[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6562315,"mediaKeyId","3276857-fdec6c7ff8da33885dbaee0d9124b78e","parentId",3276857,"title","Board approves retirements, resignations, hires and at least one leave of absence","audioSeconds",100,"startMs",2236000,"endMs",2336000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276857-fdec6c7ff8da33885dbaee0d9124b78e&start=2236&end=2336","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276857-fdec6c7ff8da33885dbaee0d9124b78e/thumbnail_2236000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6562315/South-Dakota/Board-approves-retirements-resignations-hires-and-at-least-one-leave-of-absence","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562315-18761764be4609d1d3743e72dde8c39c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136759&Signature=GkoPq0J1nqNeJkFBb6EpOU2u9qtUahIo5~~RdZ4MjWfw7efHH9hCEqQ2vrj4SRCkaA8N9dwUTiVZanw63bvVZQthhD-tGThGaZ9V4SgANQxe4G5Q2aNKHTUlGnIzbsjYR7HGDOmcnx2zf8M7-dZpbAfXMckcfmloCNmEL~XZYkTTCP5ohBXrmx3mdEHhJjeSda~SW6HVqDFD1~Uf0VjmqMmXFockL8jEQxgfDmq9YOyvDVfPIxvX9RM4lPEwB9TSQithHMRemAic19k6YgL86R8ntzIA3JzcA57zPdDstgpaYOXS5XuLSVL8BR~hiytqNsnJ2J24LnA6PZK5uuGURg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Watertown School District 14-4","date","2025-05-12T18:02:34Z","article","The Watertown School District 14-4 Board approved multiple personnel actions at its May 13 meeting, including a retirement, a slate of resignations, contract recommendations for new hires and a requested leave of absence tied to association leadership duties.

The board accepted one listed retirement (a staff member identified as Joan in the meeting record) and approved a variety of resignations presented on the board’s personnel list; the administration noted an additional resignation (Ashley Holloway) that should be considered part of the packet. The board also approved a set of contract recommendations that included classroom hires and the appointment of Aaron Kanowski as assistant principal at the intermediate school; staff noted several hires derived from the district’s pair-to-teacher program.

The board approved a requested leave of absence for a staff member who is in line to assume the presidency of the South Dakota Education Association (SDEA) after the current president announced an early departure; administration said the leave is covered by an existing memorandum of understanding with the local association.

Board members discussed alternative-education staffing and social-studies curriculum concerns raised during the personnel discussion; one board member asked for additional staffing for Arrow Success Academy (the district’s alternative/at-risk program) and pressed for coordination between English and social-studies curriculum during upcoming revisions.

Ending: Human Resources will process retirements, finalize new contracts and implement the approved leave in accordance with the MOU.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Watertown School Board Meeting | 5:30 PM | 5/12/25","oneSentenceSummary","At the May 13 meeting the board approved a list of retirements and resignations, accepted multiple contract recommendations and hires (including an assistant principal), and granted a leave of absence for a staff member set to assume SDEA responsibilities.","taxTitle","Watertown School District 14-4, School Districts, South Dakota","taxId",65997,"location","South Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6562320,"Board approves Lincoln School parking lot bid, athletic-complex change order and surgical-technology procurement authority",254,2743000,2997000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276857-fdec6c7ff8da33885dbaee0d9124b78e&start=2743&end=2997","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276857-fdec6c7ff8da33885dbaee0d9124b78e/thumbnail_2743000.jpg","/articles/6562320/South-Dakota/Board-approves-Lincoln-School-parking-lot-bid-athletic-complex-change-order-and-surgical-technology-procurement-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562320-52e2a102caeff0d1819c519c4204d89a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136759&Signature=PunVywD8vpYLzGcyFzqjz1OPSymbHe8udzw1LaZIy1Z40BWVm6DsGXxDrXQTV9uuE6a1iGKOcyJJ-jFSQDdOElnB1HQHO9x~f3WxjpfR5CQbtTbjKuKBN7XWRhlsW0r6fK2wPzHaY3agmcfRIIYesDTDOTG8thVhd60P~DHfhwfEKyEl6eKb-elacVZ9uHnqLlDBRhj~IZy7aR9BwazkLXB1Ms5CMqyH9fpG6DstGSnnVLFpXWbrSAmiYQdSGyBYPRdOJW7Us0RJAGjXzktwoFuPWlg~ruxLSby9ffYSN9ah7PvVs65e2Ix3XZn4Yh6Wm549ve-tBGwqPEOH3vhwtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Watertown School District 14-4’s board approved several facilities and procurement items at the May 13 meeting: a sole-bid award for the Lincoln School North parking-lot project, a contract change order for the district athletic complex and authorization to proceed with bidding surgical-technology equipment ahead of an equipment donation.

