8 takeaways from Huron School District 2-2 board meeting

District report card shows student growth exceeding state averages

Madison 2-3 Center utilizing grant to address targeted support status

High school graduation and completion rates see multi-year increase

Junior kindergarten program reports full enrollment and student gains

Dual credit courses and scholarships announced for spring semester

Board sets 2026-27 school start date for mid-August

Police department to fill vacancy for second school resource officer

Football players recognized for all-state honors

District report card shows student growth exceeding state averages

HURON, S.D. - The Huron Board of Education received a comprehensive overview of the district’s state report card from the district’s assessment director on Monday. The administrator highlighted that despite various demographic challenges, the district is outperforming the state average in student growth metrics. Specifically, the district’s growth rate in English language arts and mathematics is 4 percent higher than the state average. The assessment director noted that middle school students are testing within a few percentage points of state proficiency averages across all subjects, while English learners at Buchanan K-1 Center are showing a 52 percent on-track rate for language acquisition.

Madison 2-3 Center utilizing grant to address targeted support status

HURON, S.D. - During the report card presentation, the assessment director discussed the status of the Madison 2-3 Center, which has been identified by the state for "targeted support" due to scores in English language arts and mathematics. To address these areas, the district has secured a "science of reading" grant. This funding will support a four-year plan to establish goals and implement new strategies to improve literacy outcomes. The presentation noted that despite the designation, 46 percent of English learner students at the center are on track, with 7 percent exiting the program early.

High school graduation and completion rates see multi-year increase

HURON, S.D. - Huron High School is seeing a positive upward trend in student retention and graduation. Data presented to the board showed an on-time graduation rate of 82 percent and a high school completion rate of 89 percent for the most recent reporting period. Administrators attributed the improvements to increased flexibility and student-centered approaches, including virtual education options. Additionally, the district’s average ACT college entrance exam score was reported as 21, matching the state average exactly.

Junior kindergarten program reports full enrollment and student gains

HURON, S.D. - In a "good news" report regarding the district's new junior kindergarten program, Buchanan K-1 Center Principal Heather DeBoer and staff reported that the initiative is off to a strong start in its second year. The program currently runs two full sections with 18 students each. Teachers reported that students are successfully learning routines and showing noticeable growth in early learning skills, social regulation and independence. The administration noted that the program is helping students without prior school experience prepare for the rigors of kindergarten curriculum.

Dual credit courses and scholarships announced for spring semester

HURON, S.D. - The district announced new dual credit opportunities for high school juniors and seniors through a collaboration with the Northern State University Academy and Huron Community Campus. For the upcoming term, students can enroll in American government and college algebra. Superintendent Kraig Steinhoff announced that the Huron School District Foundation, in partnership with local Kiwanis, Lions and Sertoma clubs, will provide scholarships for the first 20 students who enroll in these courses.

Board sets 2026-27 school start date for mid-August

HURON, S.D. - The board approved the official start date for the 2026-2027 school year following a second reading of the calendar proposal. The board president moved to set the first day of classes for Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously without further discussion. This decision allows families and staff to plan well in advance for the academic calendar two years out.

Police department to fill vacancy for second school resource officer

HURON, S.D. - Superintendent Kraig Steinhoff informed the board that the Huron Police Department is moving to fill a vacancy for the district’s second school resource officer. Following the departure of an officer from the area, the district has been operating with one SRO, the remaining school resource officer based at the middle school who visits other buildings. Steinhoff reported that the police chief intends to hire a permanent replacement soon or temporarily assign an officer to the high school to ensure coverage for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year.

Football players recognized for all-state honors

HURON, S.D. – Superintendent Dr. Kraig Steinhoff opened the meeting by recognizing senior running back Landon Hulst, senior linebacker Oakley Anderson, senior defensive back Riley Winegar and junior quarterback/athlete Anderson Porisch for earning Class 11AA all-state football honors. Seniors Mason Jurgens and Charlie Martinreceived all-state honorable mention recognition. The board also recognized the Huron High School pep band, led by band director James Stueckrath, for its performances during the playoffs.  

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