SUPERINTENDENT BLAKE GARDNER Ed.S.
605-574-3030
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! I am Blake Gardner, the Superintendent in Hill City. This is my 18th year in Hill City and 5th as superintendent. I love this school and this community! Like many small schools, I have worn many hats during my tenure including: high school teacher, middle school principal, athletic director, elementary principal, varsity basketball coach, junior class adviser, assistant football/track, and even helped remove snow and serve food when needed. Our tag line is 'Instilling Excellence and Pride!' and I believe the great people in our district live out our tag line every day. We have an awesome community, supportive parents, smart kids, and amazing staff members. It is a blessing to serve as your superintendent as we are all on the same team with the same goal: THE BEST EDUCATION FOR OUR KIDS!
I am originally from Winner, SD. I obtained my Social Studies Composite Degree from Black Hills State University in Spearfish. I taught social studies at Hill City High School from 2006-2010. While teaching, I earned my master's degree in k-12 administration education from the University of South Dakota. I spent 9 years as a principal between the elementary principal and middle school principal/AD. I was also the varsity boys basketball coach for 13 seasons.
I am married to my wife Kati and we have 5 kids, and a dog.
Education:
Winner High School: Winner, SD (Class of 2001)
Black Hills State University: Spearfish, SD (2001-2005)
Major: 7-12 Social Science Composite Degree
Endorsement: 5-8 Social Sciences
University of South Dakota: Vermillion, SD (2008-2010)
Masters in Educational Administration; PK-12
University of South Dakota: Vermillion, SD (2016-2018)
Educational Specialist Degree: Superintendent Endorsement
Professional Experience:
Hill City Administration (2010-Present)
- Superintendent 2019-Present
- Middle School Principal 2011-2018
- Middle School Athletic Director 2011-2018
- Elementary Principal 2010-2011, 2018-2019
Hill City High School (2006-2010)
- Government, World History, US History, Geography, Psychology and Sociology
- Head Boy’s Basketball Coach (2006-Present)
- Region 8 Coach of the Year 2008-2009; 2017-18
- Region 8 Director for SDBBCA
- Football Offensive Coordinator (2007-2009)
- Assistant Track Coach (2007-2010)
- Senior Class Advisor (2008-2009)
Awards, Honors & Committees:
- 2008-2009 SDBBCA Region 8 Coach of the Year
- 2009 Winner Athletic Banquet Keynote Speaker; Winner, SD
- 2009-2022 SDBBCA “AA” All-State Selection Chairman
- 2009, 2010, 2014 “A” All Tournament Team Selection Committee
- 2009,2010, 2014 SD Activities Association Spirit of Sioux Ann Big Crow Committee
- 2010, 2011 Clinician at Vance Peterson Memorial Coaches Clinic; Deadwood, SD
- 2010-2012 Head Coach South Dakota Heat, U16 AAU Rushmore Team
- 2010-2018 South Dakota Coaches Association- West River Basketball Representative
- 2016-17 Founder of Black Hills Gold AAU Team- U17, U16, and U15
- 2017-18 SDBBCA Region 8 Coach of the Year
- 2017-18 SDASSP Regional Principal of the Year
- 2019-2020 South Dakota Superintendent's Association Rookie of the Year
- 2020-2021 – SDHSAA Return to Play Task Force (COVID-19) - Superintendent Representative
- 2020-2021 – SDHSAA Football Classification Subcommittee
- 2021-2022 - SASD Delegate Assembly Representative
- 2021-2022 - Chairmen of Joint Ventures Superintendent's Group
- 2022-2023 - South Dakota Superintendent's Association Community Leader of the Year
- 2023-2024 - SASD Executive Board Member
- 2023-2024 - Region IV Superintendent Representative