Watertown School Board Approves LATC Staffing Moves Ahead of Fall Semester, Including Dental Hygiene Instructor Hire

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - With classes set to begin August 24, the Watertown School Board moved through a series of personnel actions Monday night, approving resignations, contract recommendations, and a key hiring authorization for the college’s newly accredited Dental Hygiene program.

LATC President Tiffany Sanderson opened the agenda item by noting that faculty have already begun returning to campus to prepare labs and instructional spaces for the fall semester. She also emphasized that enrollment remains open for both full‑time and part‑time students, including high school students seeking dual‑credit opportunities.

Board Approves Two Staff Resignations

Under Agenda Item 4.1.1 – Resignations, Sanderson presented two resignations for board consideration.

“We have two resignations for your consideration this evening and would recommend that you approve those as those are listed,” she said.

The board unanimously approved the resignations on a motion by Bailey Raml, seconded by Roshal Rossman.

Seven Full‑Time Hires, Adjuncts, Corporate Education Contracts Approved

Under Agenda Item 4.1.2 – Contract Recommendations/Addendums, Sanderson presented a comprehensive list of personnel actions, including:

·         Seven full‑time faculty and staff appointments

·         Summer professional development assignments

·         Adjunct instructor contracts

·         Corporate education instructors

·         Temporary and part‑time positions

“This pretty well takes care of full staff for this fall,” Sanderson said, noting that only a few vacancies remain. She encouraged interested applicants to visit the LATC careers page.

The board approved the full list on a motion by Rossman, seconded by Raml.

LATC Seeks Full‑Time Dental Hygiene Instructor After Part‑Time Search Falls Short

Under Agenda Item 4.1.3 – Authority to Hire, Sanderson requested approval to hire a full‑time Dental Hygiene instructor for the 2026–27 school year.

The FY28 budget originally included funding for two adjunct instructors to support clinicals in the Dental Hygiene program. Sanderson said LATC was unable to find qualified candidates for those part‑time roles.

“We were not able to find candidates for those part‑time positions and so are seeking your approval to switch gears a bit and hire a full‑time instructor,” she said.

Sanderson confirmed that LATC has now officially received accreditation for the Dental Hygiene program and will welcome its first class of students on August 24.

Board Member Jean Moulton asked whether the position required a dentist.

Sanderson clarified:

“This position is actually a dental hygienist that will teach clinicals. We will be bringing a dentist on board to make sure that the clinicals are done according to requirements.”

The board unanimously approved the hiring authority.

Read more local & state news at www.northeastradiosd.com/news

Subscribe to the DAILY newsletter & download the LOCAL online RADIO app - https://zurl.co/FchgS