HURON — The Huron School Board of Education heard a variety of reports, including good news, celebrations, district upkeep, plus more as the board worked through a full agenda at the bi-weekly meeting held on Monday.
Many successes were highlighted by Superintendent Terry Nebelsick. Sports achievements and the Huron School District Transportation Department were publicly recognized for their efforts and use of the Z-Pass. Various individual achievements and awards were honored, as well.
Teachers from the Buchanan K-1 Center gave a good news report on the ABC Bootcamp program currently taking place in kindergarten. The individual components were explained by an abundance of staff who are enthusiastic and excited to be utilizing these teaching methods.
Students in kindergarten are encouraged to understand a letter a day using creative techniques such as artwork or food, which pays special attention to the
individual letter being taught through ABC Bootcamp.
The board responded to the report with positive comments on the hard work and passion the teachers exert for this unique learning experience of the students.

A special congratulations was extended to fourth-grade teacher Erica Boomsma at the Washington Center  for her recent award of the S.D. Teacher of the Year. She was introduced by Beth Foss, Washington Center principal.
Tracey Steele was named the Classified Employee of the Month for October, while Laura Willemssen presented the plaque in appreciation of the hard work Steele has put into the district as a Special Education Para-Educator at the middle school.
In the Superintendent’s report, Nebelsick shared the importance of Veterans Day, as the community maintains a special relationship with veterans.
Because Veteran’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, the school will release classes in honor of veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 21, which will extend the Thanksgiving break.
It was also brought to the table that there is a safety concern with crosswalks and traffic congestion during bus transfer time. The school is attempting to add a crossing guard for added safety. The public is urged to take extra caution during the times of 7:30 to 7:40 a.m., and 3:25 and 3:40 p.m., on the east side of the Middle School while bus transfer takes place.
Business Manager Kelly Christopherson brought to the board’s attention some possible renovations to be considered throughout the district in order to keep up to date on the facilities and maintenance in the various buildings.
A list of projects was presented, including remodeling of the bathrooms, repairs to the intercom and phone systems in the high school, parking lot repairs, and more, which the board unanimously agreed should be looked into.
Christopherson explained that a new school can be in the range of $90M.
“It’s in the interest of student and staff safety, plus avoiding future problems with costs. We do our best to keep our schools well maintained,” he said.
The next step is to seek an architect to analyze the issues, which will be revisited at a future meeting with a possible proposal.
In old business, the branding policy manual, which includes guidelines and rules for use of the new school branding, was approved.
The next board meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 12, in the Instructional Planning Center at the Arena.