The Langford Area Board of Education met Monday night, covering a full agenda that included staff presentations, legislative discussion, and planning for future school years.
Three teachers opened the meeting by sharing updates on projects and activities taking place in their classrooms.
A legislative update followed with Sen. Michael Rohl and newly appointed Rep. Nick Fosness. Rohl outlined several bills he plans to introduce in the upcoming session, while Fosness spoke about the challenging legislative year last year. Board members shared their concerns about the governor’s proposed zero-percent increase in state education funding and discussed the importance of local control and the state’s teacher accountability model.
The board set the 2026 school board election for June 2, the date of the primary. The district will run its own election with only one voting site at the school, separate from the county’s polling location. The decision complies with new South Dakota law requiring school and municipal elections to be held in even-numbered years, either during the June primary or November general election.
In other business, the board approved a work agreement with Desiree Craig to serve as cheerleading advisor. Members also reviewed drawings for a proposed bleacher project but made no decisions, saying they want to confirm that the renderings accurately reflect what would be built.
Superintendent Shad Storley reported on the broader legislative outlook and emphasized the need to actively advocate for public education, especially as planning begins for the 2026–27 school year. Storley also noted that weather-related decisions remain challenging as winter approaches. He reminded the board that winter break will begin December 19 with a 12:45 p.m. dismissal.
The board entered executive session for personnel matters and took no action afterward.
The next board meeting will be Jan. 12 at 7 a.m.
Temperature: 31°F Town: Britton, SD
Pressure: 1016 hPa
Wind: 1 mph
