By Ryder Heitz
BELLE FOURCHE—The Belle Fourche School Board held a meeting on Monday, February 10. Associated School Boards of South Dakota honored the Belle Fourche School District for South Dakota School Board Recognition Week, February 17-21, “in recognition of dedicated leadership in public education and for improving achievement for all public school students.” The Belle Fourche High School FFA gave a presentation on parliamentary procedure. Curriculum Director Angela Reder also provided a data corner that covered the “What-Why-How” of district assessment practices with four different types of assessments introduced. Student Council Liaison Ellie Schreder reported on the activities of the Council and student body.
December 2024 and January 2025 Students of the Month were recognized. For December, those honored were: Fifth Grade—Rylee Kukla and Tymber Patterson; Sixth Grade—Harry Bruce and Claire Fickbohm; Seventh Grade—Adeline Humbracht and Brennan Williamson; Eighth Grade—Alexis Allart and Isaiah Slama. For January, those honored were: Fifth Grade—Aubyn Hartman and Logan Dennis; Sixth Grade—Adilynn Burke and Austin Ramirez; Seventh Grade—Charlie Merjil and Oaklee Atkins; Eighth Grade—Oaklee Curtis and Rylan Gross.
Susan Proefrock reported that the Board of Directors of the Black Hills Educational Benefits Cooperative held its quarterly meeting on November 21, 2024. The BHEBC provides health benefit services to employees of the Belle Fourche School District. Regular business was conducted, and a report of activities was presented. Knapp reported on the School Improvement Committee meeting held January 9 and shared those meeting minutes with the Board. Superintendent Thompson also provided a legislative update for the Board.
Administrative reports were then given. Mathew Raba, High School Principal, reported current enrollment numbers: total 9-12th grade enrollment is 362. Parent-teacher conferences will be held March 13 from 1:30-7:30 p.m. High schoolers will be taking the SD Assessments for English, Math, and Science during the week of April 7-10. National FCCLA week is February 10-14 and National FFA week is February 17-21. Both groups have activities planned to promote their programs and show service to the school and community. High school counselor Kyle Webb is organizing the 12th annual Career Fair to be held February 20. The fair will be held in the BFACC gym and over 60 tables are scheduled.
Middle School enrollment is 418. On January 21, the Black Hills Raptor Center gave fifth graders a presentation during their science classes. Middle school students participated in Humanity Launch activities on January 28, and on January 29, teachers took 50 eighth grade students snow skiing and snowboarding at Terry Peak. Civil War buffs Nick Jason and Kellen Willert presented authentic relics to social studies students on January 30. February activities include the winter band concert at the Rec Center on February 10, spring pictures on February 13, and the Science Fair open house on February 13. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for March 13 from 1:30-7:30 p.m. Public performances of Magic, the middle school play written by Reva Potter, will take place at the Rec Center on March 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. 49 students will be acting in the play with 12 students helping with technical production aspects.
Elementary Principal Julie Hatling reported that K-4 total enrollment in North and South Park schools is 444. A variety of activities are planned for this month at both schools. On February 14, Valentine’s Day and the 100th Day of School will both be celebrated. Since February is American Heart Month, everyone is encouraged to wear red on February 7. Staff continues to meet twice a month to advance their literacy initiative. Upcoming activities include Read Across America Week from March 3-6; Professional Development on March 7; Parent-Teacher Conferences on March 13; and Kindergarten Screening for SY 2025-2026 on April 4.
Special Education Director Caleb Case reported that the current child count is 252. The State Special Education Conference will occur next month in Rapid City, and the state testing window is fast-approaching.
Activities Department director Adam Nowowiejski reported that it was another great year for the 2-day boys and girls wrestling tournament. He stated that the number of girls wrestlers continues to increase and recommended that the district consider hiring a girls’ wrestling coach next year. The girls’ and boys’ basketball seasons are coming to a close and the 2nd annual Boys Basketball Classic will be February 15. Dairy Queen and Subway sponsored the event and will gift each member on the teams a commemorative T-shirt.
Facilities and Transportation Director Coyle reported that the fire marshal was recently in the district to do inspections. Coyle is waiting for a quote for new stair treads at the high school. A new discus cage system has been ordered and should arrive this month.
The Belle Fourche School District strategic plan was presented, with goal statements of building a quality educational program that is efficient, effective, and excellent; improving and developing a cooperative and positive image for the school system; providing financial resources to adequately fund the educational programs; and conducting school district business in a professional, effective, efficient, and responsible manner.
Discussion was held about the proposed school voucher program for the 2025 legislative session. A resolution in opposition to the school voucher proposal carried. The board entered Executive Session at 7:04 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the superintendent’s evaluation. The Board came out of executive session at 8:25 p.m. and the meeting was adjourned.
The next school board meeting will be March 10, 2025.
