Spring 2025 All Hands Highlights

Two topics were only on the agenda—but a plethora of information was shared at last week’s All Hands meetings.

CFO Shannon Clark and Controller Rachel Lord covered a variety of finance topics, including the difference between restricted and unrestricted funds, when funds can be used, FY2026-2025 projections, and information about the budget.

Residential and School leaders shared new ideas and strategies to strengthen the collaboration between their departments. Clinical Director Malia Holbeck, BH Residential Program Director Freddy Maseman and Director of Schools Mike Groher discussed ways to improve communication across departments and their goal of training staff consistently on policies and procedures.

The results from the employee engagement survey were also reviewed at the meeting. CEO Michelle Lavallee highlighted the top three strengths and the three main opportunities for improvement. She also shared the executive team’s plan for moving forward at CHS. To see their plan, click here to read the PowerPoint.

If you were not able to attend a meeting or need a refresher, click here to watch one of the recorded sessions.

We appreciate everyone who took the time to submit questions. Here are the questions that the leadership team addressed:

• Can all the computers in the Rockerville computer room be in working order?
• With all the extra security being installed within the building, why is there not a focus on the outside?
• Can we have a floating holiday or at least another holiday?
• Have there been any decisions on increasing PTO/separate sick leave?
• What is the process for submitting an idea for benefit addition or changes?
• For several years CHS has been focused on recruiting new employees and increasing their benefits. When will we see more focus on long-term employees?
• Can we have a set budget for off-campus activities? Can it also be increased?
• We had such an extensive “campaign” on how we can make improvements based on the results of the employee survey, but we have not received any communication (ironically) on what leadership is doing to improve their end of it. So, what is being done?
• Why does the Rapid City Campus not have any policies and/or procedures for emergencies?
• The current amounts stated in the Travel Policy and Procedure are reflective of FY2024. Will these be updated to FY2025 to keep up with inflation?
• Are there plans to standardize and digitize the process for submitting expense reports?
• Can we get a Culligan machine at the Rapid City Campus? The water tastes awful.
• Can we get an outdoor pool this summer, for the kids?
• Can individuals who do case management work have a cell phone provided by CHS?
• Is DE&I still an initiative at CHS?
• We have a volunteer employee group but no paid positions.
• Can all supervisors do the ice bucket challenge to improve company hope and morale?
• Can eight hours of PTO be given if you attend Employee Appreciation/All Hands events to help build the community aspect?
• Or can eight hours of PTO be given to staff who have to work during the event?
• Some of us have been told that policies have changed, but we haven’t been notified of a policy update. Can we get the updated policies?
• When is the landscaping around Madsen/Dining getting fixed? The kids deserve grass.
• When will the Rapid City campus and Rockerville get to see Michelle Lavallee in person again?