South Dakota / School Districts / Tea Area School District 41-5
Administrators told the board that district enrollment remains broadly stable with net annual growth when accounting for churn, identified middle school as the near-term pinch point, and noted two bond payments drop off in fiscal '30, a factor likely to influence timing for new construction.
South Dakota / School Districts / Tea Area School District 41-5
Student representatives reported on Career Day and a state esports championship and described student-council advocacy backing House Bill 10 82 to reimburse districts for free and reduced-price meals; the board acknowledged the student effort and said it would watch the bills progress.
South Dakota / School Districts / Tea Area School District 41-5
District special education staff reported 388 students on IEPs (down 4 from last year), level-specific shifts (autism up 11), 24 out-of-district placements and preliminary funding projections tied to the legislative rebase year.
South Dakota / School Districts / Tea Area School District 41-5
The Tea Area School District 41-5 board approved its agenda and consent items, accepted resignations and new hires, set the board election for June 2, 2026, approved a neon sign with one abstention, moved the February meeting to Feb. 16 and voted to enter executive session under cited statute.
South Dakota / School Districts / Tea Area School District 41-5
Administrators reported the district’s English Learner population is about 3.7% (~80 students, down from 98), explained the identification and exit rules (ACCESS and state summative criteria), and noted turnover and building-level EL progress that feed into the School Performance Index.
South Dakota / School Districts / Tea Area School District 41-5
The board recognized three students—Dawson Balman, Oliver Smith (to be recognized in February) and Jackson Bender—for earning perfect scores on the 2025 South Dakota math and science assessments and presented certificates of recognition.
South Dakota / School Districts / Tea Area School District 41-5
Trustees approved a general-obligation refunding (not to exceed $9.3M) and a capital-outlay refunding (not to exceed $9.8M) by roll call, and voted to surplus a 2011 bus, approve personnel and calendar items, and dissolve several committees.
South Dakota / School Districts / Tea Area School District 41-5
The district’s business manager told the board the five-year plan shows a potential $1,000,000 shortfall under conservative enrollment projections and urged budget recalibrations; housing-development forecasts could change the outlook if building resumes.
South Dakota / School Districts / Tea Area School District 41-5
High school vocal, marching band and middle school music directors told the board that participation is up, students earned regional awards, and many students were selected for regional/national honor choirs.
South Dakota / School Districts / Tea Area School District 41-5
Board members agreed to form ad hoc fine-arts and activities/athletics committees to improve communication around PAC use and events; volunteers were identified and staff cautioned to preserve administrative chains for grievances.