[{"_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",6483632,"mediaKeyId","5604084-2ab4b0096dc41fb1a5bed740aa76b7af","parentId",5604084,"title","Board approves emergency declaration for Rapid City Alternative Academy roof replacement; district opts not to file an insurance claim","audioSeconds",576,"startMs",4920000,"endMs",5496000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5604084-2ab4b0096dc41fb1a5bed740aa76b7af&start=4920&end=5496","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5604084-2ab4b0096dc41fb1a5bed740aa76b7af/thumbnail_4920000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6483632/South-Dakota/Board-approves-emergency-declaration-for-Rapid-City-Alternative-Academy-roof-replacement-district-opts-not-to-file-an-insurance-claim","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483632-141c3532dca9af573ec0f15f596726d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1778645320&Signature=iOKRa5B~9-h0k~VH8RAMsR5pigTla1LYDLhDs7z3d9fKscgDhOgA5sU2lf8ejzYBDUGcUaSRToYCuSZWqjG2mQ7HGy6sLkTMCviIj5J4FMCZQwHWBD-ivhhIOMii0H2mTGIk8G7AnTq2H87jvDPK-tjAOseIO8hsW2SgL0b1gMgLmU7w6nyE-101GERs9Dm3GUb2SGA4CFNQCTecDEECi7wjZz-L-qOOcsmGaV9R9f0QdhJ30KilcIw2Op2jQnc-wa9UwHT23BONML1XKaJJd7h9OkD4CcJrTxKs3n3kLV3ajT4gg~AEMwZ-xPuA4HeQ0TH-2zp3Vukft36FWGfLOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rapid City Area Schools","date","2025-08-20T07:22:41.93Z","article","The Rapid City Area School District approved an emergency declaration to replace the roof at Rapid City Alternative Academy, and district staff told the board they would proceed without filing an insurance claim.

Board members voted to approve the emergency declaration after discussion of procurement authority and insurance implications. \"South Dakota codified law allows for situations that are deemed emergencies for the board to bypass the official procurement process for school districts,\" district staff advised.

District facilities staff presented an estimate for the roof work of about $163,000. Under the district’s current property policy, wind- and hail-related claims carry a minimum deductible of $100,000 per occurrence; the district estimated it would recover roughly $63,000 from a claim — leaving a small net recovery relative to potential future premium increases. For that reason leadership recommended handling the repair without an insurance claim to avoid upward pressure on future premiums.

Facilities and finance staff described changes in the insurance market over recent years, including higher deductibles and less competition among carriers. Staff also said they are exploring longer-term alternatives such as a self-insurance approach (building a reserve pool to cover property claims), a change that would require several years of planning and funding.

Board members discussed that capital projects and emergency repairs can affect other planned facility work and noted the district’s responsibility to keep buildings safe. Board member comments referenced the wider statewide context in which some districts face rising insurance costs or difficulty obtaining coverage.

The motion to approve the emergency declaration for the RCAA roof replacement passed by voice vote. \"Aye. Motion carries,\" the record shows.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","August 19, 2025 Board of Education Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved an emergency procurement to replace the Rapid City Alternative Academy (RCAA) roof after staff recommended paying the cost without filing an insurance claim, citing high deductibles and potential premium impacts.","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},6483636,"Board approves agreements with Friends of the Children after presentation on long-term mentorship program",1291,3603000,4894000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5604084-2ab4b0096dc41fb1a5bed740aa76b7af&start=3603&end=4894","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5604084-2ab4b0096dc41fb1a5bed740aa76b7af/thumbnail_3603000.jpg","/articles/6483636/South-Dakota/Board-approves-agreements-with-Friends-of-the-Children-after-presentation-on-long-term-mentorship-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483636-1da5e90d3bc2577a75f54703be6abdc5/orig.mp4?Expires=1778645320&Signature=NNWo-zdh1mAmf0hV6kf0XRK0cNt8I9qdbjyRVlzQjYlqUVqHzCZl5qKmGBKFM3INbbgIJahl-HeyCM0qCr7lnMVxyV7qws7y7m~1Plzzx9zfV5FkJStjc9d~xNTnuKwq2MsPBv2dYG9hM2XnD4HWg~YFV12w3uURHFx99mh9mAFB8Rhp8PCisGBbdkKq27ymvCrKMuteuj8yVwkmkjurAvXkASRAlJMg7ye6KZy2seJI~WOVNLg3hC6a5G9FEFQsupEVLGHrOcYIKXUMb4ZTpDwZsTByNnhG13ITb54etC-Tk6gwmggiRrVvTPDy~vcNX521St9eowJH-J7-Q-bLlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Friends of the Children — a national mentoring organization — presented its Rapid City chapter and the board approved proposed agreements with the organization in a 7–0 vote.

