The Rapid City Area School district has had its share of criticism this year, and the biggest piece of that is now before the courts. In a lawsuit, the former superintendent alleges pay disparities and her unlawful termination.
Nicole Swigart was fired as superintendent following a discrimination probe into the school district. In that investigation, there was quotes attributed to her that some community members say veered into racism against indigenous community members.
Swigart had served as the superintendent since 2022.
Attributed to Swigart are quote about native families not valuing time in the same way as counterparts, operating under quote “Indian time” and do not value education. Swigart denies making the statement and contends they oppose decades of work as an educator and her own personal beliefs.
In court documents, Swigart and her attorney allege the district should have challenged this report and that Swigart’s suspension was done without the required public meeting. That suspension ultimately served as the prelude to Swigart’s dismissal.
Further, Swigart alleges pay disparities between her time as superintendent and her prior, male counterparts.
The Rapid City Area School district has not yet been served but is aware of the situation. In a statement, the district legal department says, quote, “the district categorically denies any wrongdoing related to Ms. Swigart’s departure. We respect the legal rights of individuals to pursue claims; however, we remain confident that a full and fair review of the facts in the appropriate legal forum will affirm the district’s actions.
It continues, "we will not engage in public litigation through the media. Our focus remains where it belongs — on providing a high-quality education to our students and supporting the dedicated professionals who serve them each day.”