New Wall Economic Development director pitches housing, event center and CTE partnerships

Rishon Burrell introduced himself to the Wall School District board as the executive director of the Wall Economic Development Corporation and outlined a series of community‑oriented initiatives aimed at workforce and community development.

"I'm Rishon Burrell, and I'm the executive director of the Wall Economic Development Corporation," Burrell told the board. He said his priorities include identifying housing solutions to help teachers find affordable housing, researching an event center or expanded use of the powerhouse to host larger community and intercommunity events, and pursuing partnerships with Western/Dakota Tech to bring CTE and trades training to local students and adults.

Burrell said grant research is under way but noted that many federal and state grant programs require a local match or fundraising; he asked the board and community to consider possible local contributions, fundraisers or investor interest to make projects viable. He also described preliminary outreach to Western/Dakota Tech after attending a career fair and expressed optimism about potential collaboration to support trades and adult education in the rural community.

Board members thanked Burrell and noted that the projects would require committee follow‑up, community buy‑in and coordination with district scheduling and facility use policies. Burrell invited board members to call or visit his office to discuss ideas and next steps.

The presentation closed with the board agreeing to ask the building committee and administration to consider how proposed work — especially any facility changes at the powerhouse — would align with existing schedules and community uses.