October 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Regular Board Meeting

Background:  The following personnel are presented for the board’s consideration: Effective the 2025-26 school year:
New Hire (Support Staff): Serena Skjoldal, special services paraprofessional, Sturgis Elementary, $18.25/hr; Kristine Goldade, title paraprofessional, Sturgis Elementary, $14.85/hr; Kathy Flaigg, food service worker, Sturgis Brown High School, $16.43/hr, eff. 10/6/2025; Kiley Coburn, paraprofessional, Piedmont Valley Elementary, $15.25/hr, eff. 10/6/2025.

Change in Assignment/Hourly Rate (Support Staff): Megan Burgner, administrative assistant, Stagebarn Middle School, $17.43/hr, to head administrative assistant, $17.93/hr, eff. 9/18/2025.

Change in Hourly Rate (Support Staff): Laurie Lorius, food service manager, Sturgis Elementary, $23.68/hr to $25.68/hr (Tier 2), eff. 10/14/2025; Valerie Curtis, food service administrative assistant, district-wide, $20.89/hr to $22.89/hr, eff. 10/14/2025.

Contract Amendment (Teachers who advanced on the salary structure): Mary Ann Stenback, MA to MA+12 $600.00.

Retirement (Support Staff): Pam Brown, special services paraprofessional, Piedmont Valley Elementary, eff. 11/01/2025.

Resignation (Support Staff): Beth Hodges, cafeteria/lunchroom supervisor, Piedmont Valley Elementary, eff. 10/1/2025; Emma Hayes, after school program, Whitewood Elementary, eff. 10/10/2025.

Background:  The monthly financial reports for the board’s review.  Brett Burditt will answer any questions you might have regarding financials. 

Background:  Community members who have volunteered to work in schools throughout the district: Kathleen Kirby Eide, teacher assistant, Sturgis Elementary.

Background:  The Curriculum & IT Department has identified Social Studies textbooks/workbooks/network programs that are either in poor condition or outdated and not being used by the district and be declared surplus.

Background:  Extracurricular coaches and volunteer coaches will be updated monthly. Any changes will be highlighted in yellow.

Background:  The policy committee recommends the Board adopt the policy for implementation. 

Background:  The policy committee recommends the Board adopt the policy and exhibits for implementation.

Background:  The policy committee recommends the Board adopt the policy for implementation.

Background:  The policy committee recommends the Board adopt the policy for implementation. 

Background:  The policy committee recommends the Board adopt the policy for implementation. 

Background:  To remain in alignment with ASBSD, the Policy Committee recommends that the Board adopt the updated ASBSD policy for implementation.

Background:  The Policy Committee made a non-substantive change to Policy JOB: Student Surveys, removing the requirement to publish a notice of the policy in the newspaper and adding that the policy will be published online and linked in the student and teacher handbooks.

Background:  Marco Marolt, a teacher at Sturgis Brown High School, has completed and submitted all requirements for his alternative certification to the SD Department of Education. He is currently preparing for the Praxis exam and plans to retake it in the spring of 2026.

Background:  Board members and school administrators/officials need to request a conflict of interest waiver before participating in or voting upon a decision concerning an application in which that member has a direct personal or financial interest.  

Background:  Approve Ethan Dschaak Conflict of Interest Waiver as presented.

Background:  Approve Scottie Bruch Conflict of Interest Waiver as presented.

Background:  Open Forum is an opportunity for patrons to share their thoughts and concerns.  The school board will listen, but no discussion takes place and there will not be board action.  Board members may ask clarifying questions. The protocol established for open forum is to provide a time limit of three minutes to share concerns.  If a patron would like to have a two-way discussion, they are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the superintendent. 

Appropriate and respectful public decorum is expected. Any complaints about school employees should refer to school board Policy KL: Complaint Against School Employee.

Background:  The October Character Trait of the month is "Responsibility," which includes accountability, thinking before taking action, and doing what you are supposed to do.  

Background:  Sturgis Brown High School has recently earned the Purple Star Designation, recognizing its strong commitment to students and families affiliated with our national military. This designation confirms that SBHS has fulfilled all the qualification criteria for this honor. Mr. Wilson will provide a brief presentation on the Purple Star process.

