Five Key Takeaways from a 4-Hour Sioux Falls School Board Meeting

Community Learning Centers Show Strong Results

The Sioux Falls School District’s Board of Education held a busy meeting on August 25, with over four hours of discussion covering a wide range of topics. From community learning centers to attendance improvements and legislative engagement, several key developments were highlighted.

One major focus was the district’s community learning centers (CLCs), which have been operating for three years. Data presented at the meeting showed that 92% of students improved their math scores, while 88% saw gains in reading. Students who participated in CLC programs before or after school also had better attendance rates and higher median scores compared to their peers.

This school year marks the first time middle school programming has been introduced under the CLC model, with new additions like the Boys & Girls Clubs at George McGovern Middle School and CLC programs at Ben Reifel and Whittier Middle Schools. High school CLC programming has also expanded, starting with a college and career access (CCA) pilot at Jefferson High School. A nonprofit called the Promising Futures Fund provided $400,000 to hire a CCA director and four advisors. The goal is to expand this program to all four high schools next year.

Additionally, high schools have expressed interest in adding intramural sports opportunities through the CLC model, offering activities for students not on official teams.

Attendance Improves at Six Schools

Two years ago, the district received a $1.5 million, three-year grant from the South Dakota Department of Education to tackle chronic absenteeism at six schools. Assistant Superintendent Daniel Conrad reported that $815,000 has been spent so far on Garfield, Hawthorne, Hayward, Terry Redlin Elementary Schools, and George McGovern and Whittier Middle Schools.

Attendance rates at these schools have risen to 92.49%, the highest in four years, with a 2.4% decrease in chronic absenteeism. The grant targets four student subgroups: Hispanic, Native American, economically disadvantaged, and homeless students. Attendance liaisons have made over 7,800 contacts with families using various methods, including phone calls, home visits, and support for essentials like bus passes and clothing.

Preparing for Legislative Visits

Superintendent Jamie Nold aims to invite local legislators to visit schools in October and November to showcase the impact of public education funding. Groups of one to three lawmakers will tour schools with district leaders, administrators, and board members. The visits will highlight Title 1 schools, English language learners, special education classrooms, early childhood programs, and more.

If any legislators decline, Nold plans to remind them during legislative sessions about the opportunity and the fact that most residents are publicly educated. This initiative seeks to build stronger relationships and demonstrate the value of education funding.

Request for Guardian Caps on Football Helmets

During public comment, a father-son duo asked the board to approve the use of guardian caps—softshell helmet covers—to reduce concussion risks in football. Grant Hohn, an eighth grader on the Edison Middle School team, shared concerns about his friend's brother quitting football due to concussions. His father, Dave Hohn, provided documents supporting the caps’ safety and noted they wouldn’t void helmet warranties.

Board President Nan Kelly acknowledged the request but stated that no data was available on the topic at the time. She assured the Hohns that the district would follow up on their request.

Recognition for Assistant Principal

George McGovern Middle School assistant principal Richard Hutchinson was named the 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year by the South Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals. DeeAnn Konrad, the district’s community relations coordinator, praised Hutchinson for his leadership and commitment to student success.

Hutchinson credited the entire school community, emphasizing the efforts of teachers who have dedicated themselves to helping students improve over the years.