Sioux Falls schools larger, more diverse than ever

Sioux Falls schools have more students than ever, and they're also seeing record diversity.

Sioux Falls schools saw a jump in diversity at all levels, but the increase in people of color is largely happening from the bottom up. About 4 in 10 elementary school students are nonwhite in the state's largest district, according to data prepared for Monday's school board meeting. 

Twenty years ago, the vast majority of students were white. Today, white students make up just under 64 percent of the nearly 24,000 students in Sioux Falls. 

"The big picture is, we're still growing," Superintendent Brian Maher said. "We're growing in diversity from the bottom up." 

As the district diversifies, Maher is focusing on increasing the number of teachers of color as well as making sure all teachers are trained to work with various cultures. 

Sioux Falls schools also welcomed more students than projected to the district this year as the district grew by 302 students.

Those students speak 90 different languages, a record high number for the district. 

Maher said the consistent growth verifies the district's decision to look at the capacity of existing school buildings for a "master facilities plan" this year. He also noted that the increase of about 300 students is slightly above projections, which the district bases on birth rates in the city.

Sioux Falls schools' demographic report also showed that nearly half of students qualify for free or reduced lunches. In addition, about 3,500 students receive special education support. 

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