6 takeaways from Huron School District 2-2 board meeting

Seventh Grade Test Scores Soar Following New Teaching Strategy

The Huron Board of Education celebrated a significant academic achievement as seventh-grade teachers presented a report on dramatically improved state assessment scores in both math and English Language Arts (ELA). The seventh-grade scores surpassed the state average, a success largely attributed to the implementation of “interim testing.” This new strategy involves using shorter, targeted assessments to identify specific areas where students are struggling, allowing teachers to provide focused instruction. Teachers reported that the students who participated in the interim testing program achieved a 70% proficiency rate in ELA, well above the state average of 53%. Board members enthusiastically praised the teachers for their initiative in seeking out the training and implementing the new system, calling the results “impressive” and a model for the rest of the district.

District Approves New Advertising Deals for Arena and Stadium

The Huron School District finalized five-year advertising agreements with several local and state entities for placements at the Huron Arena and Tiger Stadium. The agreements, which will run from 2025 through 2030, include partnerships with Agtegra Cooperative, American Family Insurance, Huron Regional Medical Center, Ace Realty, and South Dakota Unclaimed Property. These deals will generate revenue for the district through advertisements on the video boards at the athletic venues. The approval was part of the consent agenda passed unanimously by the board.

Board Gives Final Approval to New Library Material Policies

Following a second reading, the Board of Education formally adopted a series of nine policies related to the selection, review, and use of library materials in the district. The approved policies include procedures for parents to opt their children out of checking out certain materials and a formal process for requesting the reconsideration of library items. Also included are policies outlining permissions for middle school students to access high school library resources and affirming principles such as the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read. The policies were passed in a single vote without discussion, having undergone a first reading at a previous meeting.

District Welcomes 16 New Teachers for Upcoming School Year

As the new academic year approaches, the Huron School District officially welcomed 16 new teachers to the team. The new hires participated in an orientation and professional development session ahead of the all-staff required meeting on August 14th. The first day of school for students in grades 1 through 12 is scheduled for August 20th, with kindergarten and early childhood students starting on August 25th. Superintendent Dr. Kraig Steinhoff noted the professionalism and enthusiasm of the new educators as they prepared for the start of school.

Community Volunteers Praised for Distributing Nearly 10,000 Weekly Summer Meals

The Huron School Nutrition department extended a public thank you to a long list of community volunteers who helped pack and distribute an average of 817 “grab-and-go” meal bags every Tuesday and Friday throughout the summer. This effort amounted to providing over 9,900 meals to local families over the summer. Superintendent Dr. Kraig Steinhoff, who participated on one of the distribution days, praised the hard work of the volunteers and noted the immense appreciation from the families who received the meals. The board recognized the dozens of individuals and the Heartland 4-H Club for their dedicated service to the community.

School District Designates New Official Newspaper After Plainsman Closure

In response to the sudden closure of the Huron Plainsman newspaper, the school board has designated the Sanborn Weekly Journal as the district’s new official newspaper. The selection of an official newspaper is a legal necessity for publishing public notices, such as meeting minutes, bid requests, and other district business. Superintendent Dr. Kraig Steinhoff expressed his dismay at the closure of the local paper, thanking the Plainsman and its staff for their years of covering school board meetings and celebrating the achievements of students and staff. The board approved the recommendation for the Sanborn Weekly Journal as part of its consent agenda.

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