MR. GARDNER

SUPERINTENDENT BLAKE GARDNER Ed.S.

605-574-3030

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! I am Blake Gardner, the Superintendent in Hill City. This is my 20th year in Hill City and 7th 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 (2006-2019)

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 - SDSSA Executive Board Member
2023-2024 - Region IV Superintendent Representative
2025 - Dakota Education Vision Alliance Strategic Planning Member