Takeaways from Huron SD 2-2 Education Board Meeting
Week of June 23, 2026
Board adopts 2026-2027 district budget
Property tax levy request approved, owner-occupied rate drops
Board approves construction manager for high school kitchen remodel
District renews 25-year lease for Little League complex
Cyber liability insurance renewed to protect district data
Superintendent outlines transition to 'science of reading'
Free grab-and-go summer meals available for youth
Board adopts 2026-2027 district budget
HURON, S.D. — The Huron Board of Education unanimously adopted the $47.28 million 2026-2027 district budget during a special meeting on June 22. Business Manager Kelly Christopherson submitted the final budget, which passed without discussion following a public hearing held at the board's previous meeting.
Property tax levy request approved, owner-occupied rate drops
HURON, S.D. — The board unanimously approved tax levy requests for 2026 taxes payable in 2027, which will affect property owners in Beadle, Jerauld and Sanborn counties. The owner-occupied property tax levy, which is set by the state Legislature, dropped to 0.669. Business Manager Kelly Christopherson told the board that this rate had previously been over a dollar in past years, representing a notable reduction for local homeowners.
Board approves construction manager for high school kitchen remodel
HURON, S.D. — Puetz Design + Build was unanimously approved as the construction manager at risk for the upcoming Huron High School kitchen remodel. The firm will partner with JLG Architects to install a new exhaust system, as the current hood is too low to accommodate modern kitchen equipment. The contract will cost the district $2,000 plus 4 percent of the total project cost. The project will be funded through capital outlay certificates issued 18 months ago.
District renews 25-year lease for Little League complex
HURON, S.D. — The board authorized a new 25-year lease agreement with the city of Huron for the Roger Kasa Little League Complex. The lease runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2051, at a total cost of $1. Officials noted that the updated, multi-page contract expands significantly on the original two-page agreement drafted 25 years ago, adding modern legal protections for both the city and the school district.
Cyber liability insurance renewed to protect district data
HURON, S.D. — The board unanimously approved a cyber liability insurance renewal for the 2026-2027 school year at a cost of $14,933.96. Business Manager Kelly Christopherson noted that the district relies largely on state-managed or third-party cloud systems — such as Infinite Campus for payroll and student data — while the policy provides essential protection against costly ransomware and other cyber incidents.
Superintendent outlines transition to 'science of reading'
HURON, S.D. — Superintendent Kraig Steinhoff reported that 36 Huron educators recently joined more than 1,000 teachers at the South Dakota Department of Education's Literacy Conference in Mitchell. Steinhoff outlined the district's planned transition to the "science of reading" instructional framework, which emphasizes direct, explicit instruction and strengthening foundational classroom teaching. He stated that full implementation will be gradual, taking an estimated three to five years.
Free grab-and-go summer meals available for youth
HURON, S.D. — The district's grab-and-go summer meal program is running through Aug. 7, offering free food to children ages 1 through 18. Pickups are on Tuesdays and Fridays at Huron Middle School, with each bag containing three breakfasts, three lunches and one snack. The board approved a slate of local community members and student volunteers to assist the nutrition department in packing the meals. Families must register through the school nutrition office.
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