Superintendent Larson delivered the district's annual state-of-the-schools remarks, telling the Brandon Valley School District board that district-wide academic measures remain above state averages and that the district is preparing capacity and staffing plans to accommodate projected enrollment growth.

Larson described the School Performance Index (SPI) as South Dakota's model for judging school quality and said district trends show "consistently strong performance above state averages," citing districtwide ELA proficiency in the low 70s, math proficiency in the mid-60s, and science proficiency around 60'63 percent. He said high-school juniors scored about 78% proficiency in ELA, roughly 61% in math and about 57% in science. The district's on-time graduation rate was reported at 97% with a 99% high-school completion rate, compared with state rates of about 86% and 91% respectively.

Larson attributed technical analysis to the district's director of instruction and described Smarter Balanced assessment cut scores as the state-established method for determining proficiency (ratings of 3 or 4). "Be proud, not satisfied," he said, calling attention to continued opportunities for improvement.

On facilities and enrollment, Larson said current building enrollments are near expected levels and that the district's BV Vision 2040 long-range plan remains the framework for upcoming work. He noted property has been acquired for a Westside elementary intended to relieve pressure at Fred Assam and Inspiration Elementaries and said the district is preparing a bond issue for Brandon Valley Intermediate School as the next major capital project. Two current projects referenced in the transcript (an elementary project described with inconsistent spelling in the record and a middle-school classroom addition) are under way and expected to open in fall 2026.

Larson said the middle-school addition will raise capacity to about 1,200 from roughly 900, and that the design allows future wing extensions if needed. He added that these projects have been financed using capital outlay certificates and debt-management strategies "with no increase to the respective tax rate."

Looking ahead to 2026'27, Larson said final enrollment projections are in progress but estimated roughly 50'75 additional students, which he said provides a positive baseline for next year. He also warned that the upcoming legislative session could create funding challenges for schools and urged community advocacy.

The superintendent closed by emphasizing the district's strategic priorities—student learning, staff development, facilities planning and fiscal responsibility—and invited the board to ask questions. He deferred specific postsecondary-outcome questions to the high school principal, who said the district receives basic first-year outcome indicators from many state institutions and agreed to gather additional surface-level information for the board.

What happens next: final enrollment projections and staffing plans for the new elementary will be developed in the coming months; a bond timeline for Brandon Valley Intermediate School is being worked through and will be brought to the board for future action.