Background:  The Superintendent will present the Deficit Correction Recommendations for FY27 to address the $1,250,000 deficit.

Mr. Wormstadt is recommending scheduling a special board meeting on Monday, October 27 at 5:30 pm to receive public input on the proposed budget corrections. Each item proposed will be placed on the agenda for individual discussion and community input.

Background:  Recognize Sturgis Brown High School as a Purple Star School.  The proclamation on military children should be read prior to the vote on the approval of SBHS as a Purple Star School. 

Background:  Superintendent Mr. Wormstadt recommends the board approve the proposed early retirement incentive MOU, which would offer early retirement incentives to such district-certified teachers.

Background:  Mr. Wormstadt is recommending the Board approve scheduling a special board meeting on Monday, October 27 at 5:30 pm to receive public comment on the district-wide deficit correction recommendations for FY27.

A decision will need to be made regarding the location of the meeting.

Background:  The SBHS Rodeo Club is requesting approval to access the Meade 46-1 SBHS waterline. The proposed water service would extend to the rodeo grounds and provide 4-6 hydrants for stock water during events, two bathrooms, and a concession stand kitchen.

All expenses related to the installation and connection of the waterline will be the responsibility of the SBHS Rodeo Club.

Background:  Business Manager Brett Burditt is recommending the Board approve an amendment to the General Fund budget for the Whitewood Elementary and Sturgis Elementary Title I 1003 School Improvement Grants. These grants provide each school with resources to support academic improvement.

Background:  Business Manager Brett Burditt is requesting the Board approve to amend the General Fund Budget in the amount of $145,000.00 to cover property and liability insurance premiums, Crisis Go software, supplies and committee stipends.

Background:  Business Manager Brett Burditt is requesting Board approval to amend the 2025-26 Capital Outlay budget by $11,000.00 to fund Acellus licenses for the Homeschool Connections Program.

Background:  The Transportation Committee recommends pursuing quotes for transportation services. The Superintendent and Business Manager will prepare an RFP for transportation services for FY27. In this process, the district will explore the option of assuming responsibility for the rural routes that serve CMCS.

Background:  The district has received the contract from BH Pest Control to continue providing pest management services as needed to prevent and control pest issues across district facilities. The agreement is effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Background:  This is the First Reading of School Board Policy AH: Conflict of Interest Disclosure and Authorization.

Background:  This policy is not currently in place within the district. The policy committee recommends the Board adopt the policy for implementation. This is the first reading of School Board Policy ACAB: Prohibition Against Aiding or Abetting Sexual Abuse.

Background:  This policy is not currently in place within the district. The policy committee and special services director recommends the Board adopt the policy for implementation. This is the first reading of School Board Policy IGBA: Special Education and Related Services.

Background:  This policy is not currently in place within the district. The policy committee recommends the Board adopt the policy for implementation. This is the first reading of School Board Policy DFD: Gate Receipts and Admissions.

Background:  This policy is not currently in place within the district. The policy committee recommends the Board adopt the policy for implementation. This is the first reading of School Board Policy ABAD: Parent's Rights.

Background:  The district has received the updated lease agreement from the National Guard for the board’s consideration. Revisions within the document are highlighted in yellow.

Background:  In previous years, the Board has hosted a legislative round table. The Board and Superintendent's office will schedule a legislative dinner before the December 8 board meeting and invite our area legislators for a discussion and dinner. 

Background:  The SBHS East Campus Grazing Lease with Denny and Doris Lauing will expire on December 31, 2025. Business Manager Brett Burditt will coordinate with the Lauings to discuss renewal options and seek direction from the Board regarding whether to extend the current agreement or open the lease for public bids.

Background:  Board reports are enclosed in the Board packet.

Background:  October 20: Finance Committee Meeting @ 4:30 pm
October 22: Students 2 Hour Late Start (Professional Development Day)
October 27: Special Board Meeting @ 5:30 pm
November 5: 2 Hour Early Release (Evacuation Drill)