HURON — School Board members gave their approval to launch a Junior Kindergarten in the Huron district during Monday night’s meeting.

Junior Kindergarten gives students who may need it an extra year to mature before starting regular kindergarten classes.

An overview of the program was presented to the Board last month.

Laura Beck, band teacher in the elementary level, and several of her fifth grade band participants spoke to the Board and played two new pieces the students had been learning.

Seniors Aurora Beck and Kirsten DeGeest spoke about Educator’s Rising, a club for students who are contemplating a career in education. The club, which has about 30 members, meets once each month. Projects focus on building what it takes to be a successful teacher.

Educator’s Rising members will attend a state conference in March, and they also plan to be at Buchanan School on Feb. 14 for a Friendly Friday. Educator’s Rising is in its second year at Huron High School.

The Classified Employee of the Month was presented to Rod Witte, custodian at the Washington 4-5 Center. The award was presented by principal Kari Hinker.

Tim VanBerkum discussed a number of bills before the House and Senate, many of which deal with the school voucher system. Several bills on vouchers have been defeated, but a new voucher bill is expected to be heard in the Senate education committee today.

Several of the bills have to do with property tax exemptions. House Bill 1180 would make school board elections partisan elections, requiring candidates to declare a party affiliation when filing their petition.

A bill that would require the 10 Commandments to be on display in school buildings was on the House floor Monday and failed.

Garret Bischoff gave a recap of the National School Board Association’s meeting last month in Washington, D.C. The meeting focused on opposing school vouchers and AI (artificial intelligence) in the education sector. He was also able to meet with Sen. John Thune (R-SD) in the Senate Majority Leader’s office.

Business Manager Kris Christopherson said they are getting the foundation in place for the CTE addition, and he expects precast walls to be erected in March.

Because the district has little to no surplus property, there will not be an auction this year, he said.

In the next few years requirements will go into effect to detect lead levels in school drinking water, and the DENR has offered the Huron district a grant program funded through an EPA grant that would help fix pipes that are leaching lead into the water.

In his report, Supt. Kraig Steinhoff said it’s important for the district to maintain its integrity to its mission and purpose.

“It’s important to keep sight of True North as a school district,” he said. “Our vision is respect, pride and excellence for all. Having educated and involved citizens is essential for a democratic society. We will continue to keep our focus on our vision, mission and belief statements.”

Steinhoff offered congratulations to the cast and crew of the high school one-act play receiving superior ratings at the state festival. Receiving superior were Tech Crew, Jonah Beck, Yaselyn Yanes, Lily Halter, Conner Hofer, Davis Osier, Henry Van Scharrel, & Molly Whitney. The show also earned a superior.

He also congratulated the cast and crew of the middle school Missoula Children’s Theatre for its performance of “Treasure Island.”

School Resource Officer Day is Feb. 15, and Random Act of Kindness Day is Feb. 17. Steinhoff thanked the School Board for their service in observance of S.D. School Board Recognition Week Feb. 17-21.

Steinhoff also thanked Margaret Lehr for her generous donation to the nutrition department in memory of long time bus driver, Clyde Dillman. Her donation will be used to reduce school lunch debt.

Several grant application requests were approved by the Board, including a $5,000 grant from Huron Community Foundation to refurbish a Steinway Grand Piano used by the high school music department.

There will be no school on Monday, Feb. 17, in observance of President’s Day, and the deadline for filing nominating petitions for the School Board election is Feb. 28.