Dickinson Public Schools, ND

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will vote on several action items, including accepting fuel bids for the 2026-2027 school year, appointing delegates to a state convention, accepting three certified staff resignations, approving guiding principles for a facilities study, and approving the Dickinson Middle School handbook. The board will also hear informational updates on the high school rebuild, ACT/AP data, and the after-school program.

• Fuel bid from The Hub Convenience Stores: $0.20/gallon below posted cash price for No. 1 and No. 2 diesel and unleaded gasoline for 2026-2027
• Appoint delegates to NDSBA 2026 Convention: Orton, Schwartz, Seaks, Rodakowski; alternate Wilkie
• Accept resignations: Colbey Steeke (agriculture instructor), Sydney Maher (counselor), Elissa Helmuth (speech pathologist)
• Approve 2026-2027 Dickinson Middle School student handbook
• Approve Guiding Principles developed with RSP & Associates

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools board will hold a workshop to prepare the agenda for its next regular meeting on August 10, 2026. No substantive decisions are scheduled; the session is purely procedural.

Annual School Board Meeting

The school board will conduct elections for president and vice-president for the 2026-2027 year. Members will consider adopting a new strategic plan and scheduling a budget public input hearing for September 21, 2026.

• Election of board president and vice-president for 2026-2027
• Adoption of the Dickinson Public Schools Strategic Plan
• Scheduling of Budget Public Input Hearing for September 21, 2026
• Hire of Jonah Nelson as Diesel Tech at DHS effective August 13, 2026
• Resignation of Sydney Maher, School Counselor at Lincoln

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

The school board is meeting for a workshop to build the agenda for the July 20, 2026, School Board Meeting. The session is primarily procedural.

• Planning of the July 20, 2026, School Board Meeting agenda

The Dickinson Public School Board held a workshop to review the draft agenda for the July 20, 2026 regular meeting, which will include officer elections, committee assignments, and policy adoptions. No formal decisions were made during the workshop; it was a planning session only.

• No formal decisions made; agenda items reviewed for upcoming meeting

Workshop for RSP and Strategic Plan

This is a workshop session to discuss the district's RSP and Strategic Plan, including an update on Dickinson High School. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the board will build the agenda for a future school board meeting.

• Dickinson High School Update with attached PDF (1,646 KB)
• RSP discussion with attached PDF (1,930 KB)
• Strategic Plan with two attached PDFs (Strategic Plan Arch.pdf and Strategic Plan- School Improvement.pdf)

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public School Board will accept the canvassed results of the June 9 primary election, officially seating Michelle Orton, Kimberly L. Schwartz, and Jason Rodakowski for four-year terms. The board will also approve the consent agenda, which includes personnel hires and changes, and receive informational updates on the Dickinson High School rebuild and the West Dakota Parent and Family Resource Center.

• Acceptance of Stark and Dunn county election results: Orton (1,833), Schwartz (1,812), Rodakowski (1,927); write-ins 50
• Oath of office for newly elected board members
• Approval of Dickinson High School waiver of instructional time to accommodate block schedule (SFN 58169)
• Consent agenda includes hiring of six certified personnel and three transfers/reassignments for fall 2026
• Informational update on Dickinson High School rebuild from JE Dunn, including weekly progress reports

The board certified the June 9 primary election results, re-elected three members, and administered oaths of office. It approved administrative reports, a business manager contract, and federal grant applications. The board also adopted final revisions to district policies covering student safety, communication standards, and Section 504 compliance, which establish operational guidelines for district staff and students.

• Certified June 9 primary election results; re-elected Orton, Schwartz, and Rodakowski (4-0, 1 absent)
• Administered oaths of office to three board members
• Approved Dickinson High School waiver form for state submission (unanimous)
• Approved 2025-2026 Average Daily Membership Report (unanimous)
• Approved 2025-2026 Transportation Routes Report (unanimous)
• Approved 2026-2027 work agreement for Business Manager Stephanie Hunter (4-0, 1 absent)
• Approved 2026-2027 Consolidated Grant Application for federal funds (unanimous)
• Adopted final revisions to policies on suicide prevention, Section 504, and student searches (4-0, 1 absent)

Special School Board Session

The Dickinson Public Schools Special School Board Session will consider rescheduling the regular June school board meeting from Monday, June 22, to Tuesday, June 23, 2026, because the 2026 Primary Election Certification will not be available in time. A voice vote on a motion to make the change is requested.