The district recommended accepting Dunnick Incorporated’s sole bid of $164,570 for the Lincoln School North parking-lot work; the project is scheduled to begin in July and be complete before the start of school in August. The board approved the award.

On the athletic complex the board approved Change Order No. 6, a $46,301 addition covering nine items (including field-house code revisions, structural supports for perforated panels, concrete infill in front of the field house, flooring and irrigation modifications). With the change order the board-recorded contract total reached $10,900,000 and the remaining construction contingency was reported at $387,000.

Administrators also requested authority to bid surgical-technology equipment for LATC. Staff said Sanford is donating remaining equipment for the Surgical Technology Learning Center in July; the board approved moving forward with the bid process so ordering and installation can be completed before the academic year.

Board members discussed program growth: surgical technology enrollment was described as scheduled to bring in 21 new students in the fall with 18 second-year students currently, and staff noted the district’s goal to expand to 48 students in the program.

Ending: Approved contracts and procurement steps will move to execution and staff will report progress in following board meetings.","The board authorized a parking-lot contract with Dunnick Inc., approved a $46,301 change order for the athletic complex and approved authority to solicit bids for surgical-technology equipment tied to a Sanford equipment donation arriving in July.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6562324,"Lake Area Technical College reports strong placement for class of 2024; class of 2025 graduation set for May 16",291,643000,934000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276857-fdec6c7ff8da33885dbaee0d9124b78e&start=643&end=934","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276857-fdec6c7ff8da33885dbaee0d9124b78e/thumbnail_643000.jpg","/articles/6562324/South-Dakota/Lake-Area-Technical-College-reports-strong-placement-for-class-of-2024-class-of-2025-graduation-set-for-May-16","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562324-0bd34b790935098dbd76aa8f1a445b0d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136759&Signature=E22AlZvtnS5gblAtW95PIAvsG~b664WB7vKoibtZPKFcMBteRpDypRbgche2XIwkgCPyInDghMVKDEhZqh0vC4QlTBskQgMfOcKExPS3FJewM25sG8Tv3GV~DHEw2LqrUeTdvamGouHq6fWrXUZH3IYWvj16Aads-G4vmvHmSswddKJrBmI0sT76xdxKZUaz1Xk0PW0nJjraCRNoBrHoayKgRSsNlXwx5z4oBWCKrXe9KwHA3qk6u~~6PIkYY~3M3i9KjW1LAdeSImEAs2F90YmpAy-cQVsiIeLn68KsF0MUMvITxPYQQMJlJtzaTlXJK6jgjKoSpT2~ypNqM1yETA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lake Area Technical College (LATC) staff reported graduate placement outcomes for the class of 2024 and briefed the Watertown School District board on the class of 2025 during the May 13 meeting.

For the class of 2024 LATC reported 781 graduates earning 806 credentials and said the college connected with 768 of those graduates, a 98% response rate. Of those reached, 82% were reported to remain in South Dakota; 51 graduates were continuing education or serving in the armed forces and 613 were reported employed. The college reported that, among employed graduates, 93% worked in their field of study, 81% worked in South Dakota, and 74% worked in their field of study in South Dakota.

LATC said it is working with the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation to validate wage data for the class of 2024; final wage statistics were pending and expected to be shared at the state board of technical education meeting.

