001I call the Aberdine 13th Aberdine School Board to order a stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance 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. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Darren Schultz >> here. >> Mr. Brian Olson >> present. >> Mr. Brian Sharp >> present. >> Mr. Darren Beckus. Dr. Gail >> here. >> Mr. Kevin Burkard. Mr. Mark Bur >> here. Good news tonight. >> We do have some good news. Two very wonderful things happening here in the Avenue School District. First off, I'd like to announce that Kim Almond is the 2026 South Dakota Elementary Principal of the Year. And I just want to read a brief little um snippet of her
002her submission. So, so I'm very excited to not to announce that Kim Almond, principal of Simmons Elementary, has been named to the 2026 South Dakota Elementary Principal of the Year by the South Dakota Association of Elementary School Principles. Almond, who has led Simmons Elementary since 2013, earned this recognition from her exceptional leadership, her commitment to high expectations and focus on student success. Under her guidance, the school has strengthened systems of support for students, especially those with behavior and social emotional needs while fostering a positive inclusive learning environment grounded in definitely the kids first philosophy. Amen's leadership is marked by a strong emphasis on collaboration and continuous improvement. She leads professional learning communities, facilitates regular data focused meetings with staff, analyzing student performance, aligning instruction practice, and improving targeted strategies for all outcome. With 13 years
003of experience as principal and active involvement in the South Dakota Elementary Principles Association, Almond devotes a deep commitment to educational leadership and focusing on professional growth. Almond values strong family and community partnerships through collaboration with the PTA and school events that increase family engagement. She has strengthened the connections between school and the broader community. Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Kim Almond. Thank you. Were you a little taken back by last Friday's visit? I pride myself and my family that no one gets anything past me and everybody did. >> I heard they surprised you in the gym. >> Yep. >> My son showed up and he had a day notice and he made it and from North Carolina. So >> dropped him off at the airport a little while ago. So >> yeah, it was
004it was very nice surprise and I had lots of kids telling me good job which was very heartwarming. My little girl in kindergarten says, "It sounds like you did good. >> That was the best." >> Oh, that's I appreciate it. >> Congrats. >> Very well deserving. >> Yes, >> that's for sure. >> All right, we have another celebrity amongst us today. >> I don't have to go over there though, do I? >> So, Dr. Gail Bortnham was recently awarded the South Dakota Early Learning Legacy Award. And I want to read just a little snippet about what that entails. So this distinguished honor celebrates individuals in the field of education with over 20 years of continuous service who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and advocacy. Members of the Legacy Circle have made a profound and lasting
005impact on the lives of young children, families, and the broader early education landscape across South Dakota. So please join me in congratulating Dr. Gail Borno. CONGRATULATIONS. >> WELL, you know, those of us in early childhood aren't always known for um being held up as professionals or as teachers even. I've been called everything from just a babysitter to, you know, just I had a neighbor that I'd known for 20 years and she asked if I had a degree. you know, just those kind of things. And so when you're recognized for being an advocate for education for younger children, it's really an honor and they they made me feel pretty special. Um I belong to SD AIC forever and the national is actually the largest um advocacy group for early learners. So, I've been, you know, able
006to go to conferences there. And that's when you learn so much more than you think you're learning everything and then you go to a conference and find out that you learn more. So, I was very honored and I'm still kind of kind of surprised by it all cuz there's only been three others. So, I was really happy. >> Yes. >> Especially when it comes from your peers. >> I know. people that know what you've done, you know. >> Yep. And one of one of the people that are on this in the circle was my professor at USD, Dr. Jacobs, and she's already passed away. So, I always felt like she was my role model, and I always wanted to be like her. So, I was like, "Oh my, I'm in the circle with her." And
007I didn't have to die yet. So, IT WAS KIND OF >> I know yet. So thank you. >> Thank you. Two well two very welld deserved. >> Miss Almond, do you have any advice for young administrators? We have a number of them in our district. >> We do. And >> yes, any advice of of what you know now that you didn't know then? >> I would say listen to those around you. Um I one thing that has worked very well for me is asking questions. Instead of saying why are you doing you know or what did you do it's tell me how that came about or what's happening here and not playing gotcha you find you don't have egg on your face as often if you take the slow roll in instead of hinging ahead
