B-H BOARD: HIRE FOR SUMMER, NO BOARD ELECTION

    The Britton-Hecla Board of Education met Monday evening to address a range of issues. 
    During the open forum, Jeanne Ahlgren once again raised concerns about the Sora eBook platform, urging the board not to renew its contract. B-H teacher Jenna Peters reported encouraging results from recent student testing she helped administer. She said seventh graders showed improvement in both English Language Arts and Math on state standardized tests and praised the students for their hard work.
    In her report, Business Manager Madi Neiber announced there would be no school board election this June. Current members Troy Knecht and Kurt Zuehlke filed petitions to retain their seats and will continue serving three-year terms. Audrey Schuller did not seek re-election, and Dan Tracy will join the board in July. Neiber also said she is preparing the preliminary budget for the 2025–26 school year and monitoring year-end expenses closely.
    The board approved several staffing items, including Rachelle Kilker as the Extended School Year summer school teacher and summer help and wages. Certified teacher contracts were signed and accepted, and working agreements for off-staff coaches were approved.
    Due to high needs within the district, the board again declared the special education program at capacity for non-resident students. Superintendent Steve Benson explained the decision ensures the district can meet the needs of students moving into the area, as required by law, rather than those seeking to open enroll from outside.
    Board members also voted on South Dakota High School Activities Association ballot items, which included updates to eligibility rules for athletics. A service agreement for the completion of the Consolidated Application was approved, and results from a recent employee engagement survey were shared.
    In his report, Superintendent Benson recognized longtime employee Carol Beck for her many years of service to the district. Beck most recently served as head cook and led the afterschool program.
    The next Britton-Hecla School Board meeting is scheduled for June 9.