The Eagle Butte School District 20-1, nestled in the heart of Central South Dakota, encompasses a sprawling 1646 square miles of South Dakota's beautiful prairie landscape. This district is more than just a geographical entity; it's a place where education and community merge, making it a beacon of inspiration.
Bounded to the east by the majestic Missouri River and to the south by the Cheyenne River, our district boasts a unique partnership. The school is run cooperatively with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, with both entities sharing responsibilities and budgets. This collaborative effort reflects the commitment to providing the best education possible. With an enrollment of approximately 1147 students spanning from Kindergarten to Grade 12, we celebrate our diversity, as about 98% of our students proudly identify as Native American.
Within our district, there are five educational centers: Primary (K-2), Upper Elementary (3-6), Junior High (7-8), High School (9-12), and the E.A.G.L.E. Center (7-12 Alternative). The Upper Elementary center, housing 390 students in grades three through six, is a testament to our dedication to inclusivity, as 98% of the students are Native American, and 100% benefit from free and reduced lunch programs. We believe that every student deserves an equal chance to succeed.
Our educational offerings extend far beyond the conventional, with support classes and shared resources like a media center, health services, music, band, art, Lakota language and culture, counseling, computer science, STEM instruction, and physical education. We also encourage enrichment activities and foster partnerships with regional programs, such as StarBase and SURF, to expand our students' horizons.
The Upper Elementary School doesn't just stop when the final bell rings. After-school activities are abundant and diverse, offering opportunities for students to explore their interests, from archery and dance to sewing, art, and Lakota Handgames. A Homework Center provides tutoring and a welcoming environment for students to further their education beyond the regular school day.
Our commitment to our community extends beyond the classroom. We take pride in providing gainful employment opportunities to over 108 contracted and 60 hourly staff members who contribute their talents across various departments. Our dedication to our staff's well-being is reflected in our certified teacher median salary of $60,915, a $5000 sign-on bonus, along with comprehensive health insurance coverage, tuition reimbursement, subsidized housing, and attendance incentives. We value professional development, offering competitive compensation rates for both certified and non-certified personnel.
As a testament to our ongoing improvement, we have invested in essential upgrades. Thanks to one-time funding, we've recently completed a full kitchen remodel and expanded our cafeteria. Our campus-wide HVAC retrofit ensures the highest air quality standards for the well-being of our students and staff. Looking to the future, we have plans for additional teacher housing and long-term campus development, all designed to best serve the needs of our community.
The Eagle Butte School District 20-1 is more than an educational institution; it's a thriving community that celebrates diversity, values education, and continuously strives to provide the best opportunities for its students and staff. We are not just shaping minds; we are shaping the future.
