Dear Patrons of the Harrisburg School District,
On behalf of the school board, nearly 1,000 faculty and staff, and more than 6,400 children, thank you for supporting your schools. Together, we are the Harrisburg School District. Thank you for providing your input; we gathered feedback during the first semester for our strategic plan. Stay connected on our website and social media as we move from information gathering to theme and plan development throughout the second semester.
Walking Our Halls
In my first eight months as superintendent, I have enjoyed walking through each of our 13 schools, often monthly, with our building principals. We visit special programs, stop in classrooms, and connect with students from ages five through eighteen. Experiencing learning in action is a blessing and one of the greatest privileges of this role.
As I considered what to share with you, I realized what a gift it is to see our schools through both the lens of a superintendent and that of a mom. With so much noise around us, positive and negative, it’s easy for the true picture of our schools to become blurred. But when I walk our halls, what I see is hope, joy, and deep admiration for the people who serve our children every day.
If you want to see this for yourself, please join us for a tour or attend one of our Foundation Friday events. Until then, here’s a small glimpse into the reality of your schools today.
Where the Journey Begins
In our elementary buildings, students greet their principals with hugs and smiles. They dive into art, use manipulatives to solve math problems, and read to one another or perform in readers’ theater groups. Business partners join us on Learner Interest Days, giving students a window into future careers. Teachers collaborate consistently, talking about what’s working, what isn’t, and what they will try next to support learners traveling different routes toward the same destination: graduation.
Discovering Identity and Independence
In our middle schools, students are discovering who they are; they want to be seen but not always noticed. They greet their principals with shy smiles or flamboyant fist bumps. Staff nurtures that growth, helping them find independence, interests, and confidence. Middle school is a time to explore, because people cannot be passionate about something they did not know existed.
Paths to Graduation
A student’s journey to graduation begins in elementary school, expands in middle school, and blossoms in high school. Students in the high school greet their principals with a head nod or a direct question. Harrisburg High School offers an incredible range of opportunities for students to pursue their passions. Each student’s path is unique, and in this edition, you will read stories that highlight those diverse journeys. Whether a student enters the workforce, the military, a technical college, or a university, earning the distinction of “Harrisburg High School Graduate” means they are ready to contribute to our community and economy. Your investment in our schools is an investment in all of our tomorrows.
Schools as the Heartbeat of Community
As a lifelong South Dakota girl, I grew up in public schools. The connection between school and community today reminds me so much of my childhood in the 80s and 90s, as our family attended sporting events, concerts, and plays in our hometown (Winner Warriors, Gregory Gorillas, McCook Central Cougars, Lead Gold Diggers, and the Huron Tigers. We moved a lot!) South Dakota schools are still the heartbeat of their communities. We continue to teach core subjects, but now offer more authentic, engaging experiences aligned directly with workforce needs. Our children are the next generation of public servants, soldiers, plumbers, teachers, tech gurus, doctors, lawyers, ministers, and volunteers. Just like decades ago, we pool our resources to build our future together.
May 2026
Yes, I walk our halls as the superintendent. But I also experience our district as a resident, a taxpayer, and most importantly, a mom.
Friends, our future is bright. Our schools are your community, and we are grateful to continue this journey with you.
Proud to be HSD,