• Reschedule June school board meeting to Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at the Professional Learning Lab

The Dickinson Public School Board held a special session to reschedule the regular June meeting. The board moved the meeting date to Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

• Rescheduled June School Board meeting to June 23, 2026 (unanimous voice vote)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a procedural workshop where the Dickinson Public Schools board will build the agenda for their June 23, 2026, regular meeting. No substantive decisions or votes are scheduled.

• Agenda item: Build the June 23, 2026, school board meeting agenda (procedural only)

The Dickinson Public School Board held a workshop to build the agenda for the June 23, 2026 regular meeting. No formal decisions were made; the board reviewed upcoming items including a proposed Harlow transportation contract with a 29% increase and elimination of six bus routes, affecting 72-75 students. The board also discussed policy readings, grant approval, and the high school rebuild update.

• Reviewed draft agenda for June 23, 2026 regular meeting (no vote)
• Discussed Harlow transportation contract proposal: 29% increase, six bus routes eliminated, flat 5% annual increase for four years (no action)
• Noted no other transportation companies expressed interest (discussion only)
• Reviewed first reading policies: KAB, DEBG, DEAD, DE, FFB (no action)
• Reviewed second reading policies: FCAE, AACA, FGCB (no action)
• Discussed copier contract via state bid, adding three copiers, consolidating all schools (no action)

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider updating breakfast and lunch fees for the 2026-2027 school year. The board will also review personnel changes, financial reports, and receive an update on the Dickinson High School rebuild.

• Proposed meal prices: $2.75 student breakfast, $3.95-$4.75 student lunch (by grade), and $5.80 adult lunch
• Hiring of 11 certified personnel, including a Prairie Rose Assistant Principal and a DW School Psychologist
• Resignations of Laura Filkowski (Jefferson Grade 3) and Jamie Krebs (DHS Special Education Strategist)
• Informational update on the Dickinson High School rebuild from Gavin Argent
• Report on 269 kindergarteners pre-registered for the upcoming fall

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

The school board is holding a workshop to build the agenda for the May 11, 2026, School Board Meeting. This session includes a discussion regarding RSP.

• Build the May 11, 2026, School Board Meeting Agenda
• RSP

The Board reviewed the draft agenda for the May 11, 2026, regular meeting. Discussions included proposed meal price increases, upcoming policy readings, and district updates regarding school improvements and hiring.

• Approved School Board Workshop Minutes

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will vote on a consent agenda that includes approval of minutes, March bills, financial reports, and a large slate of certified personnel changes. Notable are 19 new teacher hires for the 2026-27 school year, 9 transfers/reassignments, and 14 resignations. The board will also recognize student achievements in music and FBLA.

• Approval of 19 new certified teacher hires for fall 2026, including Jennifer Olson, Morgan Alexander, Anna Kreidt, and others at various schools
• Approval of 9 transfers/reassignments, e.g., Taralee Roller from Jefferson to DMS, Scott Obrigewitch to SWCTE Military Instructor
• Approval of 14 resignations, including Madelyn Fransen (DHS ELA, 3 yrs), Dixie Dennis (DMS Science, 16 yrs), Jodi Martin (Berg Grade 1, 20 yrs)
• Recognition of Dickinson High School music students who earned Star ratings and Outstanding Performance awards at festivals
• Recognition of FBLA students who placed at state leadership conference and qualified for nationals

The Board approved several early resignation incentives effective May 21, 2026. Additionally, the Board passed multiple board policy revisions and approved the 2026-2027 contract for Assistant Superintendent Keith Harris.

• Approved March 2026 consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved March 9, 2026, agenda (unanimous)
• Approved early resignation incentives for nine staff members (unanimous)
• Approved open enrollment applications for two students (unanimous)
• Approved revisions to ten board policies (4-0)
• Approved Board Regulation ACCA-BR and Exhibit FDB (4-0)
• Approved revisions to Board Policies BAB, DGGA, and FCBD (4-0)
• Approved 2026-2027 contract for Assistant Superintendent Keith Harris (4-0)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board is holding a workshop to build the agenda for the April 13, 2026 school board meeting. The agenda consists only of procedural items: call to order, building the agenda, and adjournment. No specific decisions or substantive discussions are listed.

