Listen to the interview on the Public School Podcast

RAPID CITY, SD – A local media leader says public schools play a critical role in shaping the future of the community and deserve continued support and attention.

Chris Hornick, Senior Vice President at The Homeslice Media Group and Managing Editor of The Rapid City Post, shared his perspective on education and local media. Hornick, who is also a parent in the Rapid City Area Schools system, said his role in media has given him a greater sense of responsibility when informing the public, noting that he feels “a lot more responsible for informing people in an unbiased way.”

He said local media coverage of schools is important because of how many people are impacted by education, whether directly or indirectly, explaining that public schools affect a large portion of the community and that even those without children are connected through family, friends or neighbors.

Hornick also emphasized the importance of local decision making, noting that school board actions can have a direct effect on daily life in the community and may impact residents more frequently than larger state or national issues.

He said one of the biggest responsibilities of local media is sharing stories that connect schools with the broader community, including student achievements, arts programs and events, while also ensuring the information is accessible to the public.

Hornick said The Rapid City Post was created to provide free local news coverage, adding that there was “a real need in the community for these stories to get out” without requiring a subscription or payment to read them.

As both a media professional and a parent, Hornick said he supports public education and views it as an investment in the future, stating that “public education is our future” and emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for young people early in life.

He added that education plays a key role in preparing future workers and community members, noting that it is easier to support and educate people at a younger age than later in life.

Hornick also pointed to the role of teachers and school staff, describing their work as a form of service to the community, and said their efforts help shape the next generation of residents.

The discussion highlighted ongoing collaboration between local schools and media outlets, as well as the importance of sharing both informative and positive stories about education in Rapid City.