Advertise on podcast: Spotlight: Conversations From the Sioux Falls School District

The Sioux Falls School District's Facility Planning Task Force brings together community members, educators, and district leaders to thoughtfully plan for the future of our school facilities. Through collaboration, transparency, and data-driven decision-making, the group is committed to making responsible recommendations that support student success and serve the community now and into the future.

Superintendent Dr. Jamie Nold may be wrapping up his first year in his new role, but he is far from being considered a rookie (although, he also is, kind of....listen in for more on that 😂). With over 30 years of experience in education, Dr. Nold is leading the Sioux Falls School District with dedication and passion. In this interview we look back at his first year as superintendent and look forward to what's in store for the future.

School libraries are special places. They're more than just stacks of books and computers. The school library is a place where curiosity flows and students are empowered to explore, create, and grow. At the heart of every school library is the librarian, and they are the ones who bring the magic to life. From fostering a love of reading to supporting research and collaboration, school librarians open up new worlds for students every time they step foot into the library. As Sarah Becker, librarian at Hawthorne Elementary puts it, "Reading and stories are what makes humans human. If students can see themselves in a story, that connects them to a wider community, and it makes us all better humans." During national library month (but also, all the time!) we want to say thank you to all our wonderful school librarians. You make the magic happen, and you brighten our schools and communities with the work you do everyday.

What does it mean to be an artist? What does it mean to be a teacher? Is there any way these two things could overlap (spoiler alert: YES!)? In this episode of "Spotlight" we explore the intersection of creativity and education through the lens of "Teachers as Artists," a collaborative exhibit featuring SFSD art educators at the Washington Pavilion. Art teachers from K through 12 share what it's like to balance life as both an educator and a practicing artist. A common theme that emerges is: when you continue to practice making art yourself, you're setting an example for your students and showing them that art is enjoyable and important at all points throughout life. From sparking creativity in the classroom to modeling lifelong artistic passion, we hear how their personal art practices shape the way the teach and why that matters for students.

Artificial intelligence is dominating the headlines these days. In this episode of Spotlight we speak with instructional coach Sarah Burkett about how the District is approaching AI with a focus on literacy, ethics, and thoughtful guidance rather than rigid policy. Then, we hear from teachers at Laura B. Anderson Elementary and Jefferson High School about how they’re using AI to save time, differentiate instruction, spark creativity, and build stronger relationships with students. It’s a practical, balanced look at how AI can enhance learning without replacing the educators who make it meaningful.

Eugene Field A+ Elementary is currently in the midst of celebrating the 25th anniversary of being an "Arts Plus" school. This means that for 25 years generations of students have had access to an education that puts a special focus on the arts. Laura Tjaden taught music at Eugene Field for 28 years, meaning she was there when the school made the switch to an arts-focused approach. In this conversation, we hear from her about her time with the school and what a valuable asset having an art focused education is for students.

In this episode, we sit down with student council members from Roosevelt High School to highlight Charge for Charity, a student-led effort that brings the spirit of giving to life in the Sioux Falls School District. Through food drives and donations of essential items, students are finding meaningful ways to support local charities and care for classmates who may be in need. As the holiday season approaches, the conversation reflects the larger culture of service across our schools where students lead with empathy, generosity, and a commitment to making a positive impact. It’s a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in our school communities and beyond.

It's an exciting time to be a Cavalier! With help from the Promising Futures Fund, Jefferson High School is introducing the College and Career Access Program. This is an initiative designed to expand opportunities for students as they plan life after graduation. The aim is to help students and families explore post-secondary pathways, including four-year universities, tech schools, military service, and direct-to-work careers.

The Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation was created in 2008 and has been helping to lift up students and staff ever since. Allison Struck took over as executive director in 2018 and has been helping to grow the foundation and expand its impact. Tune in to learn more about how this amazing organization supports every school in the Sioux Falls School District!

