[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,76,88,99],{"_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",6550249,"mediaKeyId","5399970-5e22a3d70be1d7b37991ab940889115b","parentId",5399970,"title","Board approves routine agenda items, agreements and consent agenda; motions carry unanimously","audioSeconds",2992,"startMs",2226000,"endMs",5218000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399970-5e22a3d70be1d7b37991ab940889115b&start=2226&end=5218","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399970-5e22a3d70be1d7b37991ab940889115b/thumbnail_2226000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6550249/South-Dakota/Board-approves-routine-agenda-items-agreements-and-consent-agenda-motions-carry-unanimously","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550249-0250205c708d5f847d1f7feb72871603/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197234&Signature=onutEZaudBH7ZDWm4or3iQR0RQQdW5Z61dgfhDlsk9clOc6w~otzEVB20nXNUU1ZdTxWLBlsO1JofLnrt9TBmIVSb~KRKMumT0Tx2M~Ba-iOqlU0OKOVQ5Zws2SnSBXbw5LJ7sZaJdaXEXIKUO5jcR75PGugxig-fP3rYe2zJyIe~GTiOOUDp2azt~FocdcnguRuMLNyMq2yQ1GYznf5soabgWWvfY9X8LMP9Yr7NZp~Vu8-qWSrV7ZF4bdTS7AC0HLGNlTPs9U0LpD47Bpd8M3yZWLW7Y5nC2ef5elOlE1Ix~sPbM-0NVOKP3RkPBONCkuG3aqJ50n7t60LQX~kFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rapid City Area Schools","date","2025-07-16T13:10:03Z","article","At its regular meeting the Rapid City Area School District 51‑4 board took several procedural votes recorded in the meeting minutes.

Votes at a glance
- Approval of amended agenda deleting item 12: Motion carried 4–0. The president explained quorum and voting thresholds before the vote.
- Approval of proposed agreement(s) (item 9): Motion carried 4–0.
- Approval of consent agenda: Motion carried 4–0.
- Adjournment: Motion carried 4–0.

Details and procedure: Board President Troy Carr called the meeting to order, confirmed a quorum (4 of 7 board members present) and reminded attendees that a majority of voting members present is required for action. The board removed item 12 from the agenda and approved the amended agenda, then later voted to approve proposed agreement(s) listed under item 9 and the consent agenda. Each motion was moved and seconded on the record and carried unanimously by the four voting members present.

Ending: The meeting adjourned after routine business and committee reports.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 15, 2025 Board of Education Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Rapid City Area School District 51‑4 board approved the amended agenda (deleting item 12), approved proposed agreements and the consent agenda; all recorded votes in these items carried 4–0.","taxTitle","Rapid City Area School District 51-4, School Districts, South Dakota","taxId",12939,"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},6550253,"Parent urges Rapid City school board to change remote bus stop after family says 1.3‑mile walk is unsafe",575,2285000,2860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399970-5e22a3d70be1d7b37991ab940889115b&start=2285&end=2860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399970-5e22a3d70be1d7b37991ab940889115b/thumbnail_2285000.jpg","/articles/6550253/South-Dakota/Parent-urges-Rapid-City-school-board-to-change-remote-bus-stop-after-family-says-13mile-walk-is-unsafe","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550253-d7c970190568304ba62c9702e17da0fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197234&Signature=Oc9jLHirlIrZ36pvAbGC1KBnqWSQb9v~662fd04Q8wWK9hndAqHF-MmDL6n4fG8mOlBWC7y9iNH27cAygwglY9wF7DuKB0kD13g6YODh6mHINlH2AArI0kpSxHRY2-UO78iF1SgJ-WVadobrFIHd6gbA89cPyvtq7xHEwb6PZH3ZAVKCUK1faRJ9oKBy039NtsUCNyaBnJdcDDFlada0EOQGfRw3gE86xNFkYjhhIeBZpU5FEC8pYU-bqh6ayAWgfmnMAQxHtdichlsYFiJx8GYQ~8E1HrDRuLuevdUKOA8o9aHFcUeFywduFgLqQP375cbfY0eLhSjL6sAHPCjbhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Rapid City parent raised a safety concern during the board’s public comment period, saying the designated bus stop for his address on Tiffany Court requires children to walk 1.3 miles over hills and curves to reach the stop and that the route is unsafe in inclement weather and during morning sun glare.

“My concern is we just moved out the house on Tiffany Court… Lower Spring Road and Dewey Lane is 1.3 miles from our house with hills, curves, etcetera,” said the speaker, who identified himself as Mr. Linnebow and provided handouts showing the route. He told the board he had emailed district transportation and received a prompt response saying the stop location was long‑established and that the roads to Tiffany Court were not maintained well enough to allow safe bus travel.

“If it’s not safe for the bus, is it safe for my daughter to walk there?” Linnebow asked. He said he could get his daughter to the stop in the morning but could not reliably pick her up when the bus returned later in the day.

