September 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM - DOUGLAS SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION

Discussion:  All actions in these Minutes were by unanimous vote unless otherwise stated.

1st Vice President Amy McGovern called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Discussion:  Superintendent Kevin Case said thank you to the approximately 62 new staff and to the coordinators, principals and administrators who hired them.  Good hiring does make a difference.

Discussion:  There was nothing for public forum.

Discussion:         Approved Regular Board Meeting Minutes of August 25, 2025.

Discussion:         Approved Personnel Action for September 8, 2025. (Attachment)

Discussion:         Approved voluntary separation request for Alice Oleson as per terms of the 2025-26 Negotiated Agreement. The Voluntary Separation is effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year pending completion of the employee's 2025-26 contract. 

Discussion:         Approved July 2025 Financial Report (Attachment).

Discussion:         Approved Accounts Payable Report and August 2025 Payroll Report. (Attachments)

Discussion:          Approved Conflict Disclosures and Waiver Authorizations as Fair and Reasonable Pursuant to SDCL 3-23-3.

Discussion:  Elementary and Secondary Curriculum and Instruction Items:

Discussion:  Executive Director of Elementary Academics Ann Pettit reflected on the new onboarding process for new staff at the beginning of the year, connecting it to the District Strategic Direction for Identity and Adaptability. New staff had 4 days of professional development, as well as 7 days of PD for all staff. There was a follow-up meeting with new staff recently.  From the feedback given, there will be some adjustments made going forward to improve the process in setting new hires up for success in the district.

Discussion:  Superintendent Items:

Discussion:         Approved Student Assignment Requests as recommended for the 2025-26 school year.

      Approved Open Enrollment Applications under the Board Policy JECB, Emergency Clause as recommended for the 2025-26 school year.

Discussion:  Fiscal Resources Items:

Discussion:  Approved the following Resolution:

      BE IT RESOLVED the Douglas School District #51-1 Board of Education, after duly considering the proposed budget and its changes thereto, to be published in accordance with SDCL 13-11-2, hereby approves and           adopts its proposed budget and changes thereto, to be its annual budget for Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.  The adopted annual budget totals are as follows: General Fund: $28,225,000; Capital             Outlay Fund:  $3,492,475; Special Education Fund: $6,875,000; Impact Aid Fund: $6,802,825; and Food Service Fund: $1,558,650.  

       Approved the following tax levies for Fiscal Year 2026:  
          Tax Levies Certified to County Auditor
               - General Fund:
                    AG:  $1.125/$1,000
                   OO:  $2.518/$1,000
                   Other:  $5.211/$1,000
             - Special Education Fund:  $1.462/$1,000
             - Capital Outlay Fund:  $5,500,000

Discussion:  Reports:

Discussion:  Superintendent Kevin Case informed the board members on the progress of the Studer survey process.  Buildings created action plans from the feedback on the parent/caregiver surveys last year, and are intentionally sending positive notes to parents. The student survey was in May and will be taking one or two items from that survey to put together an action plan on what better looks like.  The staff survey is scheduled for September 22 - October 3.  It will have 20 questions and 3 open-ended questions.  Hoping for good participation. The survey data will be rolled out on one of the January PD days.  The rollout gives the opportunity to celebrate the good and seek input on ways to improve.  

Discussion:  Committee Reports from Board Members and Comments from Associate Board Members

Ben Frerichs will be attending the Facilities Master Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday. 

Col Koecher stated the runway project is on schedule.