CUSTER SCHOOL DISTRICT TIDBITS

"It is my pleasure to share outstanding news: we recognize three exceptional educators whose dedication, professionalism, and commitment to our students exemplify the very best of the Custer School District.

2026 CSD Educators of the Year

**Custer Jr./Sr. Educator of the Year - Jared Webster

**Custer Elementary Educator of the Year - Jessica Haug

**Hermosa School Educator of the Year - Molly Wonnenberg

Each of these individuals demonstrates a passion for their discipline, unwavering commitment to student success, strong instructional leadership, and a sincere, deep care for students, families, and their colleagues. Jared, Jessica, and Molly embody the commitment and excellence that make our schools special.

Please take a moment to personally congratulate Jessica, Molly, and Jared on this well-deserved recognition. We are all proud of the work they do and are grateful for the positive impact they make across the school district and communities.

Thank you all for the amazing work you do in supporting our students and community. You truly are the best."

The Custer School District Teacher of the Year will be announced on March 27, 2026, at the staff dinner at Crazy Horse.

K-8 Art Teacher W/Wout Coaching Apply Online

• Teacher with the KSB lang in it. .doc

Custer School District | Starting Aug 2026

• Schedule: 4-day week (155-day contract).
• Salary: $46,522 base (DOE).
• Requirements: SD Teacher Certification (Art endorsement).
• Plus: Coaching opportunities available.

Apply at: csd.k12.sd.us Submit: Application, copies of transcripts, SD certificate, and 3 current letters of recommendation.

Open until filled. EOE.

For current CSD Teachers, please send a letter of interest to Principal Joey Kortemeyer joey.kortemeyer@k12.sd.us on or before the internal deadline of 4 p.m. on April 1, 2026.

Join Our Team: Coaching & Advisor Openings

Custer School District is seeking knowledgeable and dedicated leaders for the 2026-2027 season.

Athletic & Activity Positions

• CHS Head Volleyball Coach - $4,886
• CHS Competitive Cheer Coach - $4,886
• CHS Assistant Volleyball Coach - $3,258
• Hermosa Girls Basketball Coach - $2,036
• Custer Jr HS Volleyball Coach - $2,036
• Destination Imagination (DI) Advisor - $1,018

Application Procedures for Coaching/Advisor Positions

Internal Candidates

Current employees should send a letter/email of interest to the appropriate contact:

• Hermosa Positions: Principal Forrest Paris (forrest.paris@k12.sd.us)
• District/CHS Positions: AD Skylair Jaure (Skylair.Jaure@k12.sd.us)

External Candidates

Please complete the formal online application via the link: Apply Online Here

SUBSTITUTE CLEANERS - needed at all schools to fill-in for staff when needed. Must complete CSD application packet and complete a criminal background check. Contact CSD Admin. Offices for an application packet. $17.75/hr DOE.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS - needed at all schools. Must complete CSD substitute application packet, payroll documents, submit proof of highest level of education, and complete a criminal background check prior to starting. Note: You must contact the CSD Admin. Office 605.673.3154 for an application packet which will include the fingerprint/background check cards/materials and payroll forms. You may complete the online application at CSD.k12.sd.us All materials must be submitted to the CSD Admin. Office, and all documents complete prior to starting. Minimum requirement, HS graduate. Pay range $115/day-$140/day. Retired CSD Teachers start at $140/day.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Custer School District, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD 57730. PH: 605.673.3154 FAX: 605.673.5607, Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 7:30-4:30 p.m. and Fridays, 8-1 p.m.

NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Custer School District 16-1 does not discriminate on the basis of race or color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy), disability, sexual orientation, age, religion and creed, military/veteran status, or marital status, in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its programs and activities: and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For inquiries concerning the District’s compliance with Title VI or the Age Discrimination Act please contact the Superintendent of Schools, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD, 57730, (605) 673-3154; for Title IX please contact the Activities Director, 1645 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD, 57730, (605)673-4473; or for Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) act please contact the Special Education Director, 527 Montgomery St., Custer, SD, 57730, (605) 673-3154. For further inquiries contact the South Dakota Regional Office for Civil Rights, Kansas City Office, U.S. Dept. of Education, One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO, 64106, phone (816) 268-0550, TDD (800) 877-0599, Fax (816) 268-0559, e-mail: OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov

Custer School District uses the applicant tracking system from Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.