008so listening learning from every just like Dr. Bortnham said, "Learning from everyone around you, attend conferences as much as you can." Amazes me how I feel like I'm really old and I come away with something new every single day. >> Yep. >> So, take it all in. Be a sponge. I would say one one thing I've noticed at our conventions in in Sou Falls in August is especially the elementary principles in our district really seem to get along, sit down, talk over issues, what's going good for you, what's not for you. I mean, I've noticed that for too many years, but um you know, I think it's good to have peer support and be able to share views even though you may not agree on everything, but I think it's uh I say I think
009your group has done a very very outstanding job doing that over the years. >> You have a very good team. >> Yeah. >> And it's it's changing this year. So, it's kind of sad, too. I mean, it's good because people are getting opportunities, but it's very sad, too. But you've been a role model to a lot of principles coming up and your teachers and I always hear um that you have their back. You're always there for them. >> I appreciate that. Thank you. >> Congrats. >> Yes. Congratulations. That's great. >> Thank you. Approval of the agenda. I entertain a motion to approve tonight's agenda. >> I'll move by Dr. B. Second by Mr. Murphy. Any questions? Seeing none, all in favor say I. I >> no motion carries wishing to address the school board. >>
010I have none remarks. Any moving on to the approval of the March 9th and March 23rd minutes of the Aberine School Board. >> So moved. >> Moved by Olsen, seconded by >> I'll second >> Dr. Bordon. Thank you. Um any questions or corrections? Seeing none, all in favor say I. I. >> No. Motion carries. >> Moving on to the consent agenda. We have quite a few items on the consent agenda tonight. Can I get a motion to approve, please? >> Moved by Olson. >> Second by Murphy. Any questions, comments on the >> Sure. A lot of donors. That was wonderful. >> It's always great. >> That So, seeing no other questions or comments, all those in favor say I. >> I. No. Motion carries to the assistant superintendent. >> Yes. All right. The first item
011we have on the agenda this evening is Mr. Garing with the Mike Miller update. >> All right. Good evening everybody. As always, uh thank you for letting me come in and talk about Mike Miller um and what we've been working on here over the last year. >> So, um starting out here with we'll go through our goals and at the end here we'll talk about uh a couple stories here throughout our building that are unique to this school year. Um so how have we met the school improvement targets for math and ELA? Um we continue to use EXL and MAPS diagnostics for math and ELA. Um the interventions again then become built around those diagnostics. So the more data we can use which I'll talk about here on a coming slide, the better off our
012students are but also more prepared our staff are and more intentional with what we use that for. Um SAT and S&T, so our student assistant team and student needs team process. I'm going to talk about at the very end, but that's definitely a way we help with those goals. Peer tutoring and win time. um we continue to use those programs um to again assist our students who maybe have some of those gaps in understanding and need that additional support. Emphasis on datadriven instruction um and that's our PLC's which um will actually be built into our school day next year. Um so it'll kind of uh a little bit it'll free up the team a little bit more so we can all meet more consistently and I think that's important especially when we're talking about data
013and how it relates to the instruction. Uh one school one book we started on April 7th we continue that. We're reading the world according to Humphrey. Um it's a very cute story with some good morals within it. Um but our students have been excited and we even have a little hamster wheel. We're moving along the hallway to uh show our growth towards our fundraiser. And we just completed our fourth MME readathon which is always great. Um fundraising is needed at times and if kids can read during that, it's a win-win. Uh breaking down the data here a little further. So our maps data from this school year from fall to winter. Um, if we're looking at the school as a whole, our growth is the 62nd percentile. Achievement in the fall was 43rd and now
014it's 54th. Um, breaking it apart by grade level. You will notice that kindergarten is not on here. They did not have the fall data. So, this will be first through fifth grade only. Um, first grade, the growth is 54 percentile. Achievement in the fall was 37th and now is 45th. Uh, grade two, um, 67th growth percentile, 51st achievement in the fall, now up to 61. Grade three had 70% growth, which is excellent. Um, fall was 33rd achievement and now 44th for achievement. Fourth grade was 53rd% for growth. Um, 34th achievement in the fall and up to 35th. And fifth grade 58% growth um 62nd in the fall and up to 63rd. So if you see they all are improving just at different paces, but it is good to see that growth across the board. um
015that means that what we're doing instructionally and developmentally with the data we've talked about before the instruction um is is moving the needle and so that's promising to continue to see um as far as how do we provide a safe and supportive learning environment. We continue to utilize our source lips. That's our day daily positive incentive um for safety ownership achieving goals and responsibility. Um, our students always look forward to these and one of the things I actually stole from the woman to my right is I loved how she always asked what did you get it for? Um, so instead of just yay, you know, giving a high five and a hug, it's well, how did you get it? So having students recognize that how their actions led to a positive result and hopefully that