Tyresha Greyhorse, program director for Friends of the Children Rapid City, described the program model: professional mentors serve at most eight youth each, meeting two hours per week in schools and also working with families, starting with children ages 4–6 and continuing through high school graduation. Greyhorse said the Rapid City site opened in 2022 and serves students in 12 district elementary schools.

Greyhorse presented national outcome statistics the program cites: 83% of program participants graduate high school, 98% avoid teenage parenthood, 92% enroll in postsecondary education, military service or enter the workforce after graduation, and 93% remain free from juvenile-justice involvement. The Rapid City program also partners with United Way of the Black Hills, she said.

Board members asked about data sharing and access to Skyward. Greyhorse said mentors use parental release-of-information forms to access family and school data and that Friends of the Children has a signed memorandum of understanding with the district. \"We have a signed MOU with the district,\" said Mr. Swan, confirming the legal framework and FERPA protections.

After the presentation President Carr called for a motion to approve the proposed agreements. The motion was moved and seconded; the board approved the agreements by voice vote. \"Aye. Motion carries 7–0,\" the record shows.

Board members thanked the presenters and asked about program funding and staff retention; Greyhorse said the national office assists with grant writing, Friends of the Children partners locally with United Way and the program is actively seeking donors and grants to sustain operations.

The presenter noted the program currently has limited openings and that referrals and enrollment decisions are coordinated with school principals and teachers based on family consent.","Friends of the Children presented its Rapid City program and the board voted 7-0 to approve proposed agreements; presenters described program model, data uses and parental consent procedures and confirmed a district memorandum of understanding exists.",{"_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},6483641,"District adjusts bus routes after first-day feedback; Valley View traffic and pedestrian safety flagged",1039,2441000,3480000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5604084-2ab4b0096dc41fb1a5bed740aa76b7af&start=2441&end=3480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5604084-2ab4b0096dc41fb1a5bed740aa76b7af/thumbnail_2441000.jpg","/articles/6483641/South-Dakota/District-adjusts-bus-routes-after-first-day-feedback-Valley-View-traffic-and-pedestrian-safety-flagged","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483641-20927a7592782fe0b0a512996d2ffdd8/orig.mp4?Expires=1778645320&Signature=agyHzz6h~0zppHImrivn-DPyO-gnW3qQBTHFUihFYcr1Ak~TB3xE6GpN1WKlJyYZND8atLrIwKf2AP6hYcLXVbqnkjTuJg7EQDsLXA1-UXIDyrlUYG0BSQ5FdJrwCRY3wl481IukQgFncUZ~TjNYV5OfY-bxXruShlAP8nwhR3XwxevACAa3irNrCFvBlAS3~ej7W7xZ7iL4t5lDB728ORBrk3u6tX3wVN1pj4rOcw3y2fOodXjmDFh~6Q~Wh3mQGhdp~f9gUT~et24-NnAGwdcSsA5~wkW65Rh8KDLL915UkOFSgZ277waTB8-tvqe66OBKi0QumfDLN7X2Yw4NIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District transportation staff told the board that finalized route information went to families about two weeks before school started and that, despite a few recent driver resignations, all routes ran on the first day with only minor hiccups.

\"The vast majority of stops, 99% of stops, are bus stops that were previously established and have been used by the district for several years now,\" said Mr. Sassy, who oversees facilities and transportation functions.

Staff said some parents who registered after mailings were sent might not have received mailed route packets and should contact Student Transportation for an update. Board members and staff noted that route information is also available in Skyward and in Stopfinder, which parents can use to find stop times and locations.

