15-05-2025
Burke School District awarded $225K to build new CTE facility
May 14—BURKE, S.D. — The Burke School District has been awarded a $225,000 Workforce Education Grant to support construction of a new Agriculture Shop and Classroom, part of a broader effort to expand its career and technical education (CTE) offerings.
The facility, scheduled for completion by May 2026, will feature an 800-square-foot classroom and a 1,300-square-foot welding shop, providing students greater access to hands-on training in agriculture, welding and other high-demand trades.
"This is a transformative moment for our district," said Burke Superintendent Tim Sanderson. "We've been part of a rotating mobile CTE program for over a decade, and while that served us well, we've outgrown it. This new facility will give students access to the space, tools, and environment they need to succeed."
The idea for a permanent CTE facility in Burke was first brainstormed more than six years ago, growing from the district's long-standing participation in a four-school consortium. Originally, Burke, Gregory, Colome and South Central (Bonesteel) shared a rotating mobile CTE classroom system. Each school hosted different courses — including welding, house construction, engineering and biomedical sciences — and rotated them annually using a trailer outfitted with specialized equipment. Eventually, Bonesteel exited the partnership, leaving Burke, Gregory and Colome to continue with the shared model.
Burke's mobile CTE classroom — essentially a trailer outfitted with welding tools and other equipment — was shared among the districts. With limited space and amenities (students had to walk outside in the winter and there were no bathrooms), the format had clear drawbacks. Course offerings were limited, and class sizes capped at 10 to 12 students, often making it difficult for younger students to gain access.
"That setup wasn't ideal," Sanderson said. "With this new space, we'll be able to accommodate more students, bring in new equipment we simply didn't have room for before, and provide a much better learning experience overall."
The grant is part of over $600,000 distributed across six South Dakota school districts through two Workforce Education Grants and four Perkins Reserve Grants. These funds are meant to modernize CTE programs and align them with high-demand careers.
"These grants are more than investments in equipment," said South Dakota Secretary of Education Joe Graves. "They're investments in the future of our students, our economy, and our communities. By supporting hands-on learning and industry-aligned training, we're preparing South Dakota students to thrive in high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand careers."
Burke's facility will focus on agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR), an area of growing interest for students and employers alike. In addition to the classroom and shop, the building will also include new spaces for wrestling and band, further centralizing student opportunities.
The project officially broke ground on April 28 — before the grant was even awarded. It's funded through $2.75 million in capital outlay certificates, with the grant easing pressure on local taxpayers. The school board's capital outlay levy will cover interest payments.
"This grant allows us to deliver a top-notch facility while preserving our capital reserves," Sanderson explained. "It's a win for our students and our community."
Community support played a key role in securing the grant. The district submitted numerous letters from larger local companies to demonstrate industry backing for the project.
"Seeing that level of support really helped make our case," Sanderson said. "It showed the state that this wasn't just a school project — it was a community effort."
Interest in CTE programs has been steadily growing, a trend Sanderson attributes to changing perceptions around trade careers, state initiatives like the Build Dakota scholarship and outreach from industry professionals.
"I've seen a real resurgence in kids being interested in the trades," he said. "Students are starting to realize they can attend a tech school for 18 months or two years, have their education paid for, and walk into a high-paying career — or even start their own business."
Although there are no immediate plans to expand course offerings beyond the current scope, the increased space and resources will allow for deeper engagement in the existing curriculum. The additional room means more welding stations, better equipment and more students able to enroll in classes that previously had to turn them away.
"Our goal is to give our students the tools they need to succeed — whether they're headed to college, a technical institute, or straight into the workforce," Sanderson said. "This new facility is going to help us do just that."
