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Superintendent updates: Berkman Valley Elementary progress, road projects could force attendance adjustments; budget and calendar timelines outlined
Summary
Superintendent Larson reported construction progress at Berkman Valley Elementary, warned of upcoming road projects that could affect routes to Inspiration Elementary, outlined budget and legislative timelines, and provided calendar reminders for upcoming school closures and conferences.
Superintendent Larson updated the Brandon Valley School District 49-2 board on elementary construction progress, possible impacts from local road projects, budget timing related to the legislative session and upcoming academic calendar dates.
Larson said Berkman Valley Elementary School progress is ongoing, with roofing work on the gymnasium and most precast panels set on the transportation facility. "So that's also out for the respective community. No update or change to the respective timeline, looking forward to having that open in the fall of 26," Larson said, referencing the fall 2026 target opening.
Larson told the board the district is monitoring two major road projects: an intersection project at Veterans Parkway and Arrowhead Parkway that may limit east‑of‑Veterans access and the Highway 42 bridge project east of the golf course. "That bridge closure is expected to be, occurring for almost 2 years or about 2 years," Larson said, adding the district is evaluating how closures could affect families in the southeast corner of the district and whether temporary attendance boundary changes or routing adjustments may be necessary.
Larson said the district will communicate any necessary adjustments to families after evaluating building capacities and routing options and suggested possible timing for decisions "towards end of March or middle of March, end of March, beginning of April." He also noted South Dakota Highway 11 will be under construction in coming years.
District staff member Mr. Lundberg presented fiscal context from the state's education statistics digest, saying Brandon Valley ranks 141st of 148 districts in per‑pupil spending at $9,781 per pupil while noting the district's teacher compensation is a locally prominent figure. Lundberg explained per‑pupil comparisons are influenced by opt outs, federal dollars, capital outlay flexibility and fund balance management.
Larson also reminded the board of the budget process timeline: a preliminary capital outlay budget in March, a preliminary presentation in May and formal budget approval in July. He noted the last day of the regular legislative session is March 13 and that the district will monitor state action that could affect negotiations and budgets.
On the calendar, Larson listed near‑term closures and dates: no school Friday the 14th and Monday the 17th (Presidents Day), conferences on the 10th and 11th, and no school on March 13 unless used for a snow day, with March 14 listed as a comp day.
Board members asked clarifying timeline questions about Veterans Parkway and Larson directed them to South Dakota DOT's tentative timelines while saying the district expects more information as bids are awarded.
No formal board action was taken specifically on these reports at the meeting.