Transportation staff encouraged families who had not received routing information to contact the district; the district also asked families to respond to a School Perceptions survey (the survey window closed Aug. 20 for inclusion in the board presentation, though later responses can still be accepted and reported in updates).

Board members raised safety concerns at Valley View and East Middle, where staff and a board member described heavy vehicle volumes, limited entry and exit points and pedestrian congestion during morning drop-off. Dr. Strasser said the site design includes choke points and that continued residential growth in the area and a single major entrance (Homestead Street to Elk Vale) compound congestion.

\"It's a really difficult issue,\" Dr. Strasser said, adding that the district has previously commissioned traffic studies at other schools and that a similar study at Valley View could help identify site-specific solutions. Board members suggested continued coordination with city planners and the South Dakota Department of Transportation because Elk Vale is a state-managed corridor.

Administrators said crossing guards were present at site entrances and that school administration is trying to manage flow; the district will continue to monitor and adjust routes and stops as needed through the first half of the school year.

The board was told routing is an ongoing conversation and that the district will make adjustments if community feedback indicates changes are needed.","Transportation staff said routes ran despite driver resignations, most stops were pre-existing, and the district is monitoring parent feedback; board members and staff raised safety and congestion concerns at Valley View and called for coordination with city and DOT planners.",{"_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},6483646,"Rapid City schools report fewer vacancies, modest enrollment decline at start of year",345,2030000,2375000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5604084-2ab4b0096dc41fb1a5bed740aa76b7af&start=2030&end=2375","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5604084-2ab4b0096dc41fb1a5bed740aa76b7af/thumbnail_2030000.jpg","/articles/6483646/South-Dakota/Rapid-City-schools-report-fewer-vacancies-modest-enrollment-decline-at-start-of-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483646-ea50d3cbc77d41ff0b3fc7453dea58cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1778645320&Signature=nU~CFyV5LXMqwgvwZzcTevPEPxAa8Lcsjr6AxET3hAxZk2hKUAPVNnGZuklVPb9mANpZLdATKMpfd6ziT6Azx4BkhR~VbaqjKwy7E~TWp59WByr39xGSQ7rbABpvrteQMas5fc2wR4JXWnxcip5ZMoo~m5GYRucpAm4OcOB81Vz1hBScqnOOvCIwnNIYAF9jciHV8C~m4sDOX-Tsdu23cYCvG04D6oSujBnfZ2fPRg3LFF2ibPX9hcWl9MjzkVwYpxP5sw7Yn9uaO0c2HIc3STu9tUaeafmemSOv1qeBKCyhEUxvHo~tROzqaMogd4nIxGHhuigbx4YG8sbkmpvzfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rapid City Area School District leaders told the board that staffing pressures have eased compared with last year but vacancies remain in key areas, Superintendent Dr. Thompson said.

Dr. Thompson reported the district’s open positions have decreased about 14% from the same point last year and that the teacher turnover rate improved from 17.3% in 2022–23 to 14.1% in 2024–25. “Our overall staff retention rate has increased from 81% to 83%,” she said.

To date the district has hired 88 new teachers: 39% were first-year teachers, 28% had one to five years’ experience and 33% had six or more years. Among those hires, 16% hold master’s degrees and 6% hold doctorates; 41% received hiring bonuses, Dr. Thompson said.

The district still has open instructional and classified roles. Dr. Thompson listed unfilled positions including two behavior classrooms at Kibben Custer currently staffed by CEC staff, one Lakota culture teacher, one elementary intervention specialist, one middle school science teacher, one freshman seminar teacher, one high school math teacher and two high school science teachers. Classified vacancies included 51 openings: 13 nutrition, three special-education bus aides, 10 bus drivers, 13 support-services positions and 12 clerical roles.

On enrollment, Dr. Thompson said the district counted 12,091 students as of Aug. 18, 2025. She contrasted that with last year’s day-before-start count of 12,324 and last year’s official September count of 12,194. The district’s internal estimate for the current year is 12,050; movement in and out of the district in coming weeks could change that figure.

Board members asked whether kindergarten entry was smaller than upper grades; staff said kindergarten totals were lower and provided a rough distribution showing smaller incoming kindergarten cohorts compared with larger sophomore and junior cohorts. Dr. Strasser and other staff said more detailed grade-level cohort data could be provided on request.

