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Box Elder council approves memorandum of understanding with Black Hills Children’s Museum; museum outlines staffing, events and fundraising
Summary
The Box Elder City Council on Oct. 21 approved a memorandum of understanding with the Black Hills Children’s Museum that city staff described as a high-level framework with no direct financial obligation to the city; museum leaders reviewed board development, policies and early fundraising results.
City Administrator Doug Curry and museum representatives presented a partnership framework and the City Council voted to approve a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the city and the Black Hills Children’s Museum on Oct. 21. City Administrator Doug Curry said, "There's no financial obligation to the city," while describing the MOU as an initial, high-level agreement that clarifies property ownership and partner roles.
The presentation that preceded the vote outlined the museum’s progress on governance, programming and fundraising. Darcy Castleberry, Human Resources director, introduced Amanda Spitzer and noted Spitzer’s credentials: "Amanda Spitzer has come to the city of Box Elder with over 13 years of payroll experience" and, as Castleberry added, "As one of only 8 certified payroll professionals in the state of South Dakota, I'm very pleased to announce that she has earned her certification." Presenters said they have approved 33 of 43 policies and are developing the accompanying procedures and forms before an eventual opening.
Museum representatives reported several community events and early fundraising outcomes. They said a poker-run fundraiser, run with Jennifer Young’s Bookkeeping, raised $4,000; the museum will participate in Monster Mash (Oct. 24) and the Box Parade of Trees (Dec. 2–28) and will use event QR codes and a donate button on its updated website for fundraising. Presenters also said the Chamber agreed to match donations at Monster Mash up to $1,000.
On audience and demand, a presenter cited external reports to sketch potential visitation: the Children’s Museum of South Dakota reported about 104,000 visitors in 2024, and Visit Rapid City reported 3.9 million visitors in 2024; presenters characterized local projections as aspirational and suggested the new museum could draw 150,000–175,000 visitors annually if conditions align. That projection was presented as an estimate rather than a commitment of city resources.
Councilmember Davis moved to approve the memorandum of understanding and to authorize the mayor to sign associated documentation; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call with one abstention recorded. The MOU, as presented by City Administrator Doug Curry, is intended as a foundational document to be built upon for operational and ownership specifics; presenters said they expect to return to the council with updates in about three months.
The agreement as approved imposes no direct financial obligation on the city per the administrator’s remarks; next steps identified by presenters include continuing the capital campaign planning, recruiting additional board members and finalizing operational procedures and facility ownership details.
