Tea Area School board recognized for excellence

The Tea Area School Board met Dec. 9 where they were recognized for excellence.

Heath Larson, Associated School Boards of South Dakota, presented the board with the School Board of Excellence award and a check for $1,000 sponsored by Bank West.

Business manager Chris Esping noted the bond company, S&P, reviewed the district and gave them a better bond rating.

Operations manager Wayne Larsen was absent, but superintendent Jennifer Lowery said they can dig out the floor in the PAC so they can start on the slant. 

They approved the resignation of Emily Rhodes as high school administrative assistant effective immediately, resignation of Joni Decker as sixth-grade science and middle school assistant track coach effective at the end of the school year, and retirements Jill Steinback Adams for SLP and Darwin Miller from transportation effective at the end of the school year.

The board approved the new hires of Jacob Conley as paraprofessional at $19.43 per hour, Cody Dolge for transportation at $32.50 per hour and Carissa Grewe for foodservice at $20.52 per hour.

They approved the 2025-26 school calendar. It would end the semester before winter break with school starting Aug. 19.

Lowery highlighted the angel tree community service project that benefits 212 students with sponsorship from more than 85 individuals.

The board went into executive session 6:27 p.m., came out of executive session at 6:42 p.m. and adjourned at 6:43 p.m.