligible for

078dual enrollment. We're just adding a little piece in there that if you are a um if you're getting dual enrollment open campus time during that dual enrollment we're just going to say you need to have parental permission. So we're still going to allow juniors to have that time. Some seniors of course have that time, but we're just going to have parental permission while we're formed for those parents to make that determination. I feel pretty strongly I think they should have that choice instead of, you know, just showing up or not showing up, you know. So, we're going to get parental permission. We have places for them to go if parents choose not to let them uh leave during dual enrollment time. So that's one just kind of clean up in language mostly with validictorian and

079saludiatoran class rank just that was just making it a little bit more user friendly or worder friendly I think there so that that's pretty minor it doesn't really change anything um then parent teacher conference dates just updates on that and I just want to note on that that Dr. Pearson and I've been talking is I really want to do even though our calendar does say we have parent teacher conferences at the high school they are not very effective in the traditional way that we do parent teacher conferences right now and I would like to even though we're going to have dates in the handbook and on our calendar I want to work with Dr. Pearson about can we do something different at the high school level where they can because the point of it is

080truly to engage with parents and when you have an event a set time we don't get them to come you know maybe I think our spring conferences I bet we were lucky to get to 20%. You know for for you know so anyway that the change of dates are in there reflective of the calendar but I'm going to continue to work with Dr. Pearson. And if we do anything different at the high school, we'll certainly let you know and communicate out to parents. Uh the big change is graduation requirements. Um first of all, the wording that was in there, this is a good thing we were doing this because there was an air that said that we only had allowed four elective credits. And so that only got us to 20 and a half credits.

081And by state law, you have to be at 22. And by Lee Deadwood high school requirements, you have to be at 22 at the very minimum. So that was a good catch. So I updated the elective credits to be five and a half instead of just four. So that's a kind of simple change, but a pretty big one. You know, could be where maybe get a parent coming through and play says I only need four. You know, so now in practice, Mrs. writesman and I think counselor before her you know ultimately does talk about five and a half but for somehow it was missed within the graduation requirements the handbook but um the big change with graduation requirements I think I've already frontloaded this is we're asking uh starting with the class of 2030 which

082is this year's eighth graders as they come into high school um to they still have to have three credits of social studies but we're saying have um a full year of world history. Right now you have a full year of American history, two semesters of American history, a semester of government. The other one and a half credits are your elective option in social studies. And I work pretty uh strongly with our with our high school social studies department and that's what we came up is wanting them to have world history at that sophomore level. So starting with this year's cohort of freshmen when they come in or this year's eighth graders when they come into the f their freshman year that they'll be the first group to have world history as a requirement as a

083sophomore and we'll try to fit it into that sophomore year. Freshman year gets to be a lot there's a lot of things are already taken. So we want that requirement there. So that's one change within the graduation requirements. And the other one is it's kind of a wording. Um, to me, I think it's a little bit of an oversight, and I've seen this, um, in a couple other schools I've been at. When you have kids take algebra, uh, algebra 1 at 8th grade, and your graduation requirements, just say you need three credits of math, we get some kids that will come through and stop taking math after their sophomore year. They do algebra 1, probably geometry freshman year, and algebra 2 their sophomore year. And then they can, not many do, but they could just

084be done taking math after their sophomore year. And I, as a person who's been high school principal for a long time, I don't think that's right. I don't think we want that at all. I think the intention of the South Dakota minimum requirements. And I think us as Lee Deadwood would be we want kids to truly take three years of math while in high school. So I want to add wording into the math requirements basically saying all all need three credits three math credits all need to be taken while in high school starting with the class of 2031. Now the idea there is I would want to actually start a little earlier but our eighth graders even at this point if they took algebra 1 and they ultimately were planning on that now we changed

085the goalpost on them. So, if you took algebra 1 as an eighth grader and you only thought you needed three years of math and you wanted to stop after your 10th grade year, now the goalposts have been moved. So, I think we got to start with the cohort of 2031. So, this year's seventh graders understanding as they come in. You take algebra one, great. We want to challenge you, but that's going to be it's going to be a math credit you can have and it'll count in your math credits as you come into high school, but you have to take three years of math while you're in high school. So, I just wanted to explain that I worked with this is not me unilaterally talking about this. I've worked with the math teachers about this