We are incredibly grateful to our local ranchers for their generous support of the Ranch-to-Schools Program. Their contributions play a vital role in providing high-quality nutrition for our students.

• Legacy Donors (repeat donors): Mt. Rushmore Angus Ranch and Scott & Veronica Edoff
• New Donors: Gilbert & Shannon Grooms

How You Can Help You don’t need to own livestock to make a difference! Monetary donations toward meat processing costs are a fantastic way to support the program and directly benefit our kids. If you would like to contribute, please contact the Custer School District office at 605-673-3154.

• Special Recognition A very special thank you to Terry and Vera Ellerton for their wonderful donation specifically to assist with processing costs. We truly appreciate your heart for our schools!

• Carianna Anderson - Hermosa Special Ed Teacher
• Jenn Doyle - CES Gr 5 Teacher
• Tiffany French - Jr/Sr HS Counselor
• Kelli Moore - Jr/Sr HS Administrative Assistant
• Teri Reynolds - Business Manager

Your hard work and dedication over the past decade is very much appreciated! 👏👏

Thank you to the following staff for their 5 Years of Dedicated Service!

Click here for more info. about the detour

Flaggers will be used during this work, and motorists should expect delays of five minutes or less when flagging operations are in place. The project will continue through the winter, and the two-mile closure will remain in place until early April 2026. Final project completion is October 30, 2026.

Activity schedules are now available!

CHS: https://tinyurl.com/4u6f47vt

Custer Jr HS: https://tinyurl.com/r98jvnkw

Support the Arts in Custer!

Donation Levels:

**$100 Donation: A custom name plaque on the back of a theatre seat in the Jr/Sr HS Theatre.

**$500 Donation: A plaque placed above the theatre entrance doors.

Monies raised directly benefit our Music, Art, and Theatre teachers district-wide to create incredible arts experiences for our students.

Complete the form and mail a check to the Custer Area Arts Council address on the form: https://tinyurl.com/theatreseatform

This is your chance to honor your favorite student, artist, musician, actor —whether they are a thespian, dancer, or a current/past member of the all-state choir, band, or orchestra; Oral Interp; etc. You can also dedicate a plaque to a specific graduating class, in memory of a loved one, a favorite Wildcat, staff member, or coach. Leave a bit of history in the theatre by honoring a past CHS Homecoming queen/king or a class valedictorian. This could be a great graduation gift idea for a 2026 CHS graduate! These are just examples. Get creative!

Business Sponsorship: Local businesses and organizations can show their community pride by having their name displayed in our theatre.

Thank you for your consideration, and a huge thank you to those who have already supported this project by purchasing a plaque in the past!

ATTENTION: Parents of college-bound Juniors and Seniors: The Library has a new webpage with resources you and your student may find useful in the ACT section. One page is full of “ACT Prep Resources” for the students. The “Why Does It Matter” page highlights scholarship opportunities offered through the Board of Regents and South Dakota universities, along with information on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) for students interested in attending one of the 160 colleges across the 16 Western states. Christmas Break may be a good time to start preparing for the ACT and refining post-graduation plans.

https://www.csd.k12.sd.us/page/csd-library

• If you want to take the National ACT in Custer on Saturday, April 11th, the late date sign up is by Tuesday, March 24th (this costs more). Stop in the counselor’s office if you have questions.

Classroom Happenings:

• Current sophomores and juniors – dual credit registration opens on April 1st. Talk to Mrs. French if you are interested in taking dual credit courses next year.

Seniors:

• Seniors: Please submit a photo of you along with a baby picture for the slideshow at graduation. Submit those to either Mrs. Moore/Mrs. Winkler.

• Submit yearbook photos to Ms. Halliday.

Sports:

Track media day for all SENIORS in track is tomorrow, WEDNESDAY, March 25th, during 6-7th periods at the track.

Organizations & Activities:

• “Courts of Courage”, hosted by FCW, Fellowship of Christian Wildcats, will be in the gym on Wednesday, April 8th, from 6:30-8 pm. All are welcome.

• Post-Prom Waivers are available in the office. Everyone attending will need to have these turned in by Thursday, April 9th. Be sure to fill out guest forms if you will be bringing a student from another school.
• Gaming Club this Wednesday after school until 5 in the library. Please see Ms. Meyer if you have any questions.

