District overview
Kadoka Area School District 35-2
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
How does one district run six schools spread across the Badlands?
Kadoka Area School District 35-2 covers parts of Jackson, Haakon and Jones counties in western South Dakota. It runs Kadoka Elementary, Kadoka Middle School and Kadoka Area High School in Kadoka, plus small rural attendance centers in Interior, Long Valley and Midland. A seven-member board, elected in June, sets the budget and hires the superintendent, Jamie Hermann. In 2026-27 it meets on the second Wednesday of the month and often holds meetings at the outlying schools. Most general-fund money comes from state aid (about $1.6 million), local property taxes and federal Impact Aid, because part of the district is on tribal and federal land.
Small schools under pressure
Midland Elementary had about 14 students. The board tied 3-3 on keeping it open in February 2026, then voted 1-5 against closing it in October.
Impact Aid fills gaps
In June 2026 the board moved $350,889 from Impact Aid to the general fund, $73,182 to special education and $75,293 to school lunch.
Big building repairs
Insurance is paying for most of a $310,235 roof repair at Interior School. A new concession and bathroom building at the sports complex was nearly done by August 2026.
Rented space
The district leases the City of Kadoka auditorium. A new three-year lease ($38,508) passed in September 2026 after a summer of disagreement over its terms.
The board posts agendas, minutes, bills and monthly financial reports for every meeting, which is more than many small districts share. Talking about closing a tiny school does not mean the district is struggling; leaders said enrollment was steady or slightly up.
Where the district stands
Context: sum of 2022 NCES school enrollments; the queue lists 303.
Major projects
Interior School roof repair
contract awardedA leaking roof was patched in summer 2026. Boone Brothers won the $310,235 repair, which includes a 20-year warranty.
- Insurance adjuster finds the roof needs replacing
- Board authorizes bids; temporary fix holding
- Boone Brothers bid accepted
Funding
Insurance proceeds (about $270,000 budgeted) and capital outlay fund
Sports complex concession and bathroom building
nearly completeA new concession stand and restrooms at the sports complex. Nemek Construction is doing the building ($78,130) and Gibson Concrete the concrete ($40,659.26).
- Bids advertised
- Building bid accepted
- Concrete bid accepted
- Concessions area nearly complete
Funding
Capital outlay fund
Future of Midland Elementary
open for 2026-27The board has twice considered closing the Midland attendance center. It stays open through at least 2026-27.
- 3-3 tie keeps Midland open for 2026-27
- Motion to close after 2026-27 fails 1-5
Funding
General fund
Recent news
Agendas, unapproved minutes (with monthly financial reports and bills), the FY27 budget hearing notice, fuel bid notices and the 2026-27 student handbooks, all posted on the Kadoka Area School District website, from October 2025 to October 2026.
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