Takeaways from Huron SD 2-2 Education Board Meeting
Week of October 14, 2026
District storm damage estimates reach $1 million
Board advances $500,000 grant application for storm repairs
Architect approved for storm damage replacements
Middle school gym reopens following floor replacement
Staff completes crisis prevention training to reduce suspensions
District explores potential of new public school tax credit
'Pink Out' volleyball game raises thousands for local mammograms
Huron School Board earns statewide recognition award
District storm damage estimates reach $1 million
HURON, S.D. - The Huron Board of Education received an update on ongoing recovery efforts from recent wind and tornado damage, with business manager Kelly Christopherson estimating total district damages between $800,000 and $1 million. The district is holding weekly meetings with its insurance company and the Associated School Boards of South Dakota to navigate coverage. Christopherson noted that the district has also met with Federal Emergency Management Agency officials to pursue a claim for mitigation and recovery costs that may not be covered by standard insurance deductibles.
Board advances $500,000 grant application for storm repairs
HURON, S.D. - The board unanimously approved an intent to apply for a $500,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Community Facilities Program to help fund outstanding storm-related repairs. Business manager Kelly Christopherson said the district hopes to use the funds to cover the full replacement of the Huron Arena roof, noting that preliminary discussions suggest the district's insurance provider might limit coverage to the 30 percent of the roof directly damaged by the wind. If awarded, the grant could also support roof repairs at the Madison 2-3 Center and the installation of a new perimeter security fence at Tiger Stadium.
Architect approved for storm damage replacements
HURON, S.D. - The board unanimously approved a proposal from JLG Architects to provide engineering and architectural services for several storm damage replacement projects across the district. The agreement covers design work on the Huron Arena roof, an 1,800-square-foot section of the Madison 2-3 Center roof, the Tiger Stadium lighting system and the stadium's perimeter fence. With the architect approved, the district will next seek proposals for a construction manager at risk, though officials noted construction on these major projects will likely not begin until the spring or summer.
Middle school gym reopens following floor replacement
HURON, S.D. - Students are officially back in the Huron Middle School gym following the successful completion of a wood floor replacement project. Business manager Kelly Christopherson reported that architects conducted a final walkthrough of the facility on Tuesday afternoon and found no issues, allowing the construction crews to formally turn the space back over to the district.
Staff completes crisis prevention training to reduce suspensions
HURON, S.D. - All classified employees working in junior kindergarten through fifth grade recently completed training with the Crisis Prevention Institute to better manage student behavior, Superintendent Kraig Steinhoff announced Tuesday. The evidence-based program teaches nonviolent crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for medium- and high-risk behaviors. Steinhoff noted the institute reports the program has historically resulted nationally in a 75 percent reduction in student suspensions, an 80 percent decrease in staff injuries and a 90 percent increase in staff retention.
District explores potential of new public school tax credit
HURON, S.D. - Superintendent Kraig Steinhoff updated the board on a new federal tax credit program scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, which will allow individuals to receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for public school donations made through a scholarship-granting organization. The credit will offer up to $1,700 per person or $3,400 for married couples filing jointly. Steinhoff said the district is waiting on more information from the federal government to determine how the Huron School District Foundation might partner with the district to utilize the new tax advantage.
'Pink Out' volleyball game raises thousands for local mammograms
HURON, S.D. - The Huron volleyball team's annual "Pink Out" event successfully raised thousands of dollars for the Huron Regional Medical Center's "We've Got You Covered" fund, which provides mammograms to women in the community who cannot afford them. During the board's celebrations segment, officials noted the team sold 175 T-shirts and organized a silent auction featuring more than 40 gift baskets secured directly by the student-athletes.
Huron School Board earns statewide recognition award
HURON, S.D. - The Huron Board of Education received the ALL Award from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD), an annual recognition honoring local boards for their dedicated service to students, staff and the community. Superintendent Kraig Steinhoff read a letter from ASBSD executive director Heath Larson commending the board members for their participation in various training and leadership activities throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
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