Mike Miller honored for his civic duties

March 11--Aberdeen businessman and school board member Mike Miller, who died over the weekend at age 52, was praised Monday at meetings of both the Aberdeen Public Board of Education and the Aberdeen City Council.

At the school board meeting, four people mentioned Miller, whose empty chair was quite noticeable at Monday's meeting. Miller had presided over the most recent school board meeting, which was Feb. 24. In addition to serving as president of the school board, Miller was a member of the South Dakota High School Activities Association board of directors.

Board member Duane Alm said that Wade Pogany, executive director of the Associated School Boards of South Dakota, had expressed his regret about Miller's passing.

"His loss is certainly being felt on this school board," said Superintendent Gary Harms. "It will be felt on the South Dakota High School Activities Association board, throughout our community and throughout our state, because Mike was known for his officiating, football particularly, throughout South Dakota. And we do extend our heartfelt sympathy to Janice, and Michyl and to Brandon."

Doug Neuharth, coordinator of the district's Indian Education Program, acknowledged Miller before giving his Indian education update.

"He will be greatly missed as a board member and friend," Neuharth said.

In her remarks to the board, Tara Hall noted that Miller was always a supporter of the Indian education program. Hall has been the president of the American Indian parent advisory committee for seven years.

At the City Council meeting, Mayor Mike Levsen said Miller would be missed.

Among his other duties, Miller was a member of the police reserves.

"Mike was a perfect example of a citizen who, instead of complaining, acted," Levsen said. "He will be missed."

During the school board meeting, members voted on a replacement for Miller on the Hub Area Technical School Board. Scott Wirth will be Miller's replacement, with Todd Kolden the alternate.

Other business

-- Director of operations Bob Pitz talked about increased energy costs. He estimates that for 2013-14, energy costs will be $41,800 more than the district had budgeted. Pitz used data for July through February to project what the numbers will be through June 30 of this year.

-- In his report, Neuharth said he was very pleased that American Indian students at Central had an average ACT score of 22. The average 2013 American Indian ACT score in South Dakota was 17. The average ACT score among all Centralstudents was 22.3. The average 2013 ACT score among all South Dakota students was 21.9, and the national average ACT score was 20.9.

-- O.M. Tiffany Elementary School principal Jared Ahlberg said eight pieces of new playground equipment will be installed June 14-15. The cost of the equipment, shipping and installation is about $45,000. The Tiffany PTA raised most of that money over the past three years. Parents and grandparents will help with the installation.

Ahlberg reported that 92 percent of Tiffany parents attended spring conferences. The number will climb to 96 percent when meetings with those who missed are scheduled.

In addition, Ahlberg reported that Tiffany students collected $2,549 as part of a program called Pennies for Patients.

-- Harms announced that a meeting with the Aberdeen Education Association will be held March 31. The only item that will be negotiated this year is insurance premiums.

-- Drama teacher Roger McCafferty reported that Central's production of "Guys and Dolls" received a superior rating from all three judges at the state one-act competition in Brandon. Seven students received superior awards and the cast was given an ensemble award. McCafferty was joined by members of the cast.

-- McCafferty introduced two students, Jacob Womack and Kyle Anderson, who are going to the national oral interpretation tournament in Kansas City, Mo. In addition, teacher Kerry Konda talked about the national debate qualifiers.

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