District officials said open roles are being covered by internal arrangements to avoid disruption to instruction while recruitment continues.","Superintendent Dr. Thompson reported a 14% decrease in open positions year-over-year, steadying teacher turnover and initial enrollment figures that are slightly below last year's counts, with staffing gaps remaining in special education and classified roles.",{"_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},6483650,"Rapid City schools order early releases as district weighs HVAC upgrades",457,1341000,1798000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5604084-2ab4b0096dc41fb1a5bed740aa76b7af&start=1341&end=1798","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5604084-2ab4b0096dc41fb1a5bed740aa76b7af/thumbnail_1341000.jpg","/articles/6483650/South-Dakota/Rapid-City-schools-order-early-releases-as-district-weighs-HVAC-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483650-2132762eeec997279d4812a8e0e34f98/orig.mp4?Expires=1778645320&Signature=iq851CBgGrNs8bocAcer3t6eTRW3zUVrtGNAdQnHOXI3lmLpmHysSDIwbUe6hWvnZAKpnf54uZk7nCg42iVTVGqwp895hSH3YRfZilh7Dt6IxvcsCU1rF4OrTmFOKxKkZnHIBy~XZKSbUDiv~nAqsGbs~VFiC3uap3yH9NESV6WAp7ZeVxIjtd09dRKNY1Pel1ry~8VDGwaSUB3vQUFNurT-zJhXRY6Zkw1CiNB8KeWdmhwTW0Dyre3k66iIaXedkqXJ~HtYIvsqeAx5p-~spyLmxAsPp-JFC74ZF1jzAG0Dhx1gf6ywJGCnmuBQE4QSkPYcTOoa6p2aHCeNsCcx4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rapid City Area School District announced early releases at schools with limited or no air conditioning this week, citing current classroom temperatures, forecasted heat and humidity, cloud cover and the effectiveness of nightly air exchanges, Superintendent Dr. Thompson said.

Dr. Thompson said the facilities team reviews multiple factors — not a single fixed temperature trigger — and meets when temperatures are forecast to reach the 90s. “We always make our decision based on keeping students and staff as comfortable as possible but most importantly as safe as possible,” Dr. Thompson said.

The district has reserved recurring capital outlay funds for HVAC projects and listed significant HVAC upgrades in its master facilities plan, Dr. Thompson said. That line item is intended to support multi-year work that will “reduce and eventually eliminate the need for heat-related early releases,” she said.

At the meeting board members and staff confirmed two near-term projects: Blackhawk Elementary already has air conditioning and the Rapid Valley Elementary expansion will include AC. Board member Mr. Sassy said Grandview is also on this year’s capital outlay list and that project design will start this year.

Board members asked about whether the district should reconsider next year’s school calendar to avoid the hottest weeks of August. Dr. Thompson said she will form a calendar committee to develop two calendar proposals — one similar to the current calendar and one that would start later — and solicit feedback from parents and the community before bringing recommended changes to the board.

Board members pressed for clarity on how the district decides to close for a full day. Dr. Thompson said the district has not closed entire schools for heat and that decisions are complex because some classrooms and building zones can be significantly hotter than others. Facilities staff said the district uses classroom-temperature monitoring in selected rooms to inform decisions but acknowledged that not all rooms are monitored and conditions can vary by orientation and building design.

Officials emphasized the district will continue to evaluate buildings annually and address HVAC projects as funds allow.

Looking ahead, Dr. Thompson said she expects facilities improvements to be a recurring, multi-year effort rather than a one-time fix.","Rapid City Area Schools announced early releases at buildings with limited or no air conditioning and described plans to fund long-term HVAC upgrades, while the superintendent said decisions are made from multiple environmental measures rather than a single temperature threshold.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves emergency declaration for Rapid City Alternative Academy roof replacement; district opts not to file an insurance claim

Board approves agreements with Friends of the Children after presentation on long-term mentorship program

District adjusts bus routes after first-day feedback; Valley View traffic and pedestrian safety flagged

Rapid City schools report fewer vacancies, modest enrollment decline at start of year

Rapid City schools order early releases as district weighs HVAC upgrades