Construction manager proposal leads to discussion, split vote of Huron School Board

by Benjamin Chase
of the Plainsman

HURON –– A construction project for the high school kitchen remodel to put in a new exhaust hood was assigned a construction manager at risk through a proposal from Puetz Design & Build at Monday evening’s Huron School Board meeting. Puetz had worked with other construction with the high school. The full contract for future work will be forthcoming; this was simply to accept Puetz as the construction manager at risk.

Board member Ray Cordona expressed his concern with hiring a construction manager at risk for the project due to potential cost overrun. Business manager Kelly Christopherson stated that if the manager is not hired, he would be in charge of requesting and reviewing bids. The vote passed on a 3-2 vote, with Cardona and Levi Kary dissenting.

Malainy Perez, administrative assistant at Washington 4-5 Center, was recognized with the Classified Employee of the Month award for February 2026. Washington 4-5 Principal Kari Hinker praised Perez for her smile and excellent attitude, whether working with students, staff, or guests in the building. She also noted that Perez’s bilingual abilities are valuable in her role as the first point of contact entering the building for students and visitors.

Four students were recognized for performing at the SD Legislative Social in Pierre recently. Mika Umemiya was recognized for being accepted into the 2026 Middle School All-State Band. Finally, Buchanan para-educator Nallely Arenas and Ricardo Martinez were congratulated on the birth of a child.

An insurance settlement on the Middle School wood floor damage was discussed. Christopherson expressed that there would be cost in engineering, plans, and bidding to complete the project after receipt of the settlement. The board accepted the settlement unanimously.

However, hiring Puetz Design & Build as the construction manager at risk for the floor replacement was tabled on a motion by board member Garrett Bischoff to review the true cost needs. He stated that the floor should be fairly straightforward and not require a management contract. The motion to table the management contract was approved.

A recommendation of non-renewals due to a reduction in staffing was approved by the board. Dr. Kraig Steinhoff spoke to the reductions, stating that the reasons were presented at the previous board meeting and through a letter sent to parents and published in local news media. Board members expressed their sorrow that the situation is happening and their appreciation to those within the district who are being let go.

“This is one of the toughest items we’ve ever had to vote on in a board meeting,” Bischoff expressed.

The board also:

• Approved four new hires.
• Approved two resignations.
• Approved six intents to apply for grant funding.
• Approved rehire of 14 administrators, with salary to be set at a later date.
• Approved the combined election agreements with Beadle County and the City of Huron, Sanborn County, and Jerauld County.
• Approved the second reading of the school improvement plan.
• Approved the second reading of the Huron School District procurement plan for child nutrition programs.
• Approved a contract with JLG for $9,875 for the high school kitchen remodel.
  

The next school board meeting is set for Monday, Feb. 23.