086as well and uh and so they're with that. So, any questions about any of those graduation requirements? Just for clarification with what you said regarding the math stuff. So the eighth graders that are going into freshman they will be held to this or they will not? >> They will not. Um not >> the seventh graders. >> The first cohort will be the class of 20. >> As they as those seventh graders select their courses for for eighth grade. if they're going to make that decision whether or not to take algebra one, they're doing that with the knowledge that I still need three credits of or three years of math in high school. And and really the intent of elder one in the eighth grade is an accelerated option. It it is really kind of nonsensical

087to be accelerated as an eighth grader and then drop out of math after your sophomore year. that it's kind of counterintuitive, but we want to create a situation where people are making those decisions with all the information. >> What do you think, Alexi? What do you got? >> I think it should start with class 2030. I think that you're exactly right that that's the entire point is it's an accelerated program. If you are a eighth grader, so you're doing algebra 1, then I think you should still be held to the same standard. clearly something they can make but the struggle with that is those parents were not told that when they started that class right so this would be a change to what they were >> in in theory they've already laid out a plan

088>> and for most it would be kind of irrelevant I think most are not going to stop after the year >> I mean we're going to still coach them the parents and those kids that you still should take another >> philosophically I agree with you but the reason Mike's presenting that this way is because it's just maybe a fight and we don't just fight >> that. But I mean I also see your goals have been changed while kids are in high school and you know you could be a junior thinking that you're going to get to graduate at the end of your junior year and then you find out you got to go the first semester of your senior year in order to graduate. This is an old example, personal example that I'm like, well,

089that changed, you know, it was less than a year's notice, you know. So, I mean, it it's not unheard of that, you know, the goalpost changes. And I think that's ultimately it's for the benefit of students. And again, you are working with those kids that are already high achieving. And I'd rather just get to encourage that to continue, which I mean I think you already are, but I just I I'd prefer to see it at the class of 2030, but it's also something. >> Well, it's something too that you guys can queue on for a and you know, like >> Yeah. I mean, I think we I would like to start it now, you know, but but again, I think we got to give kids and families a chance to adjust if there is that

090kind of change. So, but we can still coach them. Like, if you are one of those students who took algebra 1 and you want to be done after that sophomore year, very likely if you took algebra one in eighth grade, you're probably on a college university track. You should not not take math your junior year. >> So, we got to coach them on that. Right. And that's a factor that would be part of the coaching is like, okay, whether or not you're going to go to college, university, if you are and you're going to do the ACT, not taking a math class your junior year is not going to help you taking your ACT, which most take their junior. So, but any other questions about it? All right. Um, we're moving. There's after that the

091I think it's on page 12. There's a part in there about student classifications. Okay, this we don't really need it in the handbook because mostly it affects seniors. Okay, I'm going to be a fifth year senior. I'm not an instead of telling a kid, sorry, you don't meet the credits. We're going to count you as a junior. We're going to make it's kind of demoralizing, you know. So, we're ultimately the real conversations we're already having anyway is like you don't have enough credits to graduate. Whether we call you a junior or a senior or not is kind of irrelevant. It does become a kind of a factor. Let's say are you going to prom or you know it does but those are minimally happening to the point where you just have conversations with those kids

092as the principal and as the counselor. So, I don't think that is needed. So ultimately, I just felt talking with Mrs. Britesman as well and uh my high school bu building leadership team, we didn't see really a big need for that to be there any longer. So um we're here, this kind of a big one, but it's more of a removal, but I think I've already told you we're going away from PBIS rewards at the high school. Okay? Okay. It doesn't mean we don't believe in some philosophical things with PBIS, but we're not going to use the PBIS reward system, awarding points, have the the online platform where we do referrals and points through that. Um, so we are ultimately kind of shifting gears. There's not going to be anything in the handbook about it,

093but it's going to still teach positive reinforcement. It's still going to teach digger pride, you know, and and you know, kind of develop a positive character and and overall um you know, organization skills and things like that. But PBIS reworks part is going out of the handbook. Um semester test dates are just being updated and changed. That's not a real big thing, but just it it does get affected by our um bell schedule, master schedule because now study hall's moved to the end. So So our last day of semester test ends up being one test that last day rather than two. Um changing study hall name, we're going to call it digger time. So instead of study hall, we're calling it digger time. We're going to use it still mostly for an academic study period,

