RAPID CITY, S.D. – The superintendent of the Rapid City Area School System has been placed on a 30-day leave following comments that came to light during a Department of Education investigation.
Nicole Swigart was quoted in that investigation as saying certain Native American tribes do not commonly value education and inform their students that they don’t need to graduate. Furthermore, the investigation alleged Swigart maintained students operating on “Indian time” is a challenge for the district.
The district has issued a formal apology.
District officials released a statement Monday saying Swigart was placed on leave and is required to take cultural competency training. The statement maintained the district is confident in Swigart’s ability to lead the district following her leave.