Board response and follow up: Board Member Katie Urban thanked the parent and said she had already begun looking into the matter and expected a response from district staff within a few days. “I am looking into it, and I know our CFO, mister Sassy, is going to look into it as well and respond,” Urban said. Board members noted there is a turnaround spot at the end of Tiffany Court that could accommodate a bus and suggested the parent contact the local road district about road maintenance.

Scope and next steps: The parent said he would send additional emails and requested a discussion of possible routing or stop relocation. The board and staff committed to follow up; Urban indicated district transportation and finance staff would respond to the family with findings and possible options.

Ending: The board’s public comment record shows administrators will investigate routing and safety for Tiffany Court and report back to the family and board staff in the coming days.","At the board's open forum a parent said the district's bus stop at Lower Spring Road and Dewey Lane is 1.3 miles from his new home on Tiffany Court, creating a safety concern for his 10‑year‑old daughter; board members said administrators and the CFO will follow up.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6550257,"Brown & Brown recommends higher out‑of‑pocket cap to lower Rapid City schools’ 2025‑26 medical premium increase",0,4970000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399970-5e22a3d70be1d7b37991ab940889115b&start=4970&end=4970","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399970-5e22a3d70be1d7b37991ab940889115b/thumbnail_4970000.jpg","/articles/6550257/South-Dakota/Brown-Brown-recommends-higher-outofpocket-cap-to-lower-Rapid-City-schools-202526-medical-premium-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550257-4492aa3d633a27f20c5a90958dd4f8aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197234&Signature=SdQD7BjtRHjO2mf5mHZJAh4Q1bsVL-OoFn4hSI9IQ427Xe8uEbPNDmPzTCqT0Yg7TFj8V0fplIuUFcGjjiSm5H9dupgpbKeAjpT9QdUUKquozwXMkjbuLWGFV0My9P2GXQr9Jm37k40uTfM67JIK0zfVwYCjmT10InOWcS2VGQPfjClaLpej7OCczkFFrt4duaGonQSzUEm7BQj6nTPwYmaEYzIodmDvhipvgJTQqzchI6IpQaLhKrCmiED9iCkq~7vto9E99KJV1fSK7bs9nSQjeHsKfd0GJtuwsBKcEtNg5gRCsm8KEU65DyMTpGrITCLNY2G0NuehEriZH-yDQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brown & Brown’s financial executive Scott Johnson told the Rapid City Area Schools board the district’s self‑funded medical plan was running slightly above expectations year‑to‑date and presented three funding options for the 2025‑26 plan year, recommending a plan‑design adjustment that raises the maximum out‑of‑pocket cap and lowers the projected premium increase.

“The plan is basically running at a 104.2% of contractual expected,” Scott Johnson said during his presentation. After adding three months of claims experience that were favorable, Brown & Brown revised an initial projected funding increase from 7.7% down to 6.6% if no plan‑design changes were made. The firm’s recommended alternate—raising the plan’s maximum out‑of‑pocket (the presentation described an option raising individual out‑of‑pocket from $5,000 to $18,000)—reduced the recommended funding increase to about 5.5%.

Key numbers presented: Brown & Brown estimated the district’s additional cost under the recommended design at approximately $713,000 annually and additional employee contributions at about $286,000, for a total portfolio increase of roughly $1,000,000; the consultant reported the overall benefits portfolio rising about 5.3% (about $745,000) including a proposed 3% dental increase. Scott Johnson gave sample employee impacts: a 12‑month single coverage employee’s monthly contribution would rise by about $6.74 under the recommendation; family coverage showed a rise of about $46.43 per month.

District staff described the governance and communication process: the insurance advisory committee had reviewed the options and the HR/benefits team planned employee educational sessions during the upcoming two‑week open enrollment (end of July into August). Human resources staff said they would notify employees after the board confirms the funding direction.

Board discussion and recommendation: Board members and administrators discussed whether the board must make a formal vote on the renewal or whether the district historically handles renewal approvals as an information item and administrative action. Chief Financial Officer mister Sassy said he supported Brown & Brown’s recommendation. “I would support the recommendation for Brown and Brown as I believe the insurance advisory committee did as well,” he said.

Process note: Brown & Brown and district staff stressed the plan is self‑funded, and that funding decisions must balance projected claims, fixed costs (administrative fees and stop‑loss premiums) and the district’s health‑fund reserves. Staff warned that underfunding the plan could require drawing on reserves later in the year.