016um uh rephrasing or uh reflection upon what they're doing will help out in the long run as well. Um, we continue to utilize our sensory room. Open and clear communication's always been very important um as far as with staff, staff to students, staff to parents. It's always uh good to keep those lines open and also having that open but respectful conver uh conversation to move the needle. Uh we use zones of regulation, little spots of emotion. We also have established safe spots for students. So students that maybe are dealing with anxiety or um some certain situations that could trigger them a little bit, they know where they can go with a safe spot with their safe people. And a lot of times that's all it takes to deescalate a situation um where before it could
017escalate and then we lose some instructional time or the behavior increases. Uh continued grade level buddies and our student leadership team brought back the conflict managers based on student input. Um and they have done a fabulous job and so they're actually the ones filling out they they have their conflict manager forms. Um I've seen it when I was a kid but I haven't had it as principal. Um I've been very impressed with those conversations. Our students have done a fabulous job of coming to a reasonable solution, communicating with all the parties needed and then keeping myself and the teacher. So, we've seen great benefits from that. How are we providing equitable access to technology for students and staff? We continue to use the clever touchboards um using iPads and assessment tools as we talked about
018earlier to create new data set points. So, the more data we can have and the more um identifiable it is to like one student or a subgroup of students, the more we can do with that. If it's a very generic data set and we're looking at, okay, here's the score for all of Mike Miller, it's hard to break down. Is it a skill deficit? Is it overall the instructions lacking in certain areas? So, we can really pinpoint and address those needs. Um, maker space time. So, students continue to take those resources to the room. I mean, they they definitely still enjoy that. Um, as far as a positive climate culture for staff, students, and families, I think our staff does a great job of we love what we do, so show it, right? Put our
019kids first. um as I I stole from my mentor as well, but living that every single day. And so the BLC's are again a great time to actually sit and think how can we help um not only academics but behavior and and moods, right? Make it a fun and inviting place to be. Um team planning time encourages creativity. Um it gives them the ability to actually sit and breathe a little bit and think what could our students benefit from. Um we do team builders often. We have seesaw and thrillshare communications to again open and clear communication. Um our title event, we actually just did a one on St. Patrick's Day and you never know what you're going to get on those after school um events and we had over 200 uh people show up. So
020we were setting up tables and getting all kinds of things ready, but we really had a great time and the students had a blast. Um grow it with gearing. We always do in the fall u PTA events and district surveys. All right. So how are we promoting active partnerships with the community? Um we do our Veterans Day breakfast and assembly. Um the readathon mentioned earlier actually ties in local community um members um that come in, they'll support books and also like support classrooms at times too. So that's always fun. Um field trips around the community. Um so the more that our students can get out in the community and see what uh local businesses are doing, what entrepreneurship is and and tying that all together, we're also building career readiness here for our young learners.
021Uh one school, one book, we're doing an Aberdine Humane Society fundraiser. So that's how our hamster Humphrey is moving along the wheel. And then our student leadership team projects, we really got to the point uh Mrs. Maple and uh Mrs. Swinson are adviserss for that. I love it though when they come and they say, "Our kids came up with this idea and the answer is always yes." Um and they come up with purposeful ideas. Um they're manageable, too. They're not coming up with we're going to fund raise a million dollars and feed, you know, it's very reasonable and thought out process. Um and I always love how they present it, too. So, again, showing that leadership. A shout out here to our Mike Miller PTA. Um, this group of parents continues to go above and
022beyond. Um, if we feel it every single day. I know everybody thinks their PTA is great. Um, but I'm right up there to back ours up because I see them put in the hours afterwards, too. And they're always asking, "What can we do for a student in need? What can we do for a classroom in need?" Um, and so trying to figure out what can we do to actually again move the needle for for kids. Um, and we also do some fun stuff. We did like two large fundraisers. We're school mural um will be coming in this week. Um, free books for kids is a huge one. Um they fill up our book book vending machine so that when a student makes a good choice they might get that random book or if it's on
023their birthday. Um yearbooks this year going to be completely paid for. Um so students have their own yearbook this year. Um instructional tools and supplies. This is like the hidden things that our PTA comes up with where a teacher is like I really would like this and this would be beneficial to my kids. Our PTA does a great job of saying if it's for kids we're okay with it. We're not supportive. Okay for my final parts here my shoutouts. Our student assistant team and student needs team. This is a group of gened teachers, myself, our counselor, um related services. We have now I'm drawing a blank. We have a lot of our uh sped team if I didn't say, but it's a group of teachers. And the coolest thing about this is we get around