• Workshop to build the April 13, 2026 School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board held a procedural workshop to draft the agenda for its April 13 regular meeting. The session outlined upcoming policy readings, contract actions, and calendar updates. No formal votes or binding decisions were recorded during this workshop, though the board postponed handbook approval and confirmed the middle school lunch pilot will continue for another year.

• Reviewed draft agenda for April 13 regular meeting
• Confirmed middle school 30-minute lunch pilot will continue for one year
• Listed nine board policies and one regulation for first reading on April 13
• Scheduled second reading and final adoption of three previously reviewed policies
• Planned action on 2026–2027 contracts for Assistant Superintendents Kathrein and Harris
• Postponed approval of board handbooks
• Presented 2026–2027 board meeting calendar

Special School Board Session

The school board will consider and vote on approving base furniture bids for Dickinson High School and a music alternative furniture bid package for Wenger Corporation. An update on the Dickinson High School rebuild project will also be presented by JE Dunn for informational purposes.

• Roll call vote to approve Dickinson High School Base Furniture Bid Package
• Roll call vote to approve Music Alternative Furniture Bid Package to Wenger Corporation
• Update on Dickinson High School rebuild from JE Dunn (March 2026 monthly report attached)

The school board approved two furniture bid packages for the Dickinson High School rebuild. TMI was selected for the base furniture package, and Wenger Corporation was selected for music alternative furniture.

• Approved Dickinson High School Base Furniture Bid Package to TMI (5-0)
• Approved Dickinson High School Music Alternative Furniture Bid Package to Wenger Corporation (5-0)

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will meet to approve the consent agenda including minutes, bills, financial reports, and personnel changes. They will receive a presentation from auditors Brady, Martz & Associates on the FY2025 audit, followed by an action item. Informational updates include progress on Board Goal #2 (math curriculum), the Dickinson High School rebuild, and the superintendent's report on kindergarten pre-registration and upcoming board elections.

• Brady, Martz & Associates audit presentation for FY2025 (ending June 30, 2025)
• Personnel changes: hire of Rachel Zarak as SLP at Lincoln; transfers of 10 certified staff; resignations of 16 staff including Anna Glock (12 yrs) and Trevor Conrad (10 yrs)
• Superintendent reports 205 kindergarten pre-registered for fall 2026, down from 215 in 2025
• DHS furniture bid closed Feb 25; special board meeting to award bid to be scheduled
• School board election: 3 seats open; candidate filing deadline April 6, 2026

Special School Board Session

The Board is meeting to decide the date for the school board election. The proposed date is June 9, 2026, to coincide with city, county, and primary elections.

• Proposed school board election date of Tuesday, June 09, 2026
• Expiration of terms for Board President Michelle Orton, Vice President Kim Schwartz, and Board Member Jason Rodakowski on June 30, 2026

The Dickinson Public School Board scheduled the upcoming school board election to coincide with the city/county/primary election. Polling locations will be determined once established by Stark and Dunn County auditors. The terms for President Michelle Orton, Vice President Kim Schwartz, and Member Jason Rodakowski expire June 30, 2026.

• Scheduled school board election for June 9, 2026 (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved Special School Board Meeting Minutes

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools board holds a workshop to draft the agenda for the March 9 regular board meeting. The meeting consists of procedural items only: call to order, agenda building, and adjournment. No decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Board will build the March 9, 2026, School Board Meeting agenda

The Dickinson Public School Board held a workshop to prepare the upcoming regular meeting agenda. Discussion topics included high school furniture bids, fiscal year audits, and district math goals. The board also reviewed potential items regarding enrollment, staffing, and policy readings.

• Approved School Board Workshop Minutes

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will vote on a proposed revision to the high school's cell phone and electronics policy. The consent agenda includes approval of January bills and financial reports, personnel changes, and student enrollment. Informational updates cover the Dickinson High School rebuild, early literacy assessments, and the superintendent's annual evaluation deadline.

