Q: Tell our readers this: Why are you running for school board at this specific time?
Kelsey Bowman: As a parent and active member of the Brookings community, I believe every child deserves a strong academic foundation that prepares them for future success. I am running for school board to be a voice for all parents, to ensure transparency, fiscal responsibility and a focus on core education. Our public schools are vital to our community and I want to work to ensure Brookings School District continues to be one of the best.
Incumbent Teri Johnson: Over the past three years, I have been committed to advocating for all students, supporting our teachers and administrators and ensuring our schools provide a high-quality education for all students. I am proud of the progress the board has made in strengthening our schools however the work is far from over as we continue to make huge strides with the goals before us. My passion for education and public service runs deep.
Cassandra Juba: Our schools are at a pivotal moment. Every student deserves access to high-quality public education, and school boards play a crucial role in upholding that right. While our board and superintendent have worked hard to address challenges, we need engaged board members who prioritize students and listen to teachers, staff, and the community as we work toward long-term goals.
I am running because my experience will benefit the board. As the founder of PLAY Tutoring, I help students set goals, overcome challenges, and reach their potential. Ive seen their successes and the gaps we must address.
As a nonprofit director, I balance budgets and secure funding all while prioritizing student success. Our district is addressing literacy challenges and has committed to the Science of Reading, a proven, evidence-based approach. Ive seen its effectiveness firsthand and am excited to support further training to ensure students get strong literacy instruction.
Ive built strong relationships with families, teachers, and staff, and understand the importance of community engagement. My experience tailoring instruction to meet diverse student needs will bring a valuable perspective.
Q: What are the most important issues facing the Brookings School Board? School boards in general?
Juba: School boards face many challenges, and the Brookings School Board is no exception. We must balance fiscal responsibility with prioritizing student success and well-being, valuing and retaining quality teachers, fostering community engagement, and ensuring our policies are grounded in best practices.
One area we must address is literacy rates. We’ve made great strides with our commitment to the Science of Reading, and Im eager to build on that momentum. Improving literacy is foundational to all learning and will positively impact every area of education.
Another key issue is our facilities, particularly at the high school. As we address building needs, we must be fiscally responsible while ensuring we dont overlook the ongoing needs of students and staff. With 25% of students on IEPs, we must continue providing high-quality special services and retaining the dedicated staff who support students.
Johnson: One of the most important issues facing the Brookings School District is literacy. Literacy is a fundamental skill that directly impacts a students academic success, personal growth, and future opportunities. Early literacy development is especially critical and one of the reasons our Early Childhood programs are vital. Another important issue within our district is the significant increase of students within our Special Education Program which has been on the rise each year with as much as a 20% increase. Our SPED program is doing amazing work as it ensures all students, regardless of their challenges, receive an equitable and appropriate education. Every student can learn, just not on the same day or in the same way. An important issue facing the school board will a comprehensive review of our elementary school boundaries. With recent expansions at Medary and Hillcrest Elementary Schools and increasing enrollment at Dakota Prairie, the board will need to assess how our elementary schools can best serve students and families in the years ahead. An issue facing school boards in general is teacher retention and teacher shortages. Another concern for school boards is how federal education funding will be allocated with the dismantling of the Department of Education. Hopefully monies dont go away, but without knowing how they will be distributed or the oversight of the dollars, this could keep school boards in limbo.
Bowman: Our current focus needs to be on finding solutions for declining enrollment, and recruiting and retaining teachers. Public education has been at the forefront of conversations throughout the most recent legislative session we need to work together to find solutions that put our kids first. It is also important to increase parent involvement in the decision-making process, so they know their voices are heard.
Q: What was your position on then-Gov. Noems plan to move tax money to families who opted out of public schools? What about the proposal in the legislature to possibly imprison librarians?
Johnson: I believe Gov. Noems plan to move tax money to families who opt out of public schools would have been detrimental to public schools as they would have received less funding by the new formula. South Dakota already struggles to fund public education as we rank 48th in teacher pay in the nation. With regard to HB 1239, the board will need to wait for the model policy and then amend theirs. The school board will need to consider language and work with each building administrator to ensure they are in partnership with their librarians on the expectations of books included in the library. Currently on the districts website there is a parent/guardian request form restricting access to school library material for their student. If a parent/guardian does not want their child to read a specific book they have the control and authority to restrict access to the book or books. In my opinion, this is a parental/guardian issue and I fear HB 1239 will become time consuming for school boards and take time away from important work most needing their attention.
Bowman: The focus should be on WHY families are seeking alternatives in the first place. Public schools receive funding based on enrollment, so the best way to retain funding is to ensure theyre delivering quality education.
Our tax money pays for books in the library, and we entrust our schools to properly vet materials given to our children. Content has always been considered, as has literary quality and age-appropriateness. Protecting our children from profane language, sexual content and excessive violence with no educational value should not be controversial.
Juba: Public education is a right, and we must prioritize public schools, which serve the majority of students. While families have the right to choose private schools or homeschooling, we cannot afford to weaken the public system that so many depend on. Diverting funds from public schools undermines resources, distracting us from supporting educators, improving literacy, and providing a well-rounded education for all.
Laws require public schools to offer services like special education to all students, including those in private or homeschool settings. Loss of funding would harm our ability to meet these needs. The proposed voucher system would have further strained public schools, making it harder to serve all students effectively. I support the Brookings School Boards stance and the communitys opposition to it, as public school boards must advocate for quality public education.
