Takeaways from Huron SD 2-2 Education Board Meeting
Week of September 15, 2026
Huron School District storm damages projected to reach $1 million
Insurance denies coverage for temporary stadium lighting
Felled stadium light poles assessed by engineer
Middle school gym floor replacement progresses without complications
Montgomery Real Estate secures arena and stadium advertising agreement
District seeks bids for wheelchair-accessible school bus
New district scorecard to debut in October
Student representatives join Board of Education for academic year
Huron School District storm damages projected to reach $1 million
HURON, S.D. — Recent wind and tornado damages to Huron School District property are expected to total about $1 million, the Board of Education learned Sept. 14. District business manager Kelly Christopherson reported that damages have already exceeded $600,000, a figure that excludes three massive stadium light poles felled by the storm. Because Beadle County was included in a recent presidential disaster declaration, the district is filing a claim with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover its $50,000 insurance deductible and any uninsured losses.
Insurance denies coverage for temporary stadium lighting
HURON, S.D. — Insurance will not cover the cost of temporary lighting installed at Tiger Stadium following recent storm damage, business manager Kelly Christopherson announced. The district had previously inquired whether its policy would pay for the temporary fixtures needed to open the stadium for the football season. Christopherson said the insurance company formally denied the temporary lighting claim, meaning the district will need to look elsewhere to cover those costs.
Felled stadium light poles assessed by engineer
HURON, S.D. — Three 11,000-pound Tiger Stadium light poles removed after recent storms have been closely examined by an engineer and an insurance adjuster, with preliminary findings raising concerns about the structural integrity of the poles. The massive poles remain on the ground at the stadium pending a final written report and a decision from the insurance company on whether they will be transported whole or cut up on-site to avoid incurring further unapproved expenses.
Middle school gym floor replacement progresses without complications
HURON, S.D. — Construction on the new Huron Middle School gym floor is advancing smoothly after crews successfully removed the old floor without uncovering any underlying issues. Business manager Kelly Christopherson reported that the new subfloor has been completely installed, and contractors began laying the actual wood flooring this week.
Montgomery Real Estate secures arena and stadium advertising agreement
HURON, S.D. — The Board of Education unanimously approved a revised advertising agreement with Montgomery Real Estate for the 2026-2027 school year. The agreement grants the real estate company advertising rights at both the Huron Arena and Tiger Stadium, though specific financial terms of the contract were not discussed during the meeting.
District seeks bids for wheelchair-accessible school bus
HURON, S.D. — The Board of Education approved a request to advertise for bids for a new school bus equipped with a handicap lift after an unexpected special-needs student moved into the district, forcing officials to put their only spare bus into full-time service. Board members discussed whether to contract the service out to People's Transit to save money, but officials clarified that federal and safety regulations require the use of a traditional yellow school bus for specialized individualized education program routes. Officials noted it currently takes 12 to 15 months to receive a new bus once ordered.
New district scorecard to debut in October
HURON, S.D. — The Huron School District will debut a new performance scorecard Oct. 26 to track key educational metrics, including attendance, graduation rates, state test scores and college and career readiness. Superintendent Kraig Steinhoff announced the upcoming launch as part of the board's newly outlined priority goals, which also include implementing the science of reading, establishing a cultural liaison task force and developing a tiered, districtwide approach for student behavioral needs.
Student representatives join Board of Education for academic year
HURON, S.D. — High school senior Charlie Bragg and a junior student representative were officially recognized as the newest student representatives to the Huron Board of Education. The two student board members will join the board for the duration of the 2026-2027 academic year to provide a student perspective on district policies, community issues and school operations.
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
