The Britton-Hecla Board of Education discussed legislative priorities, staffing changes and school safety during its regular meeting Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Jack Baumert of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department presented the board with a $3,000 check stemming from a 2022 poaching case. According to Game, Fish and Parks, civil penalties collected in poaching cases are paid to the school district where the incident occurred.
District 1 State Representative Nick Fosness also met with the board to provide legislative updates and hear concerns about education and school funding. Discussion included testing procedures, ongoing school needs and accountability concerns. Fosness reiterated his support for public schools and his pledge not to support using taxpayer dollars for private education.
The board accepted the resignation of Ryan Nack from the head maintenance position. Interviews for the position have already been conducted.
Board members also approved a working agreement for Jenna Nordquist as junior high girls basketball coach. They approved an administrative rule waiver allowing Jenna Peters to teach math outside the subjects covered by her certification. The waiver is in its third year and requires board approval.
Superintendent Steve Benson presented a proposed grievance policy form to accompany the grievance policy included in the negotiated agreement with certified staff. Although the agreement outlines a grievance policy, it does not include a form for staff to use. The board’s Policy Committee is reviewing the proposed form and will bring it back for consideration at the next meeting.
In his superintendent’s report, Benson said the district partnered with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department to allow sheriff’s office personnel to access the same radio frequency used by school buses. The sheriff’s office requested access to the frequency to help provide a faster response if assistance is needed along a bus route. The district granted permission.
Benson also reported that the 2025-26 school board earned Gold Level status, an improvement from the Silver Level status previously received.
The board was informed of an upcoming food service review. The federally required review occurs every three years and examines the district’s food service processes and procedures.
The board set its retreat for Jan. 25, 2027.
The next regular Board meeting is Monday, Nov. 9.
