Mobridge‑Pollock board votes to join Western States Consortium to expand CTE funding

The Mobridge‑Pollock 62‑6 School Board voted unanimously to join the Western States Consortium, a move board members said will substantially increase the district’s Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding pool and expand professional development opportunities for teachers.

The motion to join the Western States Consortium was introduced after the item was added to the consent agenda earlier in the meeting and carried on a voice vote. Staff member (S2) explained the fiscal rationale: “So our consortium’s about $28,000 that we receive. The Western States Consortium is almost over $300,000,” and said joining would allow the district to spend Perkins dollars on larger CTE projects that the current North Star consortium’s small allocation cannot support.

Why it matters: board members said the switch would not only pool more Perkins funds but also reduce administrative overhead. S2 noted that being part of Western States would let teachers collaborate with peers in other towns — for example, sharing curriculum and professional development across disciplines — and would remove some middle‑step administrative burdens now handled by the North Star finance agent.

Board discussion and vote: board members asked procedural questions about whether a formal withdrawal was required and were told the annual resolution process accomplishes the change. With a motion, second and no further discussion, the board approved joining the Western States Consortium by voice vote.

What happens next: staff said they will complete the resolution paperwork and proceed with any required signatures and notifications so the district can be included for Perkins allocations under the Western States Consortium.

The decision follows district staff discussion about limited Perkins resources under the current arrangement and is framed as an efficiency and program‑growth opportunity for CTE offerings.