094but we're also going to try to teach and reinforce some lessons about character and organization and things like that uh with with our students. So, to some degree, it'll be a little bit of a home room environment as well, not only just study all um consequences for tardies. We just I just updated that just to reflect kind of how I want that progression to to look. U same thing with cell phones, electronic devices, just updated the consequences to have that spelled out within that policy. Uh senior open campus. Um again, we're going to still have it, but ultimately it's just again that's on page 20. That's just having parental permission as well. you you're going to have uh you're going to qualify for open campus, but parents are going to like, "Yep, my kid can

095have open campus during lunch or when they have an open class time, including dual enrollment." And that again for seniors. So, that was clarification there. Uh just adding lunch detention. It wasn't worded in there. That's one consequence. I think that can be pretty helpful at the high school as well. I think it's utilized at the middle school quite a bit. It's pretty powerful at the high school, too. So, I just wanted some wording in there that that could be a tool we would use as well. Um, cabin uh throughout the handbook it has like cabin and quotation marks and uh all caps. I'm not sure why. I've asked around. I don't know why, but it's just cleaning that up. We're going to still call it cabin, but capital C ab. So, does anybody know where

096that came from? Is it an acronym for something? >> It was, but I can't remember it. Um, so we're just calling it cabin with capital C instead of all caps. And then activities, uh, attendance policy. It's really just kind of a clarification update because it was still had wording about blocks from the block schedule. So you had to be here at least for a block time, block of time before, let's say, a home event or, uh, excuse me, two blocks of time uh, before a home event, one block of time for an away event. I just change it to periods. So I see if it said block, I said two periods. If it said two blocks, four periods, you know, just I think it was just an oversight. I'm guessing, but so I included that

097there. And then I'm removing the the 6 through 12 discipline guidelines. Um I don't think it's in the the middle school handbook. So why do we have it in the high school handbook, you know? So, it's I I think there are consequences that are already kind of spelled out that I talked about, but then there's going to be ones that these are decisions that we make as principles, whether somebody's going to have this kind of consequence based on a fight, based on a use of alcohol, whatever. You know, those things are going to have consequences um without a guideline rubric that that is there. All right. Sorry. Um, anything that >> Yeah. Um, the big thing that you'll see in here is with transportation. So, I'm working with Dr. Pearson now and we have a

098form developed that gives permission for our students um to drive themselves to home events off campus. So like the football field in Deadwood if they were to practice there or if the golf team practice at Tomahawk. So instead of using the one transportation form we have now as a catchall, it's just kind of more geared towards um those locations and then really using the one we have now. um for things like if uh if a student athlete has a doctor's appointment and they're gonna they're going to have to be uh transported by their parents or you know someone else at that time. Really big one other than that small stuff. I'll try to be brief as well, but um I'm going to operate under the assumption that you've read this that's presented and so I'll

099mention I know that Amber pointed out a few things that we should clean up and I agree and first of all anywhere like where it says form provided and that's highlighted uh those forms are are under developing and so those will be a part of that. Uh, one of the suggestions Amber made was uh to have like some clear language on the admission process like here are the here are the steps, you know, pretty much lays out here what what we're looking for. Uh, but then I think a little bit of a concise direction on on how that will work. The other thing is there are some things where like there's one place where it says to apply and of course this thing was created in stages and so there's some clean up that needs

100to happen where it says application to superintendent and then there are other times where it refers to the um the academy director and superintendent like we're going to clean up that language and just also so you guys know and I'll have this in the handbook next time. And I guess this is something where if you if you have an issue with it, you kind of let me know, but I was I was going to designate myself as the academy director. Um, and my reasoning for that, you know, it's I think it needs to be an administrator. Um, I would like to have a little separation from the high school principal because with some of these kids, there's an existing relationship or there's there's maybe a little bit of a track record. And so, we just

101I think it would be helpful to have another person um that then they can talk to and go through that application process. Um, and then the other thing just kind of selfishly, um, I don't I just feel some ownership with this and I kind of want to make it my baby next year. And so you guys are okay with that. >> I'm not teaching any classes next year. So >> might drive here or there, but yeah, this will fit right in. Yeah. For me, you and I had this conversation because, you know, I think you take on a lot of extra rules and uh I also want to be >> careful with your time and be be respectful of your time. However, I mean, I I agree with you and I I like that, you

