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Acting superintendent closes schools for cold, explains e‑learning limits
Summary
Acting Superintendent Dr. Strasser announced the district will be closed the next day because extreme cold and building/transportation issues prevented reliable operations; he said South Dakota allows e‑learning but the district lacked adequate preparation after a long holiday to run a quality remote day.
Acting Superintendent Dr. Strasser informed the board that the district will be closed the following day because of extreme cold and mechanical and transportation concerns.
Dr. Strasser said the decision reflected student safety and building operability: “We have concerns coming into today but also into tomorrow regarding our buses operating, regarding, of course, student safety,” he said, and noted freeze‑stat issues and heat pump challenges in some buildings. He added the district team met and concluded they could not ensure appropriate school conditions or safe transportation.
Board members thanked the administration. Trustee Urban said families appreciated the decision and recognized the complexity of the call. Trustee Clapham asked about e‑learning as an alternative; Dr. Strasser said South Dakota permits e‑learning but that the district lacked sufficient preparation after a three‑day weekend to carry out a high‑quality remote day confidently.
The board did not take a vote on the closure; the superintendent reported that communication had already gone out to families.
Ending: Dr. Strasser said the district will reassess building and bus readiness and hopes to resume in‑person instruction when conditions allow.
