By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
As if any of us needs a reminder of how quickly these summer days are flying by, the latest school board meetings in Colman-Egan and Flandreau couldn’t have made it more clear.
With the first day of school now just weeks away, both boards got right down to business looking at enrollment numbers, seetting budgets, finalizing teacher and coaching hires, swearing in new board members and handling other matters ahead of the new school year.
First day of school for both the Fliers and the Hawks is August 18.
Flandreau
In Flandreau, the School Board approved its 2026-27 budget and tax request following a public hearing on July 13.
Morgan Kontz and newly elected board member Katie Muller were sworn into office. Muller replaces Tom Stenger, who was recognized for 18 years of service to the district.
Kari Burggraff was reelected board president, while Brian Johnson was selected as vice president. Other board members are Dustin Headrick, Brian Klein, Cynthia Sheppard, Kontz and Muller.
Superintendent Quinton Cermak updated the board on staffing and summer projects. The district hired Melissa Maguire as a high school English teacher and CJ Smith as head boys basketball coach.
One issue the district continues to work through is staffing at its school at Pleasant Valley Colony. Colony leaders say students are falling further behind their peers and have indicated they will remain persistent in asking for additional classroom help. The district continues to look at the best possible options for the school’s 24 students. No decision has yet been made.
The district will also no longer accept new weight room memberships. Current memberships will be honored through Dec. 31.
School meal prices were set at $2.30 for breakfast and $3.80 for elementary lunch. Lunch for students in grades 6-12 will be $3.90. Reduced-price meals remain 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch.
Admission to home activities will remain $4 for students and $6 for adults. Those 65 and older are admitted free. Previously, only those 65 and over who are residents of the Flandreau District were allowed free admission, but now anyone over that age is admitted free of charge.
Colman-Egan
The Colman-Egan School Board also held its 2026-27 budget hearing and reorganized for the coming year.
Kirsten Taggart was reelected board president, and Dan Bowen was elected vice president. Other board members are Keyes, Larson and Wright.
Superintendent Scott Hemmer updated the board on enrollment and the possibility some classes may need to be split as the district prepares for additional students.
Summer projects include replacement of the high school roof and installation of a new water fountain in the junior high and elementary addition.
The board approved the hiring of Georgia Simon as an elementary teacher on special assignment. It also accepted Bodee Groos’ resignation as junior varsity boys basketball coach before approving him as head boys basketball coach. Josh LeBrun was hired as the new junior varsity coach.
Admission to home activities was set at $4 for students and $6 for adults. Students in grades 7-12 and adults 65 and older will receive free passes.
Preschool tuition will be $105 per month for Monday-Wednesday-Friday classes and $80 per month for Tuesday-Thursday classes.