Spotlight: Conversations From the Sioux Falls School District

Sioux Falls School District 49-5

An audible look inside the Sioux Falls School District spotlighting the people, places, and practices of the largest South Dakota school district in just thirty minutes or less.

  1. AI in Education

    2 MAR

    AI in Education

    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.

    26 min
  2. 25 Years of A+ at Eugene Field

    19 ENE

    25 Years of A+ at Eugene Field

    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.

    12 min
  3. The Season of Giving Back: Charge for Charity at RHS

    15/12/2025

    The Season of Giving Back: Charge for Charity at RHS

    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.

    17 min
  4. JHS College and Career Access Program: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

    21/11/2025

    JHS College and Career Access Program: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

    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.

    32 min
  5. Investing in Education: Allison Struck and the Education Foundation

    22/10/2025

    Investing in Education: Allison Struck and the Education Foundation

    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!

    24 min
  6. Learning From The Past - Preparing For The Future: Dan Conrad and Dr. Kirk Zeeck

    12/09/2025

    Learning From The Past - Preparing For The Future: Dan Conrad and Dr. Kirk Zeeck

    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.

    32 min
  7. Introducing Superintendent Dr. Nold

    21/08/2025

    Introducing Superintendent Dr. Nold

    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.

    27 min

  8. 13/05/2025

    Sustaining Success: The Superintendent's Support System with Andrea Grady

    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!

    20 min
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An audible look inside the Sioux Falls School District spotlighting the people, places, and practices of the largest South Dakota school district in just thirty minutes or less.

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