Committee: Joint Appropriations
Testimony Related to Bill 89
Mr. Jim Krugman, Superintendent, Black Hills Forest High School (BHFHS), presented an
overview of the high school and how it fits into the Job Corps program. He emphasized the Job
Corps is a federally funded vocational training program that offers a General Equivalency Degree
program. The Job Corp program was able to start offering a high school diploma when it organized
BHFHS as a result of receiving funding through the Second Chance program from the Department
of Education. Mr. Krugman operates BHFHS in partnership with the Lead-Deadwood school
district. It has a student capacity of 208, of which approximately 180 are from South Dakota.
In response to Representative Staggers question, Mr. Krugman estimated the cost to educate each
Job Corps graduate is $25,000 for a 12- to 14-month period. Ms. Wendy Hall-Bevil, Placement
Coordinator, BHFHS, explained Job Corps graduates are tracked for six months after graduation.
A 13-week follow-up study showed 79% of the graduates had full-time job placement.
The vocational training provided through the Job Corps is specific and covers seven vocational areas. Job Corps candidates are identified as a result of referrals and recruitment. The candidates are screened for compatibility with the program and the other students. The program is funded annually on the federal fiscal year. The South Dakota Department of Education and Cultural Affairs works with BHFHS through the Lead-Deadwood school district on issues of review and certification. The
total operating budget of BHFHS is $5.5 million and includes 65 staff members and 32 buildings
on 28 acres. Of the eight staff members who provide vocational training, five are contracted through
the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative. The capacity of the educational facility itself is 100
students. The cost per student in the high school program is $1211; approximately 25% of the high
school students are female.
Mr. Randy Morris, Executive Director, Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC),
explained BHSSC provides the contract staff to BHFHS. The Lead-Deadwood school district does
not receive any ADM money. BHSSC is proposing to charge $13 to $14 per day per student to
school districts for each of its students attending BHFHS; in return, the districts will receive the
ADM money. An agreement has been reached with the Department of Education and Cultural
Affairs approving BHFHS as an alternative site for BHSSC.
Mr. Jeff Bloomberg, Secretary, Department of Corrections (DOC), presented information on DOC
programs for youth. Mr. Bloomberg estimated there are 450 youth in programs such as training
schools and boot camps. There are 600 youth in aftercare programs. The West Farm program is
designed for youth who need a stable environment. It is strictly an academic program for males and
does not provide any vocational training. Youth attend the program for approximately 1.5 years.
Mr. Mike Bueuger, Unified Judicial System (UJS), introduced Judge Max Gors, Sixth Circuit
Court, UJS, and Mr. Francis McCabe, Chief Court Officer, UJS. Judge Gors presented an
overview of how juveniles go through the court system. Mr. Bueuger detailed an intensive juvenile
probation program piloted by the UJS in 1997. He noted 78% of juveniles completing the program
remained in their communities one year after placement in the probation program. Mr. McCabe
furnished additional information on the probation program.
MOTION:
ADJOURN
Moved by:
Representative Sutton
Second by:
Representative Putnam
Action:
Prevailed by voice vote.
Deborah Rumrill