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School safety and mental-health partnerships top concerns for Sioux Falls superintendent
Summary
Dr. Jamie Nol said school safety remains a top worry and highlighted partnerships with local health providers, attendance liaisons and a counseling pilot (Rooted in Success/Vera) as key supports for student well-being.
School safety is a primary concern for Dr. Jamie Nol, superintendent of the Sioux Falls School District 49-5.
"School safety is always a big thing," Nol said when asked what kept him up at night. He tied safety concerns to broader operational and legislative pressures, saying unresolved policy and budget items also occupy his attention.
Nol spotlighted partnerships that provide mental-health supports, including attendance liaisons and collaborations with health providers and hospitals that help students access services. He described a pilot counseling service — referenced as Rooted in Success in concert with Vera — that will place counseling resources in schools to support student mental well-being.
The superintendent framed these supports as part of what the community contributes to schools, saying local partners and businesses "pour into our schools" to provide services beyond classroom instruction. Nol emphasized that such partnerships are important to meeting students' varied needs and helping them succeed.
No new safety policy or board action was announced during the interview; Nol described existing priorities and pilot partnerships that the district plans to continue.
