Welcome to the 2018-19 school year!  I am Blake  Gardner, the elementary school principal in Hill City.  I have worked in the HIll City School District for 12 years and been an administrator for 8 years.  I love this school and this community!  Our tag line is 'Instilling Excellence and Pride!'  

 

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 2006-2011.  While teaching, I earned my master's degree in k-12 administration education from the University of South Dakota.  I spent one year as the elementary principal and the rest of my time as the middle school principal/AD.  I have also been the varsity boys basketball coach for the past 10 season.

 

I am married to my wife Kati and we have 4 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)

Specialist Degree: Superintendent Endorsement

 

Professional Experience:

Hill City Administration (2010-Present)

• Middle School Principal 2011-present
• Middle School Athletic Director 2011-Present
• Elementary Principal 2010-2011

 

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)
• Coaches Association Role (See below)         

 

 

Awards and Honors:

• 2008-2009 SDBBCA Region 8 Coach of the Year

• 2009 Winner Athletic Banquet Keynote Speaker; Winner, SD

• 2009-2018 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