Since taking over as superintendent in July, Dr. Jamie Nold has shared his history, outlook, and vision for the Sioux Falls School District. While his leadership helps guide staff through the day-to-day, he’s supported by many talented team members. Today, we’ll hear from two of them—Assistant Superintendents Dan Conrad and Dr. Kirk Zeeck. They’ll share their “why” and what they hope to accomplish in their relatively new roles. With decades of combined experience, Mr. Conrad and Dr. Zeeck are focused on creating the best possible learning environment for today’s students while ensuring future generations have the same opportunities to thrive.

The Sioux Falls School District's newest superintendent doesn't need an introduction. No, really, he doesn't. He's been a part of the District for over 30 years! You would be hard pressed to find an employee of SFSD who didn't at least know his name. Staff, parents, and students (both current and former) are looking forward to a future with him at the helm. Although he needs no introduction, he's taken it upon himself to make the rounds and make sure everybody knows his desires and intentions. In this episode of "Spotlight" we sit down for a one-on-one, in-dept interview with Dr. Nold to hear about how he got here, changes he's seen in education, and how he will guide the Sioux Falls School District toward success in the future.

One of the things that makes the Sioux Falls School District so special is the ever present focus on success. Success is something that means many different things to many different people. We all have our own ways of defining it, measuring it, and striving for it. What's often not talked about is how we sustain it. Andrea Grady has been the executive assistant to three different superintendents in the SF School District (soon to be four!). In this special farewell episode of Spotlight, Dr. Stavem sits down with Andrea to reflect on the vital role she plays behind the scenes - from managing schedules to keeping things running smoothly everyday. As we keep our focus on the success of our students and staff every day, it's important to acknowledge that there are entire ecosystems of support staff District-wide who make these efforts possible. In this final podcast recording for Dr. Stavem, we talk about the importance of support, office dynamics, and what it takes to lead well. We wish Dr. Stavem all the best as she signs off of Spotlight and looks ahead to her next chapter!

Opening a brand new school is no small task—but it’s something the Sioux Falls School District knows a thing or two about. Just four years ago, we opened the doors to both Ben Reifel Middle School and Jefferson High School. There’s something uniquely exciting about students and staff walking into a brand new building together, ready to shape its future from day one. Of course, every new school needs a strong leader at the helm—someone who’s ready to wear all the hats and guide the journey from the ground up. Enter Patrick Purdy, who was named the first principal of Marcella LeBeau Elementary in February. In this episode, Superintendent Jane Stavem sits down with Patrick to talk about his background, his vision, and what it takes to launch a new elementary school from scratch. We’re counting down the days until the fall of 2025, when students and staff will walk through the doors of Marcella LeBeau for the very first time.

"It takes a village." You've probably heard this phrase used in many different ways and for many different scenarios. It's a popular saying because it's what can be considered a universal truth - nobody can do everything on their own. This holds true for the Sioux Falls School District. While our dedicated staff work day in and day out to provide the best education for all children, our community partners are consistently stepping in to provide a boost to those efforts. Rebecca Wimmer is the Coordinator of Community Partnerships and After School Programming for SFSD. In this role, she has brought countless outside organizations into the halls of schools throughout the District to help bring new and exciting opportunities to students. Her passion for student enrichment and engagement is evident from the moment you meet her, and her commitment to making SFSD the best place possible for every student in Sioux Falls is unwavering.

For the past four years, Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) has been offered to high school students in the Sioux Falls School District, making a meaningful impact on their lives. Through JAG, students are exposed to career paths they may have never considered. They connect with business leaders, politicians, and industry experts who provide valuable insights into future opportunities and the steps needed to achieve their goals. Nicole Fette has taught JAG at Roosevelt High School for all four of these years, and she has seen first hand how the program benefits students. Mrs. Fette has seen complete transformations of students over the course of their time in JAG, and her passion and enthusiasm for helping students is clear from the moment you meet her. It's no wonder she was recently nominated for the 2025 Teacher of the Year Award!