Brookings School Board April Meeting - 4/13/2026

The Brookings School Board held its April meeting on April 13, 2026, where key discussions focused on budget considerations, staffing adjustments, and program approvals. Notably, the board addressed concerns about the middle school art department staffing, clarifying that while the number of art teachers at Mickelson Middle School would be reduced from two to one, the art program itself would not be cut. This change was part of a broader effort to improve scheduling efficiency and manage class sizes amid budget constraints. The board also approved donations totaling approximately $8,850 to various school programs, including basketball teams, and reviewed the FY24 audit report, which noted overspending in special education but no budget violations for the past year. Additionally, the board approved the Project Search calendar and handbook, a program supporting special services students transitioning to adulthood, and set tuition rates for the upcoming year. A letter of intent was approved to support a grant proposal for an alternative placement program in collaboration with community partners, aiming to provide short-term educational placements for students with behavioral needs. The meeting concluded with approval of a reduction in force for the 2026-27 school year and authorization to issue non-renewal notices to specific staff members due to staffing adjustments.