Acting superintendent reports fewer staff openings, behavior-focused programming and possible calendar tweaks

Acting Superintendent Dr. Strasser updated the board on staffing and programming work in Rapid City Area School District 51-4, saying the district has reduced openings across categories compared with the previous year.

Dr. Strasser said paraprofessional openings dropped from 38 a year ago to 24 at the time of the report. She credited recent hiring efforts and district investments, including targeted salary increases, and said the district will continue recruiting to fill remaining positions.

The acting superintendent said a "student pillar" leadership group — including Directors Roberts, Strong and Comer — has been coordinating work to fill programming gaps for students, with a particular focus on behavior supports. She said the district approved contracts with Children's Home Society as part of that effort and is exploring ways to align behavior-skill training across staff and programs.

Dr. Strasser also said she will propose a few minor changes to the 2025-26 calendar at a future meeting and praised staff appreciation events. She encouraged board members to visit schools and attend student concerts as evidence of positive momentum in classrooms.

Board members thanked administration for the staffing progress and said district investments in compensation have likely helped recruitment and retention. Dr. Strasser invited questions and said staff will continue posting and filling open positions and refining programming to support student behavior and alternatives to traditional placements.

No formal board action was taken on the report; staff said recommendations on the calendar will be brought back at a later meeting.