102know, you want to give that my only concern is I already know you've done it. And you know, and I appreciate that, but I think all of our all of our people do like and we're we're in a position where with our decline enrollment, we're asking uh some of our staff to take on more, some other administrators to take on more. I I think it just kind of fits right in with that. So, >> any questions that you guys saw as we go through this? >> We'll have a cleaner version coming out the next couple weeks. So you have a little more time to deal with it rather than just whip the board back. >> The only question I have with any of these I brought it up before is the school song said white

103and it said high not is there >> it's correct on that. It's I know this and trust me I've been looking at it all night and it's >> so in the handbook should we change handbook to reflect that >> at the very least one goal. >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> So before we take action on the handbooks next month we need to change it to say maroon and gold. >> Just make it match that one. That's the one that we had agreed to when we had the paid. Yeah, the school board agreed to that. >> You're gonna have some old people. >> Yeah. >> I live in >> Okay. Um, next item is up. So this is basically a request from the FA for state because I told her you know that I would be

104coming on June 30th manager and she said well you give us a copy of the board minutes removing me June 30th and um adding the new business manager July 1st. So, we just need something like that. >> We need something reflected in the So, we need a motion in a second to have the move. >> I'll make that motion. I'll second it. >> We have a motion in a second. All in favor? We really don't want you to do that again, but I mean >> and just to be clear as the mayor is reporting that it's to remove RG from the signatur of >> You're fine. It's It's um I'll ask just if I do. >> Yeah, >> that's fine. >> I think they just said Amanda is the only one that has to >>

105Okay, the correspondence we had letters in there um just sending a few letters and they also got passed around. I don't know where they're at. But there was copies from him, Margie, the high school staff and choose which was very nice to write anything a little bit. Okay, real quick. uh just in Monte, you know, the running joke is the completion date on this middle school project and we, you know, last month we said, "Hey, can we have the meeting in the middle school? Will we be done by then?" Like, yeah, it's be done way before then. Well, here we are. They're still finishing up a few things, but we are going to take a tour. It is substantially complete. You can get a vision of it. The office is complete. Uh, so we're still

106looking in the next couple of weeks for them to land the plane and it's, you know, so it's it's like a lot of little detail stuff, some stuff with the subcontractors, but you know, like the SECO guys weren't here the last two days. They didn't have any money on the site. Well, you don't get a lot done and you're not here. So, that's kind of where it's at. And anyway, um, and then you'll see too, we'll I'll point this out. We'll talk about some of the cabinet work that's going into that CTE space. Some of that's being done by our capable maintenance staff. So, kind of some neat ideas, I think, neat ideas on the what we're doing for tables and so forth. So, uh, on the 14th, the South Coast Special Olympics will be

107in town, and they want to do a lap around, uh, from the high school down through, um, down to like the the Home State Visitors Center and Todd Bradish. Todd Bradish? Remember Todd Brad? Yeah. So, he sent us an email and I'm like, heck, yeah, I'll call Todd Radish. you know. So anyway, um so many Joey and I do it. Anyways, he's he's the director of South Coast Special Olympics. It's going to be difficult for us to have kids go run with them and stuff because like the track meets the golf meet, like a lot of our kids will be gone that day. Um but some of the high school kids that will be here, uh Mr. Emrock talked about maybe on 2:30 we can have them come out and wave as the Special Olympics

108go by. So that's kind of neat. Um, another kind of cool thing, the Black Hills motorcycle shows coming up on the 23rd. You may say, why do we care about that? Well, um, Jason has uh, very generously offered to donate uh, some of the proceeds towards uh, some needs that the school district has. And I think Margie and Mike, we met with him a couple months ago and I think that's going to be primarily targeted on um lunches like people unable to pay lunch bills and that kind of thing. So going to focus some efforts there and it's going to be I think substantial donation. In addition to that, uh we get to have a booth at Black Hills motorcycle show. We're not going to have a bike there. We're just have some digger gear

