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The Tea Area School District Board has appointed Dr. Tonia Warzecha as Superintendent. With over a decade of leadership and prior experience in the district, she is dedicated to enhancing student success and fostering collaborations between schools and communities, emphasizing a student-first approach. Continue reading DV Superintendent headed to Tea Area School District
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On February 10, the Dakota Valley Board of Education approved updates to the Wellness Policy to promote student health through better nutrition and physical activity. The board discussed bullying prevention, staffing changes, and upgrades to school facilities. They also renewed administrator contracts and scheduled the next meeting for March 10. Continue reading Coach resignation, wellness policy changes and administrator contract renewals occupy DV school board
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Iowa students rallied for gun regulation after a school shooting, reflecting rising concerns about school safety. Advocacy for threat assessment teams, aimed at identifying potential threats, has grown since tragedies in Florida. However, inconsistencies and potential biases in these teams’ operations raise concerns about fairness and the treatment of at-risk students. Continue reading Little tracking, wide variability permeate the teams tasked with stopping school shootings
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In South Dakota, changes to education laws since 2021 have reduced oversight of alternative instruction, impacting truancy reporting and concerns about potential educational neglect. Critics argue these laws make it difficult to ensure quality education for students outside public schools, leading to fears of children remaining uneducated or falling victim to abuse. Continue reading ‘Big gray area’: SD authorities fear alternative instruction means ‘no-schooling’ for some students
Morningside University in Sioux City is launching the Siouxland Proud, Mside Bound Initiative, offering full tuition coverage to up to 100 first-time students from a 47-county area across Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. This effort aims to enhance accessibility to higher education for local residents and strengthen community ties. Continue reading Morningside University to launch full tuition coverage program for Siouxland students
Morningside University in Sioux City will use a new grant to expand both undergraduate and K-12 students’ access to aviation and STEM teaching through new curriculum and outreach efforts. Continue reading Morningside University receives grant for aviation and STEM education
The South Dakota Board of Regents launched the Gateway to Teacher Education program to address the growing need for educators in the state. High school juniors and seniors can earn a certificate to use toward education degrees at public universities, with the state covering part of the cost. The initiative aims to cultivate future educators and address workforce needs. Continue reading New program gives high school students a jump-start toward a teaching degree
The South Dakota Board of Regents, in a meeting, changed its policy to allow public university employees to run for state legislative office, following a state Supreme Court decision on the matter. This change brings more diverse perspectives to the legislative process, allowing voters to address any potential conflicts of interest. The decision is seen as a victory for citizen representation in the state’s legislature, providing clarity and closure for those affected. Continue reading Regents change political activity policy to allow employees to run for Legislature
Western Iowa Tech Community College has settled lawsuits with international students from Brazil and Chile, who were allegedly misled about their programs and forced to work in meatpacking plants. President Terry Murrell took responsibility, but the college denies wrongdoing. Critics question the settlements and demand accountability from the college’s board. The community seeks transparency and proper redress. Continue reading It’s time for WITCC to stop the song and dance routine
Western Iowa Tech Community College has settled two federal lawsuits alleging human trafficking, paying a total of $5.3 million to students from Brazil and Chile. The college’s president took responsibility for problems with the J-1 visa program, which allegedly led to students working in meat processing plants. Defendants include the college, employees, and companies. Continue reading WITCC settles the second of two human trafficking lawsuits
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