Dr. Jarod Larson
Superintendent
| Email: | Jarod.Larson@k12.sd.us |
|---|---|
| Phone: | 605-582-2049 |
| Fax: | 605-582-7456 |
| Address: | 300 S. Splitrock Blvd Brandon SD 57005 |
Professional Experience
Education
Doctor of Education, University of South Dakota 2016
Educational Specialist, Wayne State College 2013
Master of Educational Administration, South Dakota State University 2010
Bachelor of Science in Education, Dakota State University 2007
Experience
Superintendent, Brandon Valley School District 2016-Present
Superintendent, Timber Lake Schools 2011-2016
7-12 Principal / Activities Director, Deubrook Area Schools 2009-2011
6-8 Science / Coaching, Timber Lake Middle School 2007-2009
Personal Biography
My wife, Amanda, and I were married in Colman, SD on October 13, 2007. We have called the following places home during our time together: Egan, SD - White, SD - Timber Lake, SD and Brandon, SD. Amanda is a Registered Nurse and obtained her degree from the University of South Dakota. She is currently working as a School Nurse. In addition to supporting students, staff, and families, Amanda works 24/7 as a Mom and is doing a GREAT JOB - which is no small feat with our rascals! Amanda and I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching Saints Football games, and attending concerts. We introduced Kroix Matthew to the world in March, 2011. Kroix is interested in basketballs, baseballs, and going 100 miles per hour every second he is awake. Kroix is an excellent big brother. We welcomed Vayah Marie to our family in December, 2014. She is full of smiles, giggles and snuggles (if you can catch her)!
I am the son of Frank and Dianne Larson. Both of my parents were educators. My father was a school administrator in South Dakota for over 30 years and my mother taught FACS and English. I appreciate all they have done for me and would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU for everything.
I am the youngest of three brothers. The eldest, Heath, is married to Misty and he is the Executive Director for the Associated School Boards of South Dakota in Pierre, SD. Misty is a Math Teacher in the Pierre School District. They have three wonderful children - Cade, Makenna and Emery.
The middle child, Christopher, is a general surgeon in Aberdeen, SD. Chris is married to Melissa. Melissa is the owner / operator of Karisma Boutique in Aberdeen, SD. They have four beautiful children - Kalen, Talon, Amari and Everly. In the Fall of 2012, we lost Amaya in an accident. We treasure the time we had with her. She is Everyday In Our Hearts!
I am very proud of my siblings and enjoy all the time we are able to spend with family.
Supe's On
In a child’s academic life – Every School Day Counts. September is Attendance Awareness Month and to be an “Active Learner” students must have consistent and regular attendance. The benefits of great attendance extend far past a child’s current year of schooling.
Research studies demonstrate the strong relationship between student attendance and student achievement. Chronic absenteeism, defined as 2 school days per month or 18 days for the year, has been directly correlated to deficiency in student reading. Specifically, Kindergarten and 1st grade students who are chronically absent are much less likely to read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade. This finding holds significant value because 3rd grade reading proficiency is a strong indicator of a student being a grade-level reader throughout their entire academic career.
Additional research findings demonstrate a non-proficient 3rd grade reader is four times more likely to drop out of high school. While further examining the importance of attendance, a recent study found that 9th grade attendance was significantly correlated to high school graduation.
To make it as simple as possible, school attendance at every age matters. Every school day counts. Making school attendance a priority today will positively impact your child tomorrow. Thank you for making school attendance a priority
Go Lynx!
Extracurricular activities are an important aspect of our work to provide a well-rounded education. Fine Arts, athletics, and student clubs provide impactful learning opportunities for students. Extracurricular activities have tremendous benefits for kids.
Activities promote and teach students valuable life-lessons such as: commitment, hard-work, discipline, and acceptance of a role. Digging in deeper, research studies have demonstrated that students involved in extracurricular activities have higher rates of academic achievement and are more likely to graduate from high school. In addition to the academic benefits, extracurricular activities teach valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. Activities expand learning opportunities outside of the classroom and are a critical component of a well-rounded education.
Supporting students in a positive sportsman-like manner is essential. Appropriate behavior while participating in or attending activities is essential. Regardless of the event, spectator conduct is a crucial factor in creating a positive and appropriate climate for an interscholastic event. Sportsmanship is respecting our team, the opponent, and officials. As adult spectators and role models, we must demonstrate, and model appropriate behavior as little eyes are upon us.
Go Lynx!
Dear Brandon Valley Alumni,
It is with great excitement; I welcome all those attending the Brandon Valley All School Reunion! This special event is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with classmates, celebrate our Lynx history, and honor the vibrant school district community that makes Brandon Valley such a remarkable place.
Originating in 1962 with the reorganization of Valley Springs School District, Brandon School District and twelve common school districts. The Brandon Valley School District student enrollment has gone from 900 students in 1962 to over 5,200 students for the 2025-26 school year. A tradition of strong academic programming and outstanding extracurricular activities has supported our on-going growth and success.
