The Belle Fourche School Board held its July meeting on Monday evening, July 14. At 5:31 p.m. Scott Reder adjourned his final meeting as Board President. The Board then reconvened to elect a new President, and Nita Justice was unanimously elected as the new School Board President. Dr. Faye LaDuke-Pelster was elected unopposed and then unanimously voted as the new Vice President of the School Board.
Business Manager Susan Proefrock noted that the new fiscal year is starting. The Board designated the Black Hills Pioneer as its official legal newspaper. The starting time for board meetings was changed from 5:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
It was noted that August 4 will be the first competitive cheer practice and August 11 will be the first football practice for the upcoming school year.
Interquest Detection Canines informed the school in a letter dated May 7, 2025 that an increased presence of alcohol in school was noted this year, while THC “continued its prevalence in schools across our region.” 3 loaded weapons were located in cars on school property in the last 45 days. Using the Interquest program has served as a deterrent, and the educational value of periodic canine demonstrations and inspections creates a positive awareness, prompting students and adults to make good choices that enhance campus safety.
The Board appointed Kelly Keegan as the 2025-26 Legislative Chairperson. The Board also voted for a Delegate/Alternate to the 2025 ASBSD Delegate Assembly. Kelly Keegan was elected Delegate and Tara Knapp was elected Alternate.
Superintendent Orion Thompson stated that due to concerns brought to the Board, the Activities Handbook was reevaluated, and Coaches/Mentor roles were clarified. Specific Activity Handbook changes include: Page 2, removal of index; Page 11 & 12, Added Belle Fourche Activity Department Hiring Procedure; and Page 30, Added trainer as an additional person to review the Emergency Action Plan for each program.
The Board discussed the 2026 Election Law Update. Beginning with next year’s election cycle, the new state law permits a school board to hold their annual election on one of only two dates, one of which is in June and the other in November. In even numbered years, beginning in 2026, the annual school board election must be held on Primary Election Day, which would be Tuesday, June 2, 2026, or General Election Day which would be Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Susan Proefrock reiterated that June 2 would be the best option since the Board starts its new year in July, thus rendering the November date not an option. More information regarding this law and dates will come in the future.
The July board meeting was the final meeting in the current office. A new area for meetings is in the works, in the same building but in a different location. The Board is hopeful that next month’s meeting will be held in the new area.
The next School Board meeting will be August 11 at 5:30 p.m.
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