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Rapid City Area Schools distribute food to 130+ families in expanded drive; students preview concerts, fundraisers and competitions

Rapid City Area Schools Board of Education · December 3, 2025
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Summary

Superintendent reported an expanded drive-through food pantry distributed to more than 130 families (over 500 individuals), supported by an anonymous $10,000 donation; students from Stevens and Central high schools highlighted upcoming concerts, fundraisers and extracurricular achievements.

Superintendent Dr. Thompson and school staff told the Rapid City Area Schools Board the district’s expanded food-drive efforts served more families than usual and drew wide volunteer support.

Dr. Thompson said the district’s Nov. 5–12 food drive culminated in a Nov. 20 drive-through distribution at Rapid City Alternative Academy that served ‘‘over 130 families, more than 500 individuals,’’ a 44% increase over a typical pantry night. He credited Title 1D principal Dr. Justin Conroy and the McKinney-Vento team for organizing the event and thanked city code enforcement and local police for traffic control.

Dr. Justin Conroy said the event used a drive-through model that proved efficient and that donated food was processed through Feeding South Dakota for vetting and redistribution. He also confirmed the district received a $10,000 anonymous donation that supported the distribution.

Student representatives reported school-level activities and supports: a Stevens High School student shared survey results showing high clarity of classroom routines and described upcoming band, orchestra and choir concerts; a Central High School student highlighted fundraising (personalized candy-cane sales), a winter bingo night (Dec. 15), a photography club holiday-portrait fundraiser (Dec. 6) and a library renovation nearing completion.

The board applauded staff and volunteers; no formal motion was required for the reports.

What’s next: Staff will continue monthly McKinney-Vento pantry work with Feeding South Dakota and share follow-up details on distribution and ongoing support programs.