School Board hears updates on projects, approves 2026 budget

The Tea Area School Board met Sept. 15. 

Operations manager Wayne Larsen updated the board on projects throughout the district. He said they have been using all parts of the high school addition since school started, however, there is still work going on after classes end for the day. The elevator is now functioning. The carpet is finished and they painted the stage floor. Some landscaping has been done in front of the building.

Some in progress items include installing a white curtain at the back of the stage, installing a trophy case in the arts wing and HVAC controls. They still have a punch list of things for paint and flooring. Larsen thought they would finish up the punch list items by the end of the month. 

The bus barn doors and windows are installed. Electricians and plumbers have roughed in their items in the bus barn. That project should be wrapped up by the end of the month or beginning of October.

The Frontier Elementary bus dropoff was in use earlier this month. The air conditioning unit at Legacy arrived this month.

Larsen said they are still waiting to hear about a minor plat with the city of Sioux Falls for the middle school land purchase.

The board approved the resignations of Pamela Bovee as TASK aide, Angela Cuka for Venture Elementary foodservice and Amber Mose-Milbrath as ELL paraprofessional.

They also approved the new hires of Luanne Bartek as foodservice cashier at $18.52 per hour, Douglas Weaver as groundskeeper at $23.10 per hour and Madison Wuebben as business office specialist at $22.60 per hour.

Business manager Chris Esping provided the board with the budget for the 2026 fiscal year. She noted that the biggest adjustment was to the general fund. They had budgeted for a growth of 25 students but as of the board meeting had only a growth of six students. They will dip into the fund balance by $400,000. Esping was not concerned about this action since the fund balance grew last year. She noted that this year’s kindergarten class is very small compared to where they have been. The board approved the 2026 budget.

They approved the annual report to be submitted to the state Department of Education.

Superintendent Tonia Warzecha provided three administrative rule waivers for three long-term substitutes. The board approved the waivers for one middle school science teacher, on high school math teacher and one for Connections Academy.

The board surplussed 30 high school choir robes, 48 sports complex lights and various tech equipment items.

Warzecha congratulated the Hall of Fame inductees. She also said she is exploring a partnership with university in the state for a deeper level practicum for teachers.

Administrators reviewed their academic goals for the year.

The board went into executive session at 6:51 p.m.