Regarding proposed legislation targeting librarians and staff: The bill was concerning. It stemmed from the same misguided ideas as book bans, which our board and community have opposed in the past. Ive worked with students for over a decade and have seen them engage with quality, appropriate books. Our skilled librarians curate engaging, appropriate reading materials, and children need access to diverse books.
Q: Whats one area the Brookings Schools do well right now? What needs to improve?
Bowman: Brookings has the most fantastic teachers in the state! Every day that I drop my son off at school, I know that he is in good hands. Our staff members are what make our district great and we should all be proud that they call Brookings home.
50% of South Dakota students lack proficiency in reading, math, and science. We need to work hard to find solutions for this, and based on several conversations I have already had, it sounds like the Brookings School District has already made great strides in addressing these needs.
Johnson: What Brookings schools do well: Teachers, administrators, staff and students. We have outstanding educators and amazing students! Additional areas where we are doing well: two new elementary schools with the addition of our Early Learning Centers; Bobcat literacy transformation in aligning curriculum with the science of reading; the strength of our CTE programs; the BEST awards presented at every school board meeting highlight positive contributions within our schools by teachers, staff members, students or others and serve as reminders of all the positives happening. Chronic absenteeism is a national problem that exploded after the pandemic and one our administrators are diligently working on and making huge progress.
Juba: Brookings is an incredible community with quality schools. We are fortunate to have dedicated, passionate educators who excel in both teaching and supporting students. Im impressed by the efforts of our superintendent, staff, and school board to continuously update policies and practices to meet our communitys needs.
However, like many districts, we face challengesbudgeting challenges, literacy rates, maintaining and updating school facilities, student behavior, and mental health. These challenges arent unique to Brookings, but with a strong school board and engaged community, we can face them together.
A key area for improvement is communication, transparency, and rebuilding trust between staff, families, and administration. By continuing these efforts, we can tackle the issues that matter most and work toward positive change for our schools.
The state of education is challenging in many places, but Brookings is a community that has proven it can come together, have honest and productive conversations, and work toward positive change. Im confident that as long as we remain committed to doing whats best for our schools, listening to our community, and making evidence-based decisions, we can address any struggles and gaps we face.
Q: Why should people vote for you? What experience, talent or viewpoint do you think makes you most qualified for the job?
Juba: People should vote for me because I bring a unique combination of experience, commitment, and passion for education. As the founder and executive director of PLAY Tutoring, Ive spent over a decade working directly with students, families, and educators. I understand the challenges our schools face and the opportunities to support students, families, and staff.
I am a problem-solver who knows how to balance budgets and secure funding- all while prioritizing student success. I have experience implementing evidence-based literacy approaches like the Science of Reading and working with diverse learners to help them reach their full potential.
I also bring deep knowledge of education and child development, allowing me to make informed decisions that support academic growth and student well-being. Collaboration and transparency are central to my leadership, and Im committed to ensuring all voices are heard.
I love this community and am passionate about education and advocacy. I would be honored to serve on the Brookings School Board to empower and elevate our students, staff and schools.
Johnson: As a dedicated member of the Brookings School Board for the past three years I have witnessed and been part of a board that advocates for all students, is diligent in policy making, evaluates our superintendent, sets goals and completes evaluations of our district, demonstrates strong fiscal responsibility; ensures our schools are safe and secure and has maintained open communication with our stake holders. I will continue to invite courage in the face of struggles for all students and live in the assurance we are one of the strongest districts in the state. I feel this experience makes me the most qualified for the job and it would be an honor to continue to serve in this capacity.
Bowman: As the former Assistant Business Manager for the Brookings School District, I have extensive experience navigating the local school system and budget. Not only would I bring a strong financial background to the board, I am also a mom. Parents need to have a seat at the table. I am at school pickup and dropoff everyday, we attend Bingo nights and Bobcat events I am accessible to the stakeholders, and I think that is important. In addition, a strong board is made up of people with diverse ideas. Debate and discussion are healthy ways to arrive at decisions. An effective board rarely has unanimous votes.
Q: How do you envision Brookings schools five years from now? Ten years from now?
Johnson: Over the next five to ten years I envision our schools: Continuing literacy growth with improvement in overall student performance; enhancing technology integration with enhanced and informed use of AI; increase in graduation rates and career readiness; equity and inclusion of all students as we strengthen support for diverse learners, including special education and multilingual learners (currently we have 29 different languages between our 6 schools.) I envision our Early Childhood Programs flourishing; offering more family engagement programs; closing achievement gaps among the different demographics; ongoing teacher development and professional development opportunities with mentorship programs for new educators.
Juba: I see Brookings schools thriving for both students and staff. While we cant predict the future, setting clear goals now is essential. The districts four pillarsgreat place to learn, work, collaborate, and a responsible districtmust guide our progress.
Supporting educators is key; they are the heart of our schools. Investing in teacher retention and professional development will strengthen our district. Im also excited about advancing literacy with the Science of Reading, ensuring all students gain strong foundational skills.
We must address facility needs, to keep up with growth and maintain quality learning environments. Additionally, mental health remains a prioritywe must work with experts to ensure students receive the support they need.
My vision is a district that is innovative, community-focused, and committed to student success.
Bowman: My vision is that 5 and 10 years from now, Brookings School District is still one of the greatest districts in the state. My hope is that we can work together to find solutions that increase academic proficiency and give our students the best opportunities for success.
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