Ending: District leaders said they will finalize the premium renewal and then share detailed rates and open‑enrollment materials with employees; HR staff indicated communications and educational sessions will precede the employee enrollment window.","Benefit consultant Brown & Brown presented a renewal analysis recommending a change to plan design (higher individual and family out‑of‑pocket maximums) that would reduce the district’s projected 2025‑26 medical funding increase to about 5.5% and limit the district’s additional cost to roughly $713,000.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6550263,"Rapid City schools warn pause in federal Title grants could stretch district budget and after-school programs",1466,2652000,4118000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5399970-5e22a3d70be1d7b37991ab940889115b&start=2652&end=4118","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5399970-5e22a3d70be1d7b37991ab940889115b/thumbnail_2652000.jpg","/articles/6550263/South-Dakota/Rapid-City-schools-warn-pause-in-federal-Title-grants-could-stretch-district-budget-and-after-school-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550263-50ccf8f4ab98d7e9f64250fb6212f2c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197234&Signature=EYtKJNhEWxEdt8Qnqj97kixr16kq36AM68wMdV0zFCGvItZk0MFF67dIN1qZyzVIAWkKE5JQgCEuanxoogAhqVqBLF21n7lO0NeCv4UMAS29B1-hZK0IlCWbE4sTXVz4ECnf4nuTF9r4NRpLBoenxUe~hMUYH~pkwdJRykMurqYuaImF0pSH2BqYkpD2gc6GNSZbXoHa9CkIejhouJmp83enc4CEEXdVd5Eu4ZaR1sHcf6TxHjMm-9qLtqj1n9qaNVa~rPc~3X-48U3uTt~dbpeMLOqjcDw0yJtdvQFjbMxWyFYABybiax4TG7dhdKCXf9l5byJFJE5qy4X9tNat~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rapid City Area School District 51-4 Superintendent Dr. Thompson told the board at its regular July meeting that the U.S. Department of Education had paused announcement of several federal Title allocations, and the pause could affect staffing and after‑school programming across the district.

Dr. Thompson said the paused allocations include Title I, Part C (migrant education), Title II‑A (supporting effective instruction), Title III (English language acquisition), Title IV‑A (student support and academic enrichment) and 21st Century Community Learning Centers (after‑school grant funding). “If title 2a and title 4, part a are not funded, it will have a significant impact on our budget and on programming moving forward,” she said.

Why it matters: The district currently counts on those categorical funds when budgeting for the school year. Dr. Thompson told the board the district typically receives about $1.2 million annually from Title II‑A—about half of which pays staff in the teaching, learning and innovation department—and about $750,000 annually from Title IV‑A, with roughly 60% of that funding supporting staff positions. Many of the professional service contracts and staff positions supported by those funds were already contracted for the coming year.

Administrators described immediate steps and contingencies. The district will not sign any additional professional contracts until the Department releases allocations and is meeting with federal representatives later in the week to press for release of funds. “We are meeting with our federal representatives later this week to discuss the impact that losing this fund would have,” Dr. Thompson said. The board’s chief financial officer (mister Sassy) and administrative team said they were examining budget adjustments but emphasized that many costs are already contracted. “We’re taking the approach that we should have business as usual when it comes to our staffing until we find out that that’s not the case,” Dr. Thompson said.

After‑school programs and 21st CCLC funding: Assistant administrator Doctor Strong (title not specified in the record) explained that Rapid City’s 21st Century funding is currently administered as a flow‑through by Black Hills Special Services, which hires and manages program staff and materials while the district provides space and busing. She warned that if the district or a local partner were to create a non‑grant after‑school program now, it could jeopardize future eligibility for 21st CCLC funds: “If we supplement or even supplant that after school program with a different after school program that is not grant funded, then that will take us out of the qualification,” she said.

The board and administrators also noted some partial good news: the district recently received its McKinney‑Vento allocation in full. Board members asked about other partners that typically provide after‑school care; administrators said Black Hills Special Services, Compass and the YMCA have received or managed such funds in the past and that the district is exploring partnerships with the Y, Boys & Girls Clubs and Love INC as contingencies.

Board reaction and next steps: Board members asked for clarity about which specific positions were at risk; administrators said the largest share funded by Title II‑A are instructional and behavioral coaches who provide professional development, curriculum work and direct classroom support. Doctor Strong said Title IV does not fund counselors or social workers in the district and that those positions are not currently in jeopardy. The district plans further internal meetings to flesh out contingency plans and expects to provide updated information to principals and families in late July or August if allocations remain uncertain.

Authorities and legal references mentioned during the discussion are federal programs and statutes: Title I, Title II‑A, Title III, Title IV‑A, 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and McKinney‑Vento. Administrators said some of the Title programs are formula grants historically paid annually to districts and that the lack of a funding announcement at the start of the fiscal year complicates cash‑flow and contract commitments.

Ending: District leaders told the board they will continue contingency planning and advocacy with federal representatives and aim to provide clearer guidance to families and program partners as soon as allocations are confirmed.","Superintendent Dr. Thompson told the Rapid City Area Schools board that the U.S. Department of Education paused announcements for multiple Title grants, putting about $2 million in recurring district-funded positions and after‑school programs at risk; administrators plan contingency measures and meetings with federal lawmakers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves routine agenda items, agreements and consent agenda; motions carry unanimously

Parent urges Rapid City school board to change remote bus stop after family says 1.3‑mile walk is unsafe

Brown & Brown recommends higher out‑of‑pocket cap to lower Rapid City schools’ 2025‑26 medical premium increase

Rapid City schools warn pause in federal Title grants could stretch district budget and after-school programs