024a table. We talk about our most important people, which is our students, and everybody brings their strengths to the table. So, as we look around, everybody has their own points where they can enter the conversation and enhance the conversation. It's not just sitting there as a group listening to one or two people. It's everybody putting all their resources together to help students out. And so this is always one of the most rewarding processes I think we have because you can actually see it with data proving it. You can see our students improving in various skills academically and behaviorally. Our student leadership team I just talked about, but that is exactly what gets me excited for our future is that we have these young students who want to serve. They want to be great leaders. They
025want to uh benefit their peers. And that gives me great hope here for the future of our Golden Eagles, our food service team. So between Connie, Na, and Mercedes, I I you cannot be grumpy around these three ladies. They are constantly working um left and right trying to get things set up. They're problem solving, and with that, they're also mentoring our kids as servers. I love the way they're patient, they're loving, they're respectful, but they continue to build that leadership with our students, too. So, a shout out to that special team. our custodial staff. Mercedes is also part of this, but we have Scott Mayor. They I don't think they ever sit down, Ben. This is good for you to know. But they're constantly moving and shaking. Our school is beautiful. But the thing I
026love is that if they're if a student makes a mistake and spills something on the floor, they could be thinking, "Good grief, I got to go clean up another mess." But they they patient with the students. They say, "That's all right. I'll help you pick it up." And then the students reciprocate that, too. That respect goes both ways. So, a big shout out to them. What I'm going to leave you guys with tonight here before I take some questions though, I can't get into all the details obviously with confidentiality. However, um this is a story and we have this happen hundreds of times in our district, okay? Every single month. Um but we had Amelia Whitinger, Jennifer Weiss, our first grade teacher, Carly Evans, SLP, and Bailey Moore Elementary instructional coordinator. There was one student
027in need. We went through the SAT process before I even knew anything else had happened. and those four ladies had met, set up a plan, a quality plan using data, using all of their different lenses and how we can help that child and within four weeks the students scores were going through the roof. Um, so that's a perfect example of when leaders step up and do what they're supposed to be doing and bringing their own skill set to the table, our kids are the one that benefits. Um, and so that was pretty awesome to hear about. You notice my name is not up there and that's that's great because people want to be leaders. They want to step up and do that. Um, so I'm very proud of this team, but this is again one
028of many stories I could share about our school. With that, any questions? >> What's on your t-shirt? >> Oh, this is my Kim and the goat shirt. I >> thought it was fitting for tonight. >> Oh my gosh. >> Good question. Yes. >> And the other question I have is you identified this or your your teachers identified those need needs for this one child. How did they do that? >> So we used started with MAPS data and the student was not growing like looking at growth percentiles. That was an early indicator. They're not hitting the marks we needed them to hit. So we went through the SAT problem. I want to be a little careful how I answer that but we're using really like so speech OTP. there was some other flags coming up and
029so with that those people were able to help with their uh part of that and alto together then it came together and all a sudden it was through the roof. So what happened is the need wasn't a singular cause um there was a lot of factors going into that and so when everybody addressed their part of the cause then that student was able to flourish. >> At what point did you bring the parents in >> right off the bat? So, anytime a student's brought to our student assistant team, um they are for sure ident they're called and brought up that, hey, your child might be struggling in this. We have an option here to help them out with our student assistant team, but it was well before that, too. Mrs. Weiser does a terrific job
030of communicating with all of her families and letting them know, not just conferences, well before conferences. Here's what I see. Here's what I think we can do. >> I've always felt field trips are essential. So, you said the PTA kind of helps with field trips. Are you able to go on all the field trips that the teachers, you know, plan for >> with our PTA's help? Absolutely. I haven't said no now in a couple of years. And we want to be purposeful with what we're using those funds for. Um, but to your point, too, they're going out there, they're being community members, they're witnessing something new. Um, the egg fair is coming up. That's a chance for some of our fourth graders who have never lived on a farm or seen those kind of animals