• Action item: vote on amending DHS Cell Phones, Electronics, and Recreational Items policy
• Superintendent reports on DHS rebuild progress with weekly updates from JE Dunn
• Board goals presentations on reading assessments (DIBELS, ND A+ Reading) for grades K-10
• Superintendent's summative evaluation due before March 15, 2026; board members to submit by Feb 26
• Consent agenda includes January bills, financial report, pledged securities, and personnel changes (hires, resignations)

The Dickinson Public Schools Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, the meeting agenda, and a revision to the Dickinson High School cell‑phone policy. It also adopted the 2026‑2027 school calendar, approved an open enrollment application for two students, and granted early resignation benefits to several staff members. Additionally, the board adopted revisions to multiple board policies and regulations, each passing with a 4‑0 roll‑call vote.

• Approved consent agenda (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote, unanimous)
• Amended DHS cell phones, electronics, and recreation items policy (voice vote, unanimous)
• Adopted 2026‑2027 school calendar (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved open enrollment for two South Heart students (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved early resignation benefits for 10 staff members (voice vote, unanimous)
• Adopted revisions to Board Policies BA and BFD (ayes‑4, nays‑0)
• Adopted Board Regulations BA‑BR1 and BA‑BR2 (ayes‑4, nays‑0)

Build the Board Meeting Agenda

The board is meeting to build the agenda for the February 9, 2026, School Board Meeting. This is a procedural meeting.

• Planning the February 9, 2026, School Board Meeting agenda

The Board held a workshop to review the agenda for the February 9, 2026, regular meeting. Items discussed included the 2026-2027 school calendar, policy updates, and the DHS rebuild project. No formal decisions were made during this session.

• Approved School Board Workshop Minutes (Feb 3, 2026)
• Set agenda for Regular School Board Meeting (Feb 9, 2026)
• Discussed 2026-2027 school calendar for approval
• Discussed updates to DHS handbook and cellphone policy
• Discussed updates to Board Policy BA (Ethics) and BFD (Visits to Schools)
• Discussed updates to Board Regulation BA-BR1 (Ethics) and BA-BR2 (Social Media)
• Discussed updates to Board Policy ACF (Whistleblower) and BAA (Employing Board Members)
• Discussed school boundary review with RSP

Regular School Board Meeting

The board will receive an informational update on the Dickinson High School rebuild project, including weekly and monthly reports from JE Dunn. Action items include approving an open enrollment application for two children from South Heart, accepting a certified resignation from a special education instructor, and a first reading of revisions to two board policies on whistleblower protections and employing board members. The consent agenda covers routine approvals of minutes, December 2025 bills, financial reports, personnel changes, and student enrollment.

• Dickinson High School rebuild progress reports from JE Dunn (weekly and monthly)
• Open enrollment application for two children of Jessie Shypkowski from South Heart to DPS
• Resignation of Laura Wehrung, special education instructor at Heart River Elementary
• First reading of revisions to Board Policy ACF (Whistleblower Protections) and BAA (Employing Board Members)
• Consent agenda includes December 2025 bills, financial report, self-funded health insurance report, and personnel changes (hire of Jenna Wojahn, resignation of Asher Mitchell)

The board approved several updates to district policies regarding whistleblower protections, employment of board members, nondiscrimination, Section 504, and child nutrition. Additionally, the board approved an open enrollment application for students from South Heart School District.

• Approved consent agenda via voice vote (unanimous)
• Approved January 12 agenda via voice vote (unanimous)
• Approved open enrollment for South Heart School District students (unanimous voice vote)
• Denied the resignation of Laura Wehrung, special education instructor (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved revisions to Board Policy ACF and Board Policy BAA (5-0)
• Adopted revisions to Board Policy AAC, Board Policy AACA, and Board Policy ABEB (5-0)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a procedural workshop where the Dickinson Public Schools Board will build the agenda for its upcoming January 12, 2026, regular meeting. No decisions or substantive discussions are scheduled.

• Build the January 12, 2026, School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools board held a workshop to plan the January 12 regular meeting, where required policy revisions and school calendar options will be reviewed for families. No votes or formal decisions were recorded during this session. Administrators also shared timelines for upcoming professional development days and ongoing research into the future of the district's yellow building.

• No substantive decisions or votes were recorded; the session focused on planning the January 12 meeting agenda.