School District Enhances Support for Indigenous Students and Community Partnerships

The Sioux Falls School District held a work session on September 3, 2025, focusing on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing student support and community engagement. The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to improve educational outcomes for students, particularly in the areas of reading and mental health.

One of the primary discussions centered on the district's commitment to supporting middle school students, particularly through the OSO (Out of School Opportunities) program. The district has partnered with middle school instructional coaches to provide training for OSO teachers in multi-syllabic reading strategies. This initiative aims to boost reading skills for incoming sixth graders, ensuring they are better prepared for the challenges of middle school. Additionally, teachers are incorporating culturally relevant texts into their curriculum to engage students more effectively.

The meeting also addressed student well-being, particularly focusing on indigenous mental health. The district plans to have a dedicated counselor in each high school to address the specific needs of indigenous students. This initiative includes collaboration with the Tribal Education Directors (TEDs) from nine tribes across South Dakota, fostering a broader partnership to support indigenous students. The district has received positive feedback from TEDs regarding its Title VI grant plans and is exploring ways to integrate traditional practices, such as access to traditional medicines and smudging, into the school environment.

Professional development for staff was another significant topic. The district is prioritizing training in various areas, including Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and Response to Intervention (RTI). There is also a focus on restorative practices grounded in indigenous philosophy, with OSO teachers being positioned as leaders in this area.

Furthermore, the district is working to grow its own language teachers to address the shortage in this field. Plans are in place to assist current teachers in obtaining language endorsements, thereby increasing the number of qualified educators available to teach these subjects.

Lastly, the meeting emphasized the importance of community engagement, particularly in strengthening relationships with tribal education directors and expanding partnerships within the community. As the demographics of the district shift, the administration is committed to providing support and resources to adapt to the changing needs of its student population.

Overall, the work session underscored the district's dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students, particularly those from indigenous backgrounds. The initiatives discussed are set to enhance both academic performance and overall student well-being in the Sioux Falls School District.