MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Mitchell school leaders say the new school year is off to a strong start, highlighted by the opening of the new Mitchell High School. Superintendent Joe Childs told the school board that students and staff are adjusting well to a new cell phone policy requiring devices to be stored during class. The district is also preparing for demolition of the old high school, now expected in September. Meanwhile, the board rejected six bids for new weight room equipment after determining none met specifications. New bids will be solicited. The board also approved several new staff hires, coaching positions, and adjunct faculty appointments, and noted Mitchell Technical College was recently ranked the top technical college in South Dakota by WalletHub. The Mitchell Board of Education meets again on September 8^th. For more Government stories from MitchellNow.com, Click Here.