Business manager Cassandra Ott recognized

The Hill City School Board of Education opened last Monday’s meeting with several pieces of good news.

Business manager Cassandra Ott was recognized and presented a certificate of achievement after being named the New Business Official Shining Star by the South Dakota Association of School Business Officials (SDASBO). The award honors school business managers with under five years of experience who demonstrate exceptional leadership and innovation. 

Ott, now in her third year as business manager, was nominated by superintendent Blake Gardner.

“Cassandra Ott is a shining star in the Hill City community and school district,” wrote Gardner. “Her leadership and knowledge have created a positive culture for our district. 

She continues to revolutionize relationships as well as financial stability. It takes a special person to be in charge of a culture and climate of a school, and Cassandra is indeed special within the community.”

Ott’s husband Brian and daughter Freya were in attendance to help celebrate the recognition.

In other positive news, The Tin City Masons once again sponsored the Delta Dental Bus, providing dental health care to Hill City students. Approximately $23,000 worth of dental work was completed during the visit.

“There’s a lot of research behind the confidence that goes with that, and we are very blessed to have an organization in town that is willing to invest in our kids. So thank you to the Masons for doing that,” said Gardner.

Gardner also shared that the district received a plaque recognizing the work of Midwest Mechanical on the new boiler plant. The company earned the Master Craftsmanship Award from the Construction Industry Center, which recognizes outstanding workmanship.

“Midwest Mechanical did a lot of work in our boiler plant. They were very proud of the work they did. I know, when we went and looked at the boiler plant, it was like walking into the future,” said Gardner. “I think it’s worth highlighting that Dean Kurtz Construction was the general contractor, and it was such an enjoyable project because it was on time, on budget and the outcome was fantastic.”

During the audience with individuals portion of the meeting, senior class representatives Tate Grabow and Joy Anderson formerly invitated the board to attend their graduation ceremony at Mount Rushmore May 17. 

“We just want to thank each of you for your support for the past four years for our class,” said Anderson. “It would mean a lot to see all of you there.”

It was also announced that South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Janine Kern will serve as this year’s commencement speaker.

Board member Todd Grabow discussed some potential impacts of recently passed legislative bills on the district.

“Based on past budgeting and based on our award winning business manager, we’re going to weather the storm a lot better than a lot of the other districts,” said Grabow. “Our goal is to never cut classes, never to raise student teacher ratio if we don’t have to and never do something that’s going to make somebody lose their job,” he added. 

Elementary principal Samantha Weaver reported that West River Mental Health will come to the elementary school with a focus on emotions. 

“They’ll help students understand what emotions are, and how our brain helps us think, feel and act. They’ll help our students develop strategies if they’re frustrated, how to keep calm, how to express feelings in healthy ways and build confidence and strengthen friendships,” said Weaver. “I think it will be a great opportunity for our kids to learn some coping strategies.”

High school principal Todd Satter reported that prom weekend was safe and successful thanks in large part to parents and the booster club for organizing post-prom activities.

“Prom is one of our high-profile events. Next to graduation, it’s the biggest, and it was a fantastic day, night and following morning,” he said. “We have a very unusual prom in that students are not on the road, driving in cars during that critical time, from the time prom gets out until the time that they are trying to get home,” he said. 

Thanks to generous donations, $18,000 worth of door prizes were handed out once students returned to the school.

“That is the kind of dedication we have from our community to student safety,” said Satter.

Grabow concluded his term this year. Beginning in July, Melissa Holcomb will take his place on the board. 

The board also revisited discussions about the possibility of constructing a new elementary school and Career and Technical Training (CTE) building. 

“We are kind of at that point where we need to give the direction of, let’s continue to pursue this or not,” said board president Eric Lind. 

It was mentioned that waiting 10 years to begin the project could add a projected $8 million onto the cost. After some discussion, the board agreed that further discussion during a work session was needed. 

The next meeting will take place May 11 at 6 p.m. in room 202 of the high school.