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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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South Dakota Senator Chris Karr has introduced a legislative package to enhance oversight of state spending, addressing concerns over former Governor Kristi Noem’s administration bypassing legislative approval. The bills focus on requiring legislative consent for significant expenditures, long-term leases, and budget transfers, aiming to ensure accountability in government finances. Continue reading Noem’s actions motivate state senator’s attempt to limit executive power
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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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Martell Guider, a former nursing home employee, faced multiple sexual impropriety allegations across various Iowa care facilities. Convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor, he avoided probation revocation despite violations, including living in his car. Previous complaints included inappropriate behavior and a rape allegation at a facility in Correctionville, yet no criminal charges were filed. Continue reading Nursing home worker avoids probation revocation on sex charge
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South Dakota lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 51, which mandates displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools and incorporating them into the curriculum. Sponsored by Sen. John Carley, the bill reflects concerns about mixing religious displays with education. Critics argue it imposes unfunded mandates on schools, undermining secular education. Continue reading Commandments bill continues the effort to convert schools into churches
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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
Iowa’s state librarian has been arrested on a charge of disseminating obscene material to a person he believed was a 14-year-old boy. Clive police announced Friday that as part of an ongoing investigation, they arrested 53-year-old Michael Lynn Scott of Clive, the state librarian, on a misdemeanor charge of dissemination of obscene material to a minor. Continue reading State librarian accused of sending obscene material to a minor
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
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
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