Fostering a Positive School Climate and Culture 

The District is dedicated to establishing and maintaining a positive school climate and culture that fosters respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. To achieve this goal, the District hired Kit Veit, Director of Positive School Climate and Culture. Ms. Veit will guide district-wide efforts to create and sustain a supportive, inclusive, and respectful educational environment for all students.  

Kit Veit

 

Kit Veit 

Director of Positive School Climate & Culture 

Kit.Veit@k12.sd.us 

605-791-6350 

 

If you have questions or concerns, reach out to Ms. Veit!  

 

“I am a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. I was raised on a ranch north of Dupree, South Dakota. I attended grade school and high school at Dupree. I received my Elementary Education degree from Si Tanka/ Huron University. I received my Master’s in Education Administration and Supervision from Phoenix University. This school year is my 25th year in education, ranging from a paraprofessional, classroom teacher, and administrator. 

 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren. I enjoy the outdoors, whether fishing, hiking, or traveling. I am excited to join the RCAS family and eager to strengthen a safe and supportive educational environment.” 

File a Public Complaint  

The District has implemented Policy KL (Public Complaint Policy and Procedure) to address concerns related to violations or misinterpretations of district policies.  This policy underscores the district’s dedication to accountability, issue resolution, and building strong, positive relationships with all members of the school community. 

Policy KL provides a structured process for stakeholders—parents, guardians, students, staff, and community members—to raise concerns and have them addressed promptly and thoroughly. To review the Public Complaint Policy and Procedure, click here.  

You can file a Public Complaint by filling out this form and sending it to the Public Complaint Coordinator at:  

Gary Manuel 

Director of Human Resources, Public Complaint Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator  

Gary.Manuel@k12.sd.us 

605-394-4014 

 

Resolution of Complaints. The District must protect the confidentiality of both student and personnel information in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable laws and policies. This includes safeguarding sensitive information related to student discipline, employee evaluations, disciplinary actions, and other confidential matters. Such information will only be disclosed to authorized individuals or entities as permitted by law, ensuring the privacy and rights of students, families, and employees are respected and upheld at all times. To the extent permissible, the District will provide information about the resolution of a complaint.  

Fostering a Positive School Environment 

The District has adopted comprehensive policies to prevent harassment, discrimination, and bullying, ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and community members. These policies are designed to promote equity, protect individuals from harm, and address any incidents promptly and effectively. 

Through these measures, the District underscores its commitment to fostering a positive climate where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, free from behaviors that undermine their well-being or hinder their success. 

Discrimination and Harassment  

The District prohibits discrimination in its policies, employment practices, programs, and activities based on race, color, creed, religion, age, gender (including pregnancy), disability, national origin or ancestry, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category. Acts of discrimination against any individual(s) are strictly prohibited on District property or during District-sponsored activities.  

Discrimination is defined as conduct including words, gestures, or other actions which disadvantages a person (or group) based upon the person’s or group’s protected status (example: age, religion, race, etc.).  

Harassment is defined as a pattern of unwelcome conduct which is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile working or learning environment 

Student Bullying 

The District prohibits bullying, including cyberbullying, on school premises, in district property (buses), and at school-related functions or activities. Bullying is a pattern of repeated conduct that causes physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students that may include threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, theft, destruction of property, any threatening use of data or computer software, written or verbal communication, or conduct directed against a student that:  

            1. Places a student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property; and either 
            2. Substantially interferes with a student’s educational performance; or 
            3. Substantially disrupts the orderly operation of a school. 
            4. Includes retaliation against a student for asserting or alleging an act of bullying.

Policy JGC Student Bullying and Procedure – If a student has been subjected to bullying, he/she should file a verbal or written report to the building principal. If resolution is unsuccessful, a student or parent/guardian may file a Public Complaint with the Public Complaint Coordinator.  

Need Help?  

Not sure where to begin? Complete this form, and a District representative will contact you to provide guidance and support for your next steps. 

Complaint Assistance Form 

District Policies and Procedures  

A comprehensive list of all District policies can be found here.