STURGIS, S.D. (KBHB) – The Meade 46-1 School District and its superintendent are going different ways.

Jeff Simmons, during his monthly school board recap visit with KBHB News this morning, confirmed the news.

Simmons, who served as president of the Roncalli School System in Aberdeen from 2015 to 2018, announced his departure at Monday night’s school board meeting.

He will finish off the school year, with June 30 being his last day.

Simmons and some board members from the rural areas of the district have been at odds the past year. Rural members had even brought forward a plan to split the district. Rural members touted underfunding and possible closure of some rural schools.

After a warning from the head of the State Education Department such a move could lead to large tax increases and a growing deficit, calmer heads prevailed with a promise from Simmons to find solutions.

Simmons says he has no future plans right at the moment, but was “excited about any future opportunities.”

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