Whether you graduated last year or several decades ago, all attendees will make this gathering memorable. We look forward to celebrating our past, present, and future together. Your journey and accomplishments have contributed greatly to the legacy of Brandon Valley High School, and we can't wait to see you on August 23 from 5:30-11:30 p.m. at the W. H. Lyon Fairgrounds!
We also want to thank all the individuals that have made the reunion possible. With the proceeds from the event benefiting the Brandon Valley “Angel Fund”, we not only celebrate our shared past but also invest in and support our students and families.
Go Lynx!
Dr. Jarod M. Larson
The first day of school for children in the Brandon Valley School District is August 20. As the start of school is upon us, excitement is in the air, and we are thrilled to have our Lynx back in the classroom! For the most up to date information for school news and activities, patrons should monitor our district’s school websites.
The Brandon Valley School District continues to utilize our district-wide character program “The Lynx Way” to promote positive student behaviors and instill the fundamental traits we want in all students. Creating consistency and common language throughout our schools supports positive behavior intervention systems and promotes easier transitions between school buildings. We encourage all Brandon Valley families and patrons to utilize the common language and engage with our kids on the importance of being respectful, responsible, safe, kind, and active learners.
If your child is riding the school bus, please talk with them about bus riding etiquette and appropriate behavior. When the bus approaches the bus stop, stay back, and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop. Once onboard, students are to always remain seated and conduct themselves in an orderly fashion. Appropriate behavior on the bus is critical to student safety
Thank you for your assistance in promoting fundamental character traits and helping keep our kids safe. Together, we create learning environments that result in success.
Go Lynx!
Effective communications with families of the Brandon Valley School District requires that we maintain accurate and up-to-date household contact information. In addition to contact information, the Skyward Family Access Update also includes the various parent permissions that are required annually. We are asking all parents and guardians to complete the Skyward Family Access Update as soon as possible. We appreciate your timely cooperation and completion of this important task.
There is a tremendous amount of infrastructure construction currently in progress within the Brandon Valley School District. While these types of improvement projects are positive and signs of growth and improvement, they can cause travel delays and traffic congestion during morning and evening commutes. Further, road construction projects and closures are continually changing and may have an impact school bus timing. We greatly appreciate our families understanding and patience as we navigate the road construction season and start of the 2025 school year.
Compounding the challenges associated with road construction, school zones in general are high traffic areas, especially during the a.m. drop-off and p.m. pick-up. For our children’s safety, please slow-down, take your time, and observe all traffic laws and signage.
Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in helping keep our kids safe. Together, we promote student safety.
Go Lynx!
As summer break is coming to an end, I cannot help but be impressed at the quantity and quality of work done by our Custodial, Building & Grounds, and Maintenance Staff. In preparation for the coming school year, these valued individuals have maintained, prepped, and cleaned the over one million square feet of school buildings and grounds within the Brandon Valley School District. Their valuable role makes providing a great education possible. Great work and thank you to all our Custodial, Building & Grounds, and Maintenance Staff!
The bus pass purchase deadline has come and gone. I want to extend a GIANT THANK YOU to all the families that met the cutoff date. Your timely cooperation was critically important to our planning and preparation for the Fall. With bus passes purchased, the start of school is right around the corner, and it is important to engage our kids in conversations about traveling safely to school.
Engaging our children on the topics of stranger danger, distracted driving, crosswalk rules, and bicycle safety is a proactive measure and supports your child’s safe commute to and from school. Kids need to be aware, cautious, and prepared for their school commute. Together, we promote student safety.
Go Lynx!
Last Call For Bus Passes!
The deadline for purchasing a bus pass or notifying the Transportation Department of ridership is Friday, July 25, 2025.
Bus passes and ridership notification will be available until July 25. Arrangements must be made with the Transportation Department for all students using district transportation for the 2025-2026 school year. Bus Passes can be purchased online with a credit card or with check or cash at the Transportation Department.
Brandon Valley Transportation Department
812 E. Redwood BLVD
Brandon, SD 57005
605-582-3514
We greatly appreciate the timely cooperation from our parents and guardians regarding the purchase of bus passes and ridership notification.
Go Lynx!
Bus passes and ridership notification will be available for purchase from July 1-25. Arrangements must be made with the Transportation Department for all students using district transportation for the 2025-2026 school year. Bus Passes can be purchased online with a credit card or with check or cash at the Transportation Department.
The deadline for purchasing a bus pass or notifying the Transportation Department of ridership is Friday, July 25, 2025.
Brandon Valley Transportation Department
812 E. Redwood BLVD
Brandon, SD 57005
605-582-3514
Go Lynx!
Bus passes and ridership notification will be available for purchase from July 1-25. Arrangements must be made with the Transportation Department for all students using district transportation for the 2025-2026 school year. Bus Passes can be purchased online with a credit card or with check or cash at the Transportation Department.
The deadline for purchasing a bus pass or notifying the Transportation Department of ridership is Friday, July 25, 2025.
Brandon Valley Transportation Department
812 E. Redwood BLVD
Brandon, SD 57005
605-582-3514
Go Lynx!