School board discusses state budget proposal

The Lennox School District board of education met Dec. 8 and addressed the governor’s budget address that was delivered last week.

Superintendent Adam Shaw noted that schools are frustrated with Gov. Larry Rhoden’s budget proposal of a zero percent increase in state aid to school districts. One of the biggest frustrations is increasing state reserves from 10 percent to 12 percent, adding another $79 million in reserves. 

“For us as educators, we obviously have a tough road ahead of us. A zero percent cut is really going to be a cut for us,” Shaw said.

Shaw plans to draft a letter to parents detailing what this budget proposal could mean to the district’s budget next year. If the governor’s budget proposal passes through the legislature, the district will need to cut more or pass an opt out. He noted parents will need to get involved and contact legislators about the budget.

Shaw said they will hold a ribbon cutting for the performing arts center before the concert on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. The public is invited.

The board reviewed a draft of the 2026-27 school calendar that is similar to the 2025-26 calendar with graduation a week later than it has been to May 15, 2027.

Shaw said they will meet with the city this week to talk about a school resource officer. He will be working on applying for grants to help in the process of trying to get an SRO.

Activities director Casey Shade noted that the student section for sporting events in the gym will move to opposite end of the bleachers and be located on the end nearest the high school commons. They will also be flipping the benches so the home bench is closer to the high school commons.

The special education student count is currently at 218 students.

Business manager Angela Arlt reminded the board that the school board election changed to coincide with the June primary on June 2. She still has to advertise the notice of vacancy in December. 

Petitions can be taken out Feb. 2 and are due March 24. Board members Scott Sandal, Heidi Bowers and Melissa Daugherty’s spots will be up for election.

All board members were appointed as Legislative Action Network members for the Associated School Boards of South Dakota.

The board approved the fiscal year 2025 audit report. The report came back with no findings. Arlt noted the audit can be found on the district’s website.

They approved the amendments to Policy 5035.1, firearms and weapons. The changes include cleaning up the verbiage to say no visitor can transport a weapon on campus, further defined what a weapon is and the consequences of bringing a firearm or dangerous weapon to campus.

They also approved the safety program that their worker’s compensation carrier requires them to have.

The board surplussed the old theatre lights from the intermediate school that have not been used in many years.

They reviewed the classified staff resignation of Nicholas Beck as high school custodian and the new classified staff work agreements for Jason Altman as high school custodian and Amanda ____ for elementary special education.

The board adjourned at 6:54 p.m.