The Britton-Hecla and Langford Area school district boards of education have each earned Gold Level awards from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) for their work during the 2025-26 school year.
The awards recognize the boards’ participation in ASBSD’s ALL program, which stands for Act, Learn, Lead. The program honors school boards that work to expand their knowledge and leadership skills to better serve students and their communities.
Boards accumulate points throughout the school year by participating in ASBSD activities and training opportunities and demonstrating leadership at the local, state and national levels. Both the Britton-Hecla and Langford Area boards earned at least 500 points to qualify for Gold Level recognition.
“Britton-Hecla School District School Board members put forth excellent effort in the 2025-26 school year for their local district and to earn the statewide recognition of the Gold level ALL award,” ASBSD Executive Director Heath Larson said. He offered the same recognition to the Langford Area School District board.
Langford Area Superintendent Shad Storley said the board’s participation in educational opportunities sets an example for others in the district.
“I feel that the school board is leading by example when they are willing to participate in educational opportunities. They wouldn’t have to, but if they want teachers to grow, by taking part in trainings by the ASBSD, they are taking their roles seriously and growing as a school board,” Storley said.
Britton-Hecla Superintendent Steve Benson said the award reflects the board’s effort to better understand the district’s needs and the future of education.
“Receiving the Gold Level award is a strong indicator that the BH board is taking the time and effort to understand the needs of our district, the challenges that we face as school and community partner and working to gain a greater understanding of where education is and where it is trending in the future,” Benson said. “That is exactly the type of commitment that you want from a board when it comes to serving the students, staff, and the community that they represent.”
Larson said the boards’ commitment to enhancing their knowledge of their responsibilities benefits students, staff and their communities.
The awards were presented during the 10th year of the ALL program, which recognized a record 92 public school boards across South Dakota.
