The Rapid City school board turned down a grant opportunity that would help new immigrant students. 

The $30,000 grant would have provided summer English classes and a website to help immigrant families navigate the school system.

Dr. Lisa Hafer is director of special services at Rapid City Area Schools. She says last spring the school system had an influx of new immigrant students.  

“And we are expecting more. We just had part of our kindergarten screening process and I’ve had names coming in that are kindergarten students.” 

The school board voted 5 to 2 against applying for the grant. Board members who opposed the grant did not explain their votes during the meeting.