For the class of 2025 LATC presented preliminary numbers: 894 individuals qualified to graduate, with roughly 600 expected to participate in the May 16 commencement ceremony at the Civic Arena. The 2025 class reportedly represents students from 15 states; 81% are from South Dakota and about 70% worked while enrolled (nearly 40% working 20 or more hours per week). LATC noted 21% of the 2025 graduates are the first in their family to earn any college degree.

The board acknowledged the reports and had no formal action on the placement report; administration said more complete wage validation would be circulated after the Department of Labor review.

Ending: LATC commencement scheduled for May 16, 2025; staff will provide validated wage figures to the board when available.","LATC officials told the Watertown School Board the class of 2024 had a 98% response rate to placement follow-up with roughly 82% staying in South Dakota and 93% of employed graduates working in their field; LATC reported 894 potential graduates for 2025 and scheduled commencement on May 16.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6562329,"Watertown School District presents preliminary $116.8 million FY26 budget; general fund down slightly from FY25",204,1706000,1910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276857-fdec6c7ff8da33885dbaee0d9124b78e&start=1706&end=1910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276857-fdec6c7ff8da33885dbaee0d9124b78e/thumbnail_1706000.jpg","/articles/6562329/South-Dakota/Watertown-School-District-presents-preliminary-1168-million-FY26-budget-general-fund-down-slightly-from-FY25","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562329-2c8de68ab5a06d6f5a52d8cbb3f063d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136759&Signature=eJ3maWFZ4IECxpCWVtDY0~hulS16geH7F53m6d1FZ66kct1atUnhnjiQKkfKVLw2vGzgmD4~MPZ8KR9xhyeL4KmWIeAhy-QrhfOwO5lMeK8O2NAm2yloVMCDAVEt-U1h~VgB259s4sd6-7NV6QMZ3VQBkdeyn3XMrGsBe8qGx0RNA5nJGf~I~OjS2cP6klhgY~3xp474yVx3WbhsGlW60Xub7s-BzWpU48r6F-T1wxxbslFbUcHieqYIrizFMVrFD3c5EbyQljLHKLZ-7sw8drDfb51eWpiM4Bu~TFSDzKVfi5ucXII4Qw~fJeU50KrOuaX6UxpKQQZrQCxUa~uBkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Watertown School District 14-4 administration presented a preliminary budget of $116,846,196 for the 2025–26 school year during the board’s May 13 meeting. The document, which the administration said was reviewed in detail at a May 1 budget work session, shows an overall decline of 10.91% from the previous year driven primarily by reduced capital-outlay spending and completion of major LATC construction projects.

The administration reported that capital outlay decreased 53.52% year over year as the athletic complex and related construction moved from active construction to completion. Lake Area Technical College (LATC) spending was presented as 46% of the overall district budget at $53,900,000 across funds, with LATC operating budgets decreasing about 12.28% as a portion of the district total because much of the archway construction is complete.

The proposed general fund for K–12 operations was presented at $31,900,000, a 2.33% decrease from the prior year. The presentation indicated revenue composition for the general fund roughly as 43% local, 44% state, and 4% federal, with about 9% reflected as use of cash on hand and capital outlay transfers. The administration projected enrollment at 3,460 students for FY26.

Personnel costs continue to dominate the proposed budget: salaries and benefits were reported to represent approximately 84% of the general fund budget and 92% of the special-education fund budget. The administration noted a 1.25% salary/benefit increase in the LATC payroll lines to reflect the state funding adjustment; full wage data for graduates (workforce wage validation tied to Department of Labor and Regulation) was said to be pending verification and to be released at the state board of technical education meeting.

The board set the public budget hearing for July 14 at 5 p.m., at which the district will take public comment and consider adoption of a final FY26 budget.