031to get out there and just get a little experience with that. And I think again that kind of builds up the respect for other professions as well. The more you can see, the more you can understand. >> Great. >> Questions, you mentioned it was last year, the year before, you talked about a micro day. So the kids at your school know are you are you going to do that again? >> May first, >> it's always changing, ever evolving. Um I had another student this year that asked me who's the guy in my office. So, um, even if that's not the collection of the year, we're going to make sure we keep doing that. I think it's been very beneficial. >> That was a fun day to visit if you want to go. >> It really
032is. >> Lot of positive energy, too. >> Oh, yeah. And they had a parade, so you kind of had to watch out. It was very, very fun to see them honoring my best. Thank you so much. >> Right. The next item on the agenda is the workers compensation agreement. >> Yes. Thank you. So each year the board's required to approve the SPS workers compensation agreement. The premium for next fiscal year is about 295,000 which is a decrease of about 10%. I don't get to say that very often. Last year's premium was just over 325,000. So a savings of about 30,000 and the decrease is just due to lower anticipated payroll costs due to reductions in staff and also a decrease in the district share of total pool losses. >> Also question with that I'm glad
033to see that we have a savings this year versus going up. I I think we have a plan with the associated school boards if I'm not mistaken. Did all the other schools as part of that plan also see a decrease or is it individualized by school district? >> It's individualized, so I'd have to check into that. Um, so it's the premium is based on the total anticipated payroll costs and then also like a three-year rolling average for actual work comp claims. So we had a couple years there where we had a lot of claims and high dollar amount of claims and I believe last year was better for that. So that contributes to the decrease as well. >> So it's not across the whole pool of schools and that >> all we have claims. So
034everybody's going to get 10% reduction. >> I don't believe overall the premium went down. I think some schools increased and we were on the lucky end of it. >> So less claims. >> That's a good thing. >> Yes. >> I bet it's that wellness that we're doing. You bet. They're They're staying healthy. >> We can only hope. >> Let's go for that. >> I'll make a motion to approve the uh the agreement. >> I'll second. >> Moved in a second to to approve the agreement and the It's not motion, it's the >> is the resolution part of that. >> Agreement and the and the resolution. >> Resolution. Okay. >> Any questions? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Oppos? No. Motion carries. Thank you. >> All right. The next four items are
035regarding negotiated agreements and contracts. So on average, the district will provide a 1% increase and the district will also cover 10% increase on insurance for single plans. >> First item up is the hourly staff negotiated agreement for 2627. Motion to approve that, please. So moved to Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Murphy. Just like to thank the negotiating teams on for all the all the groups. It went very smoothly this this year. Um we are lacking in funds and we did the best we could and moving forward it'll be difficult. I I think >> I just say the 1% certainly doesn't reflect I think the feelings of this board as far as our appreciation for all the employees across the district. Um sometimes we just dealt with or dealt with what we receive from the the
036state as far as funding. Um obviously with declining enrollment another issue turnover in staff and the way the formula works has changed the way we save dollars that way too. So, a lot of factors going into that, but um certainly 1% doesn't I think reflect our appreciation all of our employees for what they do for this district. >> I would agree with that. >> Any other questions? If not, uh motion and seconded on the hourly to staff negotiated agreement. All in favor say I. >> I. No. Motion carries. Moving on to the uh Aea negotiated agreement. Same >> terms. >> Dr. Borton, any questions or comments on that? >> These are all online if individuals want to see them too. >> Correct. >> Seeing none. All in favor say I. >> I. No. Motion carries.
037627 administrative negotiated agreement. >> So moved >> by Olsen, seconded by Mr. Murphy. Questions on this? Again, same same terms. All in favor say I. >> I. No. Motion carries and the district administrator contracts moved >> by Olsson. Seconded by Dr. Bortnham. >> Questions? Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> No. Motion carried. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next item on the agenda is the South Dakota High School Activity Association membership. This is just our annual renewal. two former board members on this board. So, I think we should support it. >> Would you like to make that? >> I'll make that motion. >> I'll second it. >> Yeah, you better do that one. >> It's not due till July, but we usually do it do it now just so it's so
038it's done with. So, any questions on that? >> No. >> Seeing none, all in favor say I. >> I. No. Motion carries. >> All right. And the final item on the uh agenda is the second reading of policy CDA which was just a minor changing of wording that we did for this policy which is related to evaluations. >> Motion to approve the second reading of CDA. >> I'll move for them by Dr. B. Second by Mr. Murphy. >> Seeing none. All in favor say I. >> Those no motion carries. Move we adjourn. >> Olsson. Second. >> Seconded by Dr. Bordum. Any discussion? No. All right. All in favor say I. I. No. Carries. We are ajourned. Thank you.