The South Dakota School Superintendent Association Executive Board has chosen its 2024 Superintendent Award winners.
The 2024 Outstanding Superintendent is Mark Naugle of the Custer Public School District. Mark has been a teacher, athletic director, principal, and superintendent across South Dakota since 1988. Mr. Naugle has been the Custer Public School District superintendent for the past decade. As Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Naugle has advocated for students and the community of Custer. Mark has spearheaded building projects across the district. He is a leader who cares for the people in the school district and the community. He is a champion for mentorship and connecting with the community through service. Mr. Naugle has held numerous leadership roles in South Dakota Public Education over the past 30 years. Peers appreciate his nurturing and enthusiasm for others’ personal and professional growth. The South Dakota School Superintendent Association proudly recognizes Mr. Naugle as our 2024 Outstanding Superintendent Award recipient.
The 2024 Distinguished Service Award recipient is James Bridge. Mr. Bridge is retiring in 2024 after serving 44 years in education. Mr. Bridge began his career in 1980 in Springfield, South Dakota. In 1985, Jim made Hanson School District his home. Mr. Bridge has spent the past 39 years serving the students, families, and communities in the Hanson School District. He has served Hanson as a teacher, principal, athletic director, legendary coach, and superintendent for nearly four decades. His colleagues have recognized Mr. Bridge as a change agent, values-driven leader, High School Principal of the Year, and South Dakota Coach of the Year multiple times. His community describes him as a conscientious professional committed to providing quality educational opportunities for all young people. Mr. Bridge and his wife, Julie, have dedicated their professional life to the public-school students in the Hanson School District. The South Dakota School Superintendent Association proudly recognizes Mr. Bridge as our 2024 Distinguished Service Award recipient.
The 2024 Community Leader of the Year Award recipient is Tim Graf. Mr. Graf has served as superintendent of schools for the Harrisburg School District since Fall 2019. Before serving in Harrisburg, Mr. Graf served in Milbank, Wilmont, and Ellendale communities. Tim has led the fastest-growing school district in South Dakota through difficult years, multiple successful bond issues, boundary changes, and innovative learning structures by keeping the community focused on “what is best for kids.” Mr. Graf is a consummate leader who encourages the growth and development of all those around him. The South Dakota School Superintendent Association proudly recognizes Mr. Graf as our 2024 Community Leader of the Year award recipient.
The 2024 Innovator of the Year Award recipient is Erik Person. Dr. Person has served as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent over the past 27 years. Erik has been the superintendent at Lead-Deadwood Public Schools for the past three years. As Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Person has led the district through a comprehensive strategic plan. He is recognized by teachers, board members, and community members for moving from concept to action quickly as the district moves forward with renovation projects, a significant mercury spill, and an innovative 185+ land development project for affordable homes for working families, including teachers, to stabilize the staff and enrollment in the District. The South Dakota School Superintendent Association proudly recognizes Dr. Person as our 2024 Innovator of the Year award recipient.
The 2024 Rookie of the Year is Dani Walking Eagle of the St. Francis Indian School. Ms. Walking Eagle is in her third year as superintendent for the St. Francis Indian School. She has engaged in her school and community. Dani led her school out of corrective action within her first year. She has engaged her community in strategic planning and focused on the professional development of her leadership team. Ms. Walking Eagle has worked with consultants and her team to transform St. Francis into a student-focused school. Dani has transitioned leadership positions to meet the dynamic needs of their community and empowered leaders to move forward with the work that needs to be done. Ms. Walking Eagle is committed to the students, staff, and community. The South Dakota School Superintendent Association proudly recognizes Ms. Walking Eagle as our 2024 Rookie of the Year award recipient.
These individuals will be honored at the annual Superintendent Conference held in July 2024.
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