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Jamie Jo Thompson formally takes control of Rapid City Schools

Jami Jo Thompson
Courtesy
/
Rapid City Area Schools
Jami Jo Thompson

Jami Jo Thompson has been formally introduced as the new superintendent or the Rapid City Area School district.

She said the district is right on the cusp of major change for the better.

“I believe that RCAS is on the precipice of doing some really great things, and I am excited to be a part of that," Thompson said. "In my first six days as superintendent, I’ve met with all the board members and members from the leadership team. That helps me to meet my first goal – to learn as much as possible about our schools and community in as short amount of time as possible. Diving right in.”

Thompson comes at an interesting time for RCAS, as she now takes the reigns from an interim following the ouster of former superintendent Nicole Swigart. That came after Swigart allegedly made derogatory comments about Native American students.

A wrongful termination suit against the district by Swigart was initiated in March of this year.

C.J. Keene is a Rapid City-based journalist covering politics, the court system, education, and culture