109um on a a table on display from the Digger Eco being sold there. So, I think a wristband to the show is like five bucks. So, if you you know, if you want to swing by, uh it'd be a great thing to support. And then finally, you know, there was some talk over the last several months about some plans on uh beefing up our music program and doing this this grand idea of a of a music academy. And we kind of pumped the brakes on doing a big press release and that kind of thing. So, we wanted to make sure we're ready. And it's a good thing they did pump the brakes cuz you know our high school choir teacher is uh going to wall and our um our high school middle school band teacher

110uh has left. So we got two new people there. But the good news is uh we went down and had a meeting with Alexis Hoff uh in elementary and she's still very excited to do some of the foundational pieces uh that that we're talking about for the music academy. So it's not a music academy per se. You know really some exciting things opportunities going to be happening for our kids uh next year in elementary. Uh, one will be a special choir that they can do. Is that before or after school, Dan? Do you remember? >> Yeah, the choir would be after school. >> And then I think the other one was either before after school uh kind of an instrumental thing. Yep. And then possibly uh gearing up with fifth grade band and then also

111some individual piano lessons uh that that she's going to do that will be free to the kids. And so yeah, those are some really cool things, foundational things that will kind of get us ready to take the next step in our music program and also to I think build excitement in the music program. So that concludes my report. >> Thank you. Mr. B update. >> Yep. Um so you know I always start with the enrollment. Uh we're down a few kids from the beginning of the year. uh 267 to 259 that includes the early childhood. Um we've lost a few to to moving away and things like that. No couple of homeschool um requests. Uh state testing um 100% of the testing is in. Uh not all the scores are back yet, but we're holding

112strong in some areas. third and fifth grade all scores are in and they're above the state average in ELA. Uh science is holding strong for the second year in a row at 41% waiting for that state average to drop a little. It's at 42%. Uh last year we beat the state average for the first time ever. Um this year we're and it was 43. So this year we're at 41. So I mean that's a difference of one kid. Um so looking good there. Scores are still coming in. fifth grade math, fourth grade ELA is rising for our score. So, that's really good. Um, of course, I'm a numbers nerd, so I it's like watching the stock market, you know, for me, I'm like, "Yes, more scores are in. Let's calculate." Um, fourth quarter awards just

113got through today. Uh, those were a big hit and success. Um, ah, man, there's just a lot of things that are just kind of in the works right now, like end of the year field trips. The kids are super excited for it. Our, you know, PTO supports that really well and we we are so grateful for that. Um, gearing up for our summer school stuff. We're getting our final numbers of kids in. Um, that's looking very strong. We're losing Brie Cook who has done summer school for a few years. Um, but Mary Claire Nichols is going to take over that position with the younger group. Um, then we got some summer training plans. We have our new ELA um curriculum that is in and coming in soon. Um we have scheduled a July 27th training

114day for teachers and pairs to come in and and in-person training um to to get that ball rolling before school starts. So, um, and then guiding coalition, my leadership team, uh, planning a a work day on the 25th to to look at, uh, making sure we start off the year right and keep going strong. >> So, that's all I have. >> Thank you. The math scores uh, >> math scores are down a little. We have Well, I I was very hopeful because we were super excited about our new math breakout. You know, I talked talked to Pearson about this and you know, it might just take take a little bit of time. Um, sixth grade's holding strong, though. So, they're doing well with the new curriculum. I think it's just in, you know, getting it's

115it's a new K8 program, so getting it ingrained and and and going from there. So, not at the state average or or where I'd like them, but third grade was pretty close. And I do know that the kids at least some of the kids might enjoy the new curve. >> Excellent. >> Like a lot better. >> Yeah. And I I think one of the pieces of it that we need to maybe utilize a little bit more is that um home connection piece. It's just I mean there's QR codes. It's so easy. Um we'll we'll see what we can do to kind of boost bolster that a little bit. Yeah, just to quickly talk about the the math curriculum too. I just really excited about and we talked a little bit about it um in our

116principal meeting and admin meeting, but uh I think the need for the students that we have in our school district to have more direct instruction and I think the the math curriculum at the elementary kind of didn't address that. And I just think direct instruction is so important. we hire good people, good teachers to do it and I think it's really important that that we continue on that path. So, I think we're on the right on the right path there. Um, just like Mr. Van B said, there's a lot of things going on. Just want to highlight uh you know, the sixth graders were invited by the city to plant the Liberty Tree um for Arbor Day on May 6 and to celebrate the anniversaries of our country uh 250th anniversary and 150th anniversary of

