HURON — The Huron School District is now part of Safe2Say, a statewide tip line that allows South Dakota students, school staff and community members to safely and anonymously report sensitive information that concerns their safety or the safety of others, Superintendent Kraig Steinhoff told School Board members Monday night.

The tip line program is free to the district, Steinhoff added.

According to the Safe2Say web site, in over 80 percent of school shootings someone other than the attacker knew, but failed to report it. It’s also estimated that four out of five teens who have attempted suicide have given clear warning signals that go unreported.

The tip line is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and anyone with information about a potentially dangerous situation can call the toll free number (1-844-373-7233) or make a web report. The link has been added to the school district’s web site.

Board member Shelly Siemonsma encouraged everyone to vote in today’s election for city commission and school board.

Business manager Kelly Christopherson reported that architects are developing floor plans for an addition to high school, as well as remodeling in the high school. He anticipates having the floor plan sketches available by April 22.

Steinhoff extended congratulations to Blake Ellwein, a sophomore, for being selected to the first team All-State “AA” boys’ basketball, and seniors Hamtyn Heinz and CJ Gainey for being selected to play in the three class shootout last Saturday in Salem.

Boys’ basketballl coach Tim Buddenhagen was selected Region 3 Coach of the Year by the S.D. Basketball Coaches Association, and girls’ basketball middle school coach Wade Stobbs was selected Regions 1-4 Lower Level Coach of the Year by the same association.

Steinhoff thanked Farmers Cashway for donating cases of all purpose wipes and spray to be distributed to all attendance centers, and Sarah May and Modern Woodmen for the donation of headphones and school supplies to the Washington 4-5 Center.

Delta Dental provided student oral health presentations and a donation of toothbrushes to the Washington-45 Center.

Board members also:
• Approved six new hires and six resignations
• Approved permission to bid for the student house built for the 2024-25 school term
• Approved permission to advertise for bids for gasoline and diesel fuel for 2024-25 school term