Takeaways from Huron SD 2-2 Education Board Meeting
Week of August 11, 2026
School district faces long road to recovery following July 2 storm
Tiger Stadium remains closed due to severe light pole damage
High winds tear through district facilities and CTE greenhouse
Middle school gym floor replacement on schedule
District welcomes 15 new teachers as 2026-2027 school year nears
High school JAG instructor honored with national award
Board approves copy machine lease to save taxpayers over $365,000
Medical administration policies prompt questions on school nurse availability
School district faces long road to recovery following July 2 storm
HURON, S.D. — The Huron Board of Education received a sobering update Monday on the extensive damage caused by the July 2 windstorms and tornadoes, with repairs expected to take more than a year. Business manager Kelly Christopherson reported damage at every district building, including a $63,000 emergency repair to the Huron Arena roof after 25% of its rubber surface delaminated. The arena will likely require a full roof replacement next summer, while administrators continue navigating a complex and backlogged insurance claims process with the Associated School Boards of South Dakota.
Tiger Stadium remains closed due to severe light pole damage
HURON, S.D. — Tiger Stadium will remain closed indefinitely as administrators work to address dangerous light poles left visibly leaning by the early July storms. Replacing the poles is expected to cost in excess of $100,000 each, and officials are awaiting a new insurance adjuster to determine the next steps before the fall of 2027. The storm and falling poles also damaged the stadium's turf, track surface and perimeter fencing, which dates back to the 1970s and will likely need total replacement.
High winds tear through district facilities and CTE greenhouse
HURON, S.D. — Beyond the arena and stadium, several Huron school facilities sustained significant structural damage during the July 2 storm, including the high school's Career and Technical Education greenhouse, which was physically lifted off the ground and set back down. The Buchanan K-1 Center experienced electrical outages and water damage in three classrooms after a massive rooftop unit was blown off its mount, while the Madison 2-3 Center suffered damage to an 1,800-square-foot section of its roof. Cleanup crews and custodians have been working continually since the storm to mitigate water damage and repair broken windows, garage doors and ventilation systems across the city.
Middle school gym floor replacement on schedule
HURON, S.D. — Amid the extensive storm damage repairs happening across the district, routine facility upgrades are still moving forward, including the replacement of the Huron Middle School's wood floor. Business manager Kelly Christopherson confirmed that the project remains on schedule, with demolition and removal of the old floor set to begin later this month. The board previously approved a contract amendment with Pitts Design and Build to lock in the bid pricing for the project.
District welcomes 15 new teachers as 2026-2027 school year nears
HURON, S.D. — Huron public schools officially kicked off the 2026-2027 academic year preparations this week by welcoming 15 new teachers for orientation. Superintendent Kraig Steinhoff reported that the new hires were paired with mentors for a full day of training on Monday. The district is now gearing up for the first day of school later this month for early childhood and grades 1-12, preceded by building open houses scheduled later in August.
High school JAG instructor honored with national award
HURON, S.D. — Huron High School Jobs for America's Graduates instructor Sonia Malley was recognized Monday for receiving a prestigious national award. Superintendent Kraig Steinhoff announced that Malley was one of only four South Dakota JAG specialists honored at a national JAG conference, where she received the Data Integrity & Excellence Award for her extraordinary service and positive impact on students.
Board approves copy machine lease to save taxpayers over $365,000
HURON, S.D. — The school board unanimously approved a five-year, districtwide lease agreement for 37 new copy machines that will save the district an estimated $365,000 to $415,000 over the life of the contract. The district previously spent between $135,000 and $145,000 annually purchasing used machines and maintaining expensive service contracts. Under the new agreement with Sioux Falls-based Access Systems, the district will pay approximately $62,000 annually for the lease and service of brand-new equipment that includes a four-hour service response time.
Medical administration policies prompt questions on school nurse availability
HURON, S.D. — The introduction of several new health-related board policies raised concerns about medical emergency contingency plans, as district buildings do not have full-time nurses on site. While reviewing draft policies regarding the student self-administration of asthma medication, insulin and epinephrine auto-injectors, board members questioned who would be available and trained to administer emergency medication during a sudden emergency, such as a recess bee sting. Superintendent Kraig Steinhoff noted that while nurses share duties across schools, other staff members are certified to dispense medications, and he will confirm their epinephrine auto-injector certification status by the board's next meeting.
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