Happy Wednesday! Megan here.
Weather check: 60s and 70s (what time of year is it, anyway?)
This week, you'll get a look at how public schools are prepping for another year of "playing defense" in Pierre. Plus, don't miss a sneak peek at the new Science and Technology floor at the Washington Pavilion, a number of Super Simplified Stories and a round-up of so many fun events that I'm already feeling FOMO for not being able to make it to all of them.
And now, news:
EDUCATION
Why Sioux Falls schools are readying to fight for funding
Simplified: School officials in Sioux Falls are ready to advocate for sufficient state funding and fight against specific aspects of property tax reform that they say would hinder schools' ability to serve students. Here's a closer look at where it all stands ahead of the 2026 legislative session.
Why it matters
- The Sioux Falls School Board on Monday approved the district's legislative priorities for state lawmakers in the upcoming 2026 legislative session. A major theme of that session is expected to be property tax reform – driven by a push by both lawmakers and voters to see homeowners pay less money in property taxes.
- The challenge, though, is that property taxes are schools' primary source of revenue. Board President Nan Kelly stressed multiple times during Monday's meeting that it's not a debate about whether to reduce property taxes or fund schools. Both can happen, as echoed by Business Manager Todd Vik.
- But about a third of the 19 specific proposals to reduce property taxes (as outlined here by a state task force) would have a detrimental impact on schools, Vik said.
"They've come out gangbusters trying to affect schools in the proposed legislation for next year," Vik said, referring to state lawmakers.
Tell me more about the property tax conversation
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
How physical therapy can help you live your best life
This is a paid piece from Dynamic Life Physical Therapy.
Simplified: You don't have to wait until a major injury to reach out to a physical therapist. Trevor Bartlett, owner of Dynamic Life Physical Therapy, works with people on using physical therapy to address everything from pain relief to building strength to managing stress with the goal of providing you with the tools you need to be successful.
Why it matters
- Bartlett opened Dynamic Life PT in October after graduating from Augustana University's inaugural cohort of their doctorate of physical therapy program. The office is located just south of the Bridges at 57th and Western.
- The treatment philosophy is based on building relationships, building trust and helping clients learn what they can do to improve mobility and reach their movement goals – whatever they are.
- Bartlett's family-owned private practice is well-equipped to help with any type of physical therapy a person might need, and he's transparent that his goal is to work himself out of a job by empowering people to improve their own health through targeted exercises and a holistic approach to healing.
"I think physical therapy gives people the opportunity to take their life back in a non-invasive way," Bartlett said. "My goal as a PT is to give people the knowledge, tools, education and guidance to feel better, move better and live a healthier life style."
Tell me more
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- A new library app. Siouxland Libraries last week launched a refreshed mobile app with a focus on enhanced user experience. The app allows users to add multiple library cards to one account, use mobile library cards for checkout, and search the library catalog. Users can also use the calendar feature in the app to reserve study and meeting rooms. You can find the app in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
- Get networked.* Walker Technology is your go-to Sioux Falls' resource for comprehensive networking and connecting your business with simplicity (we love), security and stability. They install phones, security cameras, and other networking equipment for businesses in the Sioux Falls area. Learn more here.
- More Sioux Falls kids graduating. The Sioux Falls School District saw its highest on-time graduation rate in nearly a decade at 89%, per data presented to the board earlier this week. That's greater than both the Class of 2024 and the statewide graduation rate, both of which were 86%.
- More Sioux Falls kids taking AP, dual credit classes. School board members this week also got an update on how many students are taking Advanced Placement or dual credit classes. Last year, nearly 2,000 students took AP exams (hundreds with financial help from the district) with an 80% pass-rate. On the dual credit side, Sioux Falls kids earned more than 3,200 college credits.
*Denotes a paid partnership
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
Get a first look at the Pavilion's new space and technology floor
This is a paid piece from Washington Pavilion Management, Inc.
Simplified: A project more than two years in the making is about to blast off at the Washington Pavilion's Kirby Science Discovery Center. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll find on the new Space and Technology floor.
Why it matters
- The Pavilion first announced renovations to the first floor of the discovery center back in August 2023. The announcement included introducing a partnership between the Pavilion, Marketbeat and Dakota State University. The two private partners made a combined investment of $375,000 to make this redesign possible.
- The renovated floor retained a couple of pieces frequent visitors will recognize, but by and large, the space is transformed into a high-tech, immersive trip through the solar system.
- Many of the new exhibits are designed for slightly older children – being able to read is a key component of several interactive games – but there's fun to be had by all ages.
"You really just feel like you're walking into space when you're in there," said Madelyn Grogan, director of education and museums. "We really tried to make space relevant and exciting to kids. There's just some great opportunities for kids to be able to see what they wouldn't normally be able to see."
Tell me more
EVENTS
Stuff to do: Nov. 12-18
- Sip into the season.* 'Tis the season for holiday shopping, and Seasoned Style is taking all stress out of the equation with a fun, relaxing shopping event Sunday afternoon where you can sip a delicious seasonal drink from Simply Put Coffee and browse the festive shop featuring guest vendors including Midnight Spark, Mari + Mae and Becky Brunz. Details here. You can also find all of Seasoned Style's open dates this holiday season here.
- Support skaters. It's the fourth "Drawing Blanks" community art show and fundraiser this weekend. Check out all sorts of artfully designed skate decks, chat with the artists behind them and raise money to support Let's Skate. It's all going down Friday evening at Rose & Eugene Presents. Details here.
- Soak up some variety. The Vaudies is bringing a rocking variety show to the Icon Lounge this weekend. A Very Rocking Vaudies will feature comedy, storytelling, balloon art and rock music from Bangers and Mash. Learn more and get your tickets here.
- Join the housing conversation. Midwest Street Medicine is hosting a "Healthcare on the Streets Forum" on Monday at Startup Sioux Falls. The event starts with a panel at 1 p.m. featuring community partners focused on innovative, sustainable solutions for care delivery and collaboration. Learn more here.
- Stop by Santa's workshop. Casetta and Elegant Mommy are teaming up for a holiday-themed event benefitting The Foster Network. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, stop by Casetta for holiday crafts, photos with Santa, a toy drive, cookies and hot cocoa. Details here.
- Look at butterflies (after hours). The Butterfly House and Aquarium has special late-night hours this weekend. You can hang with the butterflies and fishies after-hours from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and participate in a shadow box making activity. Details here.
- Puzzle competitively. Severance Brewing is bringing back puzzle races. Teams of up to six can compete in five rounds with one, 100-piece puzzle per round. It's free to play, but seats fill up fast. The competition starts at 1 p.m. Sunday. Details here.
*Denotes a paid partnership
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
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Thank you
Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc., Live on Stage, SafeSplash Swim School, Dakota State University, Redmond Prime Cuts, Great Bear Ski Valley, Encompass Mental Health, the Sioux Falls YMCA, EmBe, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Barre3 Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium, the Washington Pavilion and the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. When you support them, you're also supporting Sioux Falls Simplified.
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