Board reviews $47.28 million preliminary budget

Five-year capital outlay plan details major upcoming projects

Meal prices to increase for 2026-27 school year

District exceeds state minimum teacher compensation

Teachers union contract unanimously ratified

District honors Teachers of the Year

Support staff recognized for exceptional service

English learner program celebrates historic milestone

Free summer meal program announced

Board reviews $47.28 million preliminary budget

HURON, S.D. — The Huron Board of Education reviewed a preliminary $47.28 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Business manager Kelly Christopherson reported projected revenues of $46.49 million across all funds, with the $789,000 difference covered by existing capital outlay funds. The general fund budget was built on a projected fall enrollment of 2,936 students, reflecting a continuing trend of gradual enrollment decline. The board will hold a formal public budget hearing at its first meeting in June before final adoption.

Five-year capital outlay plan details major upcoming projects

HURON, S.D. — A state-required five-year capital outlay plan was presented, outlining a $5.5 million budget for the next year against $4.7 million in projected revenue. The deficit will be covered by funds already in the bank from a recent $11.5 million borrowing package and insurance proceeds. Major upcoming projects include a high school kitchen remodel scheduled to begin next summer and the ongoing replacement of the water-damaged middle school wood gym floor, which will be funded primarily through insurance.

Meal prices to increase for 2026-27 school year

HURON, S.D. — The Huron Board of Education unanimously approved a request to increase school meal prices for the 2026-27 academic year. Specific dollar amounts for the price increases were not detailed during the public discussion. The increase was passed alongside the district's annual milk and fuel bids as part of the consent agenda.

District exceeds state minimum teacher compensation

HURON, S.D. — The school district continues to meet and exceed South Dakota's state-mandated minimum teacher compensation requirements. According to the preliminary budget presentation, the district's average teacher compensation is $83,049, above the state's required minimum of $79,543 for the 2024-25 cycle. Business manager Kelly Christopherson noted that while the retirement of veteran teachers naturally lowers the district's average compensation, the district maintains a cushion of roughly $3,000 per teacher above the state threshold.

Teachers union contract unanimously ratified

HURON, S.D. — The Huron Board of Education unanimously approved the ratification of the certified staff negotiations for the upcoming academic year. The newly ratified agreement with the teachers union incorporates a 1.4 percent cost-of-living increase, which was passed down from the state level.

District honors Teachers of the Year

HURON, S.D. — Three local educators were honored as the district's Teachers of the Year following nominations from students and peers. Brandi Fitzgerald was honored as High School Teacher of the Year for continuous advocacy and relationship-building with students. Dani Lowe was recognized as the Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Claire Gilbert was named the Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Support staff recognized for exceptional service

HURON, S.D. — The district celebrated its non-instructional workers by naming the Professional Support Staff and Classified Employees of the Year. District school nurse Tisha Harvey, who serves both Madison and McKinley schools, was awarded Professional Support Staff of the Year. Retiring high school library aide Lona Moser and high school nutrition manager Cassie Reinhardt were jointly awarded Classified Employees of the Year.

English learner program celebrates historic milestone

HURON, S.D. — The district's English learner program currently serves 951 students — a decrease of 61 from the previous year — and recently saw its first-ever kindergarten student exit the program by achieving language proficiency. English learner director Jolene Konechne reported that 49 students have exited the program this year after scoring proficient or advanced on state assessments. The district has also seen a sharp drop in the number of newly immigrated students, with only nine students in their first year in the country compared to 44 last year.

Free summer meal program announced

HURON, S.D. — The district will offer a free grab-and-go meal program for all children ages 1 through 18 over the summer break. The program will run from May 29 through Aug. 7 with pickup available on Tuesdays and Fridays at Huron Middle School. Each distributed bag will contain three breakfasts, three lunches and one snack, with registration available through the school nutrition office.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us