Ending: Administration will post the full preliminary budget to the district website and return to the board for the July public hearing and final adoption.","District staff presented the proposed FY25–26 budget totaling $116,846,196, noted decreases in capital outlay and LATC construction spending, and projected enrollment of 3,460 students; the board scheduled a public hearing for July 14.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6562334,"Watertown School District board approves bids, banking contract and multiple personnel items; sets budget hearing for July 14",4235,94000,4329000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3276857-fdec6c7ff8da33885dbaee0d9124b78e&start=94&end=4329","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3276857-fdec6c7ff8da33885dbaee0d9124b78e/thumbnail_94000.jpg","/articles/6562334/South-Dakota/Watertown-School-District-board-approves-bids-banking-contract-and-multiple-personnel-items-sets-budget-hearing-for-July-14","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562334-42ac9ece9ec35773de7465a47d2b36a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136759&Signature=GARR9S8k7F~lrX40ESdqXN7YoJIrmnHOdBuAq3ri55zWFxIdM5We~1-bCtp76oMZQY5XxOEd~NRAyu6p16szKaQoBm30kMw7LeujcFPkib3IvcLXJcLscl2~0Juh7Jgl7BgnnN3-iQ64qBAhffG0v2VVTSRUlIrPkGBKNT520IhautRErfpH9wGIBmHp6z-cCLri3dlq5sbuBoTm3xkiT0ndv-V56viBwTcCPJNil1mQ-BD3C1p~~qBTzHPXCCO8nWYea9RwIDh4PmNiy5ajAttna-4s2IOT-PQzYlZ76osweiQ4sLrn9QDlLhzmqbDeQ79F-f4hypKxF2F2llv1mw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Watertown School District 14-4 Board of Education voted on multiple routine and contract items during its May 13 meeting, approving bids, personnel recommendations and a district banking services agreement and setting the public budget hearing for July 14, 2025.

The board accepted a sole bid from Dunnick Incorporated for the Lincoln School North parking-lot project in the amount of $164,570 and approved a change order (Change Order No. 6) to the athletic complex contract that adds $46,301 to the contract, bringing the project total to $10,900,000. The change order covers nine items including code revisions to the field house, structural support for perforated panels at the ticket booth, concrete infill in front of the field house (previously shown as turf), some flooring and tile adjustments, and irrigation modifications; the construction contingency was reported at $525,000 before the change order and afterward the remaining contingency was $387,000.

The board accepted a proposal from First PREMIER Bank to provide comprehensive banking services under a service agreement that will begin in July 2025. Board members said an evaluation committee reviewed seven competitive proposals and recommended First PREMIER based on rates, fee structure and other terms.

District supply contracts for the 2025–26 year were renewed: Performance Food was awarded the food distribution contract and Contract Paper Group was awarded the paper-products contract.

On personnel matters the board approved a slate of resignations, retirements, hires and contract recommendations (including the hiring of Aaron Kanowski as assistant principal at the intermediate school), and granted a requested leave of absence for a staff member who is slated to assume an SDEA leadership position. The board also approved other personnel contracts and addendums as presented.

Other motions carried included approval of the April minutes and the April financial reports, authorization to bid for surgical-technology equipment at Lake Area Technical College (LATC) in advance of an equipment donation from Sanford, and acceptance of district product bids and routine policy updates. The board set the FY 2025–26 budget hearing for July 14 at 5:00 p.m.

All motions acted on at the meeting passed as presented; where specific tallies were not read into the record the motions were recorded by the board as carried.

Ending: The board closed the meeting after routine administrative reports and announcements about upcoming graduations and a June 17 election for four board seats.","At its May 13 meeting the Watertown School District 14-4 Board approved a range of routine and contract items including a parking-lot bid, athletic-complex change order, a district banking services agreement, food and paper supply renewals, and multiple personnel recommendations; the board set the FY26 budget hearing for July 14.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves retirements, resignations, hires and at least one leave of absence

Board approves Lincoln School parking lot bid, athletic-complex change order and surgical-technology procurement authority

Lake Area Technical College reports strong placement for class of 2024; class of 2025 graduation set for May 16

Watertown School District presents preliminary $116.8 million FY26 budget; general fund down slightly from FY25

Watertown School District board approves bids, banking contract and multiple personnel items; sets budget hearing for July 14