117LEAD. Um, so that was exciting for our sixth graders. Uh, last week, uh, our school counselor, Miss Price, had a lot of activities to, uh, um, highlight mental health awareness week. Um, lots of things were going on every week, some dress up things every day and, uh, she had some good themes. Um, kids were excited about it. Um, tomorrow, uh, always a really fantastic, um, opportunity for our seventh grade, uh, girls. will be going to women and science at Black Hill State um tomorrow and it's such a a good um opportunity for them to get exposed to um those STEM uh areas and uh really excited about that for our girls. Um May 20th um as we kind of wind down the school year, our student council has been really active this year and I'm

118really proud of uh Mr. Pollson and and Dr. Watkins. They've really got some really go-getters in in the eighth or in our school as representatives. Um, and they've uh got some activities on the 20th in the afternoon, a barbecue, um a uh color run, and then if you want to come up and watch them throw uh water balloons at me, you sure can at mountain top at 3:00. Um so, um it's always really exciting for me. Um and uh uh May 21st uh is our eighth grade awards assembly that we um I just really cher cherish that day. It's really really a good uh um right of passage for our eighth graders to have that ceremony for them. So anyway, if you can make it, fantastic. Thank you. Anything >> and that's at the auditorium.

119>> That will be in the auditorium. >> Fifth grade's going up tomorrow, right? >> Yes. Yeah. Yeah. So, the fifth grade will come up and do their transition meeting um tomorrow. Thanks for bringing that up, Lexi. Um we and Zach will be kind of leading that as the new principal. So, and I don't know if Zach kind of, you know, part of the middle school um uh what what we're doing or what's going to happen. I don't know if you kind of want to talk just a little bit about the the class structure and stuff of the and put you on the spot. I'm sorry, dude. But, you know, uh the uh teachers teaching a little, you know, a little bit more um some some classes. I don't know if you want to share that

120with the with the board. >> Yeah. So, one thing that uh that we're looking at adding for next year be um another class period taught by our teachers. Um kind of a more ELA enrichment period. Um grouped with with kids u of similar abilities. Kind of it'd be kind of like a title structure in an elementary school. and then a uh a STEM class that would be team taught by the science and math teachers of that grade level. And again would be kind of a title structure to where they're they're teaching students of um a similar that are kind of in a similar place. Um it'd be low class numbers, really hands-on. We're trying to make that STEM class as projectbased as we can and as engaging as possible. a lot of the the new

121stuff up in the CTE room is what we're we're kind of hoping to to base that around. So, >> no, thank you. >> Um, high school handbook stuff covered a lot of stuff, but I do want to hit a couple highlights. Uh, we have our ACT scores in as you know, this is the first year we had to do the ACT. uh for the state uh state required testing. Um I'm really proud of our kids that we do have the data and I would hope to maybe be able to share that data with you uh where we kind of fit with our composite and math. Um but I don't have it in a presentation form to you, but maybe in June I can have that data for you. But overall the kids did well. We

122we have a couple highf flyers out of that group. Uh that and you know there's some kids that scored pretty low with the ACT as we kind of expected. That's kind of what one of the knocks on state testing or even if you do the ACT for state testing that some of those kids don't care about the ACT or they're not caring they're not planning on going to college. But that is the test, you know. But all in all, I was pretty proud of that group. They were pretty compliant, willing to go in, take it serious. they they they did a good job overall and our scores are pretty reflective of that. So, um next year, um kind of staying along the math theme, um we're offering an AP advanced placement calculus class for for

123our kids. Again, this is this is the cohort of kids, this group of kids that took the ACT, our juniors. There's some highf flyers in there, and we're going to be able to offer an AP account class. So, I'm excited about that. um they're not super high numbers, but I like the idea of that we're not just talking about low math classes to just help our struggling math students, but we want to challenge our highlevel math kids, too. So, so uh Miss uh Mrs. Steth is looking to teach that class and so I'm kind of excited about that. Uh they just took kids to the math contest yesterday. I don't have results. I talked to Mrs. Campbell very quickly and first thing out of her m mouth was a darn St. Thomas Moore, you know,

