About Us

Black Hills Special Services Cooperative advances public education, technology that reduces geographic isolation, and job creation through healthy economic development. Central offices are located in Sturgis with satellite offices throughout the Black Hills and in Pierre. Though the Cooperative is a governmental legal entity, it does not levy taxes; funding is secured by providing services which public institutions and private organizations are willing to buy.

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.

Administration

Executive Director: Ron Rosenboom
Deputy Executive Directors: Dr. Joe Hauge & Mary Baumeister
Business Manager: Georgia Sandgren
Community & Family Services: Mary Baumeister
Developmental Disabilities: Shirley Halverson
Economic Development: Blaise Emerson
Education & Workforce Development: Gloria Pluimer
Human Services: Brooke Lusk
Technology & Innovation in Education: Dr. Julie Mathiesen