The Spearfish School District's latest board meeting showcased an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing student skills and community engagement: the Spartan Coffee Cart. Launched with a grant from the Spearfish Foundation for Public Education, this project allows students to learn job skills by operating a coffee shop within the school, serving teachers and staff.

Special education teacher Chris Geike introduced the program, highlighting its positive impact on students. "We are learning job skills by answering the phone and taking orders from our teachers," said student Rowan Espinosa. The coffee cart offers a variety of seasonal flavors and has quickly become popular among staff, with an average of six cups sold daily. The students manage everything from taking orders to handling money, providing them with valuable real-world experience.

In addition to the coffee cart, the meeting covered several important topics, including updates on school safety training and a proposal for a new track and field facility, which is projected to cost around $2.5 million. The board discussed the need for further evaluation of the proposals before making a decision.

The meeting also addressed upcoming policy revisions, including updates to the school calendar and emergency procedures, as well as new guidelines for school volunteers. These changes aim to enhance the educational environment and ensure student safety.

Overall, the Spartan Coffee Cart stands out as a significant highlight of the meeting, reflecting the district's commitment to fostering student development and community involvement. As the program continues to grow, it promises to provide students with essential skills while enriching the school culture.