124because I think they did really well, you know, and I think our kids did well, but I think they stole a little limelight from from some of our kids. But but I I know her and Miss Stiff, Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Stiff, they're proud of that group. It it's kind of funny. I mean that they got a math club at the high school that Mrs. Stiff and Miss Campbell meets with those kids. Uh they don't meet every week. It's probably every other week. Of course, it was more often as they were getting close to the math contest because that's what they were doing. And then I mean it was you're talking almost 30 kids in that room that are, you know, juniors, uh, all you know, all the way pretty much sophomores all the way

125to seniors. I think they're sprinkling some freshmen in there, too. So, that's pretty good. Good. I like seeing everybody nerd out on the mat. So, that's pretty cool. Um, future, we did a transition night. again, not knowing what we've done in the past, but I think that's a good way to get the eighth grade parents together to make sure they understand. Um, you got eighth grade parents who've been through it. They got older, you know, there's older kids and siblings that whatever this is old hat, we know what's going on. And then this is my first kid going to high school, you know. So, uh, it's just a way to help with the transition, make sure that and, uh, we're going to continue to do that and build on that and make it better. I

126think even doing it for the first time, we understood some things maybe we should have done earlier or maybe we could have done better with bringing those parents in, but it but it was positive overall bringing those parents in. Um, class day is on Friday at 8:35. So, if you want to be around for that, seniors, mostly seniors getting recognized for things there. Um, so that'll be my first class day. Um, and then of course graduation is on Sunday at 2 p.m. in gym lunch. Um, so everybody's welcome to to come and see our class of 2026 graduate. So, pretty exciting. I already talked about the the high school master schedule and some changes there, but my goal has been ever since I've been here is I want by the end of this year, by

127the end before kids leave, they have an idea of what their schedule is. I don't know if we're going to get there, but we're going to try. Uh, and even teachers that this is their teaching load, so they have a general idea. understanding there probably may be some minor changes over the summer, but that's the goal. I think we're on track to getting there. Um, and I hope we do. So, um, internships, I just want to mention this. Amy Todd, I'm pretty proud of her that she's really taken on this responsibility to we kind of were building the airplane that was flying this year that we had some kids that were interested in doing internships. We end up having nine nine seniors this year that did internships and that was cool. Great experiences overall with

128a lot of them and we're wanting to build on to that next year. Next year I think we got at least 15 kids signed up and we're mostly working with uh Emma forgetting Emma's last name. What Emma Garvin from from the lead deadwood economic development. Her and Amy have built a pretty good collaboration um as well with me. So, we're just going to keep growing the internships. Those work experiences are pretty huge, especially, I think, as an experience for that senior year. Uh, dual enrollments, just again, those keep growing. We got about 25 kids that are registered to do dual enrollment classes for this next year. So, great opportunities. We want to take kids to take advantage of what we offer on our schedule, but dual credit uh enrollment options are a great thing for

129our kids to be able to take a high school credit and take something maybe we don't offer or even something they can do to challenge themselves and uh bank some credits for when they when they enroll into college and university. Um I talked about PBIS uh that shift from PBIS. We're really going to talk a lot about Digger Pride and what it means and how we're going to transition to that. And then lastly, um just a reminder, we have a new band instructor. Her name's uh Grace uh Kinsley. So, she's going to be here on Monday to um just to kind of transition in. And then Ward Johnston, as you just approved today, will be our new vocal uh 6 through 12 vocal teacher. We're excited about him as well and uh get him transition

130as quickly as possible. We don't have anybody for the CTE position yet, so that's kind of sitting on hold there, but um we're turning over all kinds of rocks to see what we can do there. And then just lastly, a reminder, this was approved a long time ago, but Christine Webb is going to take over for Lori. It's going to be a pretty sad office that Lori is leaving that place because she's a mainstay there, no doubt. But Christine has been able to come over and start transitioning working under Lor's wing. So that's been awesome. So, I think we'll be in good hands. Certainly, Miss Hory. Um, but uh that uh Christine's going to transition that. So, >> thank you. So, public forum. So, we don't have anything for public forum. Uh the next meeting

131will be Tuesday, June 9th at 5:30 back over in the high school boardrooms. Um, and then we're gonna go do a little tour with >> Yeah, I'll be tour guide Barbie. If you want to join us, if you can, if you don't