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January 2026
Happy New Year from the Meade School District community! As we begin a fresh semester, this newsletter provides important updates on upcoming events, special recognition weeks, student achievements, and ways to engage with state legislators on matters that affect our students and schools.
Celebrating Student Excellence
In an extraordinary academic achievement, two Sturgis Brown High School students—Riley Carlson and Levi Doten—earned perfect scores on the Spring 2025 South Dakota Science Assessment (SDSA), placing them among an elite group of high-performing students statewide. This year, only 51 students across South Dakota reached this exceptional level of mastery, underscoring the rarity and significance of their accomplishment.
We are proud of Riley and Levi for their dedication, hard work, and academic excellence. Their achievement reflects not only their individual talents but also the commitment of our educators and families in supporting student success.
Anonymous Donor Supports Food Service Program
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to an anonymous donor whose generous contribution of $15,000 has supported our food service program. This kindness ensures that students have access to nutritious meals, creating a foundation for learning and well-being. Please see the Food Service section on how we use these funds to support families.
Legislative Cracker Barrel Schedule
Cracker Barrel sessions are open forums where community members can engage with local state legislators, ask questions, and share concerns about issues affecting our schools and families. The 2026 South Dakota Legislative Session is now underway in Pierre, with priorities including property tax reform, budget discussions, and local control among topics shaping the year.
District 29 Legislative Cracker Barrels
(Butte, Meade Counties - Sen. John Carley, Reps. Terri Jorgenson & Kathy Rice)
Saturday, January 31
Erskine Building, Sturgis
9:00–11:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 14
Piedmont Valley American Legion Post, Piedmont
1:30–4:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 7
Erskine Building, Sturgis
9:00–11:00 a.m.
District 31 Legislative Cracker Barrels
(Lawrence County - Sen. Randy Deibert, Reps. Mary Fitzgerald & Scott Odenbach)
Saturday, February 7
Joy Center, Spearfish
Beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, February 28
Deadwood Gulch Convention Center, Deadwood
Beginning at 10:00 a.m.
2026 Legislative Session
The 2026 South Dakota Legislative Session began in January with key topics including property tax reform, education funding, and local control. Governor Larry Rhoden's proposed budget does not include funding increases for schools, making community engagement at Cracker Barrels especially important this year. Your voice matters and attending these sessions is a meaningful way to share feedback with your elected officials.
Thank you for being part of the Meade School District community. We encourage all families to celebrate our students' achievements, participate in local legislative events, and recognize the dedicated professionals who support our schools every day.
Kind Regards,
Wayne Wormstadt, Superintendent
Petitions for school board vacancies for the 2026-27 school year can start being circulated on February 2, 2026 for the June 2, 2026 election.
Available Vacancies:
4-year term
4-year term
2-year term
The terms of two Board members, Megan Snyder and Brian Voight, currently serving three-year terms, and one Board member, Thomas Schneller, currently serving a two-year term, are expiring. The two seats previously designated as three-year terms will be elected to four-year terms, as approved by the Board at its December meeting.
To serve as a member of the Meade School District 46-1 Board of Education, a candidate must reside within the boundaries of the Meade School District 46-1. The school board election will be held in conjunction with the regular June primary election.
School board election information is located on the district website.
This week honors the invaluable contributions of school counselors who support students' academic, social, and emotional well-being.
Please take a moment to thank your school counselors for the difference they make!
Dadra Avery
Shawn Koontz
Aaden Valentine
Natalie Serbousek
Bridgett Sadler
Taylor Anderson
Maria Hartung
Sarah Joens
Heidi Kraft
Justin Jutting
Board President
Term 2025-2028
Aaron Odegaard
Vice President
2025-2028
Tim Amdahl
Board Member
Term 2025-2028
Scottie Bruch
Board Member
Term 2024-2027
Terry Koontz
Board Member
Term 2024-2027
Tom Schneller
Board Member
2024-2026
Megan Snyder
Board Member
2023-2026
Lee Spring
Board Member
2025-2028
Brian Voight
Board Member
2023-2026
The Meade School District is now accepting nominations for the 2026–27 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year. These honors recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to supporting student success.
Teachers and support staff play a vital role in shaping our schools and positively impacting students, families, and colleagues. We encourage staff, parents, students, and community members to take this opportunity to recognize those who go above and beyond in service to the district.
All completed nomination forms must be submitted to the nominee’s building principal no later than Friday, February 27, 2026.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the outstanding individuals who make a difference every day in Meade School District.
Who wants a chance to win some CASH?
The Post Prom Committee is selling raffle tickets—only 300 tickets available at $50 each.
🎉 Prizes include:
• 3 winners of $1,000
• 4 winners of $500
• 8 winners of $250
That’s 15 winners and $7,000 in total cash prizes.
The drawing will be held in February, and every ticket sold helps support a safe, fun Post Prom event for our students.
Tickets will go fast—don’t miss out!
To purchase your raffle ticket, email the Post Prom Committee (sbhspostprom@gmail.com) or send payment via Venmo @scottie-bruch.
You Look Better in Black and White with a Splash of Red!
Ready to inspire, educate, and make a difference? Meade School District 46-1 is seeking passionate individuals to join our team! Apply Here!
- Computer Technician
- Food Service Worker
- Special Education Teacher
- Band Teacher
- Rural Music Teacher
- Coaches
School Lunch Debt continues to be a challenge for districts across the state. Meade School District is offering parents a Fresh Start this January.
A generous anonymous donor has given the district $15,000.00 to help with the initiative. The district began 2026 with meal debt of about $34,000.00.
“Since the beginning of January, we have been able to offer a 75% match to any family that wishes to pay off their lunch debt,” says Rhonda Ramsdell, Food Service Director. We have had families contact us and almost $5000.00 in debt has been paid off. With this large donation, we can reach out to more families to offer assistance, and I hope we can wipe out most of the debt in the next month!”
Ramsdell emphasizes that households must contact the district to receive the donated funds. Families are also encouraged to fill out a new free/reduced application at any time during the school year, especially if their situation has changed.
“Many people may not be aware that school foodservice programs do not receive local tax dollars,” Ramsdell added. “Our department is self-supporting. Almost 60% of our revenues are received from local families when meals are purchased for children. The other 40% come in the form of federal reimbursements for those who qualify for free or reduced meals. In addition, those revenues are spent locally for food and wages. We truly are a local business.”
In Meade School District, no hungry child is ever refused a meal. What happens when meal accounts go unpaid? “We tighten our belts. We don’t hire more help, we don’t replace worn-out equipment, we don’t give raises,” said Ramsdell.
Families who would like to take part in this Fresh Start may contact the district foodservice office at 605-347-3601.
February 10 & 12: Parent-Teacher Conferences (Sturgis Williams MS/Stagebarn MS)
February 13: No School (Teacher In-Service) (No students)
February 16: No School (President's Day)
February 23 & 26: Parent-Teacher Conferences (Elem, Rural & Whitewood)
Sturgis Chamber of Commerce Events & Facebook
Sturgis Community Center website & Facebook
Foothills Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
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