Reminders

• Health & Safety: As we enter cold and flu season, please remember to keep your child at home if they are feeling unwell. Your cooperation helps us keep our school community healthy.
• Attendance: Regular attendance is crucial for your child’s success. Please ensure that they arrive on time and are ready to learn.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.

2026 Custer American Legion Post #46 Educator of the Year Award

• Custer Jr/Sr HS Newsletter
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Facebook
• Custer High School Media Facebook
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Counselor's Corner Website
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Student Council Facebook
• Custer Jr/Sr HS Choirs Facebook
• Custer Wildcat Booster Club Facebook
• Custer FFA Facebook
• Custer Youth and Alumni Foundation Facebook

Principal: Tobey Cass - tobey.cass@k12.sd.us

Custer Jr/Sr High Assistant Principal: Clay Cates - clay.cates@k12.sd.us

Dean of Students /Activities Director: Skylair Jaure - Skylair.Jaure@k12.sd.us

Administrative Assistant: Kelli Moore - kelli.moore@k12.sd.us

Location: 1645 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD, USA
Phone: (605) 673-4473
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CusterJrSrHigh/

Click here for the CES Facebook Page - follow for more school information & announcements!

March 2nd – 31st: Kids Heart Challenge

March 25-26: Jr Kdg and Kdg Round Up - preregistration for students entering Jr Kdg or Kindergarten in August. Child must by 5 yrs old by Sept. 1. Call 605.673.4483 to set up an appointment for you child.

March 30th: Title I Family Fun Night 5:00 – 6:30 pm

April 2nd & 6th: Easter break

April 3rd: Paraprofessional Day

April 7th: PTA meeting in the art room at 6:00 p.m.

April 9th: Student Council Meeting at 7:30 a.m. in Mrs. Doyle’s room

April 14th: 4th grade field trip to Jewell Cave, 9:40 –

April 15th – 23rd: 4th Grade Assessments

April 22nd: 5th grade to Evans Plunge, leave at 10:00 am return at 3:30 pm (no bus)

April 22nd – 30th: 5th & 6th grade Assessments

April 23rd: Student Council Meeting at 7:30 a.m. in Mrs. Doyle’s room

April 22nd: Administrative Assistant Day

April 27th – 30th: 3rd grade Assessments

Custer is starting a PTA and IT'S EXCITING!

The mission of the PTA is: to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

The PTA will meet once a month and start out simple, supporting the CES staff with a few events in the 2025-2026 school year to get the group going.

The future is counting on YOU and the children attending CES!

Want to learn more? Contact: custerelementarypta@gmail.com

Follow the CusterPTA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586005450462

Principal Joey Kortemeyer - joey.kortemeyer@k12.sd.us

Administrative Assistant Cindy Heyne - cindy.heyne@k12.sd.us

Location: 1415 Wildcat Lane, Custer, SD, USA
Phone: 605-673-4483
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CusterElementarySchool/

Hermosa Facebook Page - please follow for updated daily announcements

Hermosa Spirt Wear Store

Principal: Forrest "Frosty" Paris - forrest.paris@k12.sd.us

Administrative Assistant: Jennifer Conley - jennifer.conley@k12.sd.us

Website: https://www.csd.k12.sd.us/Domain/11
Location: 11 4th Street, Hermosa, SD, USA
Phone: 605-255-4345
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HermosaSchool/

For more information to become a Teammates Mentor, Contact Custer School District Teammates Coordinator Teri Reynolds teri.reynolds@k12.sd.us or call 605.673.3154.

BOARD AGENDA & MINUTES

The Mission of Custer School District is to Educate Every Student to His/Her Potential.

Superintendent Dr. Tim Frederick - tim.frederick@k12.sd.us

Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent Jennie Richards - jennie.richards@k12.sd.us

Administration Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs. ~ 7:30-4:30 p.m. & Fridays ~ 8-1 p.m.

Website: www.csd.k12.sd.us
Location: 527 Montgomery Street, Custer, SD, USA
Phone: 605-673-3154
Facebook: www.facebook.com/custerschooldistrict

Welcome to CSD Tidbits! Our goal is to keep you updated on all things Custer School District.

Have a school-related announcement? Reach out to Jennie Richards (jennie.richards@k12.sd.us). Please note that we exclusively feature school-related announcements to prioritize district information.