MITCHELL, S.D. (KMIT) – Mitchell School Board members last night expressed concern with the Mitchell School District’s level of summer activities. Activities Director Cory Aadland confirmed that voluntary practices for boys and girls basketball, volleyball, football, boys and girls soccer, marching band, and competitive dance started on June 1 in several different venues.

Aadland also stressed that safety is their biggest concern, with each group having 10 or fewer people in one indoor space. That limit is 25 or fewer people in outdoor spaces. Participants are checked for fevers beforehand, and social distancing is practiced.

School board member Lacey Musick said she believed the district was moving forward with activities too quickly, especially since Davison County’s COVID-19 cases have trended upward in the past few weeks.

She noted that other activities, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and football could then be started in Phase 2, but only after a downward trajectory in COVID-19 cases.

Aadland noted that Mitchell has proceeded conservatively compared with similar-sized school districts in South Dakota. The board did not take action on summer activity training guidelines.  The topic will be revisited at the school board’s next meeting on June 22.