ABOUT BHSSC
Overview
BHSSC’s governing board is composed of one elected school board member from each of 12 public school districts in western South Dakota. Public board meetings are conducted monthly with minutes published in the Rapid City Journal. The organization operates as an education cooperative under South Dakota Codified Law 13:5:31. Due to its work in many diverse fields Black Hills Special Services Cooperative is reviewed by 15 regulatory councils and secures an independent audit annually as required by law.
Mission
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative mission is to build stronger communities by helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential.
Vision
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative vision is to provide innovative and comprehensive services in education, training and employment.
Core Values (PREVAIL)
- Partnerships – Working with others to achieve common goals.
- Respect – Supporting each other while valuing differences.
- Excellence – Exceeding expectations.
- Visionary – Leadership for the future.
- Adaptive – Responding to change with creative solutions.
- Integrity – Honesty in word, action and deed.
- Learning – Achieving growth and building capacity.
Administration
- Executive Director: Dr. Joe Hauge
- Executive Deputy Director: Dr. Pam Lange
- Business Manager: Heidi Anderson
- Development & Grants Management Director: Kelsey Smith
- Community & Family Services Director: Dr. Pam Lange
- Developmental Disabilities Director: Kelly Frye
- Education & Workforce Development Director: Jeanne McKenna
- Health & Human Services: Brooke Lusk
- Compass Partners in Learning Director: Dr. Kyle Laughlin
Celebrating Randy Morris: BHSSC Founding Director
Randy Morris, who founded BHSSC in 1980, made an indelible mark on South Dakota’s education and economic development sectors. His visionary leadership and dedication to improving lives through education continue to inspire us every day. Randy was posthumously awarded the School Administrators of South Dakota (SASD) Award for Excellence in Education at the 2024 Joint Convention in Sioux Falls, SD. This very special award is not awarded annually, but only given when it comes to the attention of SASD that someone has made an outstanding contribution to education.
“The Legacy of Randy Morris” video tribute highlights Randy’s lasting impact on education and economic development in South Dakota.
School Districts Served
- Belle Fourche
- Custer
- Hot Springs
- Douglas
- Edgemont
- Haakon County
- Hill City
- Lead/Deadwood
- Meade County
- Oelrichs
- Rapid City
- Spearfish
