BROOKINGS — Voters in the Brookings School District will decide which of two women will get a seat on the Brookings School Board — Marcie Dierks or Kelsey Bowman.
Both have extensive experience in the education system.
As part of its election coverage, The Brookings Register recently reached out to the candidates with questions.
What would you like to tell our readers about yourself?
• Bowman: I moved to Brookings in 2005 to attend South Dakota State University, where I graduated in 2008 with a degree in Economics. What began as a temporary chapter quickly became home, and I have been proud to build my life and raise my family in this community ever since.
I reside in Brookings with my husband, Matt, our 7-year-old son, Breck, and we are excited to welcome a new baby this October. Like many parents, my decisions are guided by what is best for my children’s future. Professionally, I own and operate KB Consulting, an accounting firm that allows me to serve clients while maintaining the flexibility to prioritize family and community involvement.
Prior to my son being born, I served as the assistant business manager for the Brookings School District. In that role, I gained firsthand experience with district finances, operations, and the decision-making processes that shape student opportunities. I also developed a deep appreciation for the importance of a strong, collaborative, and forward-thinking school board.
That experience matters now more than ever. Our district is facing real challenges, and I believe those challenges require thoughtful leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a willingness to engage in open, honest dialogue. I am running because I care deeply about the direction of our schools and believe I can contribute in a meaningful way.
I bring both a parent’s perspective and a professional financial background to the table. I understand how critical it is that every dollar spent in our district directly supports student learning, classroom success, and long-term sustainability. Just as importantly, I believe strong outcomes come from collaboration, transparency, and a shared commitment to doing what is best for students.
• Dierks: I am originally from the Chicago area but moved to Brookings in 2008 for graduate school and have formed deep relationships within our community.
I have dedicated my professional life to service. I currently work for Northern State University’s Center for Statewide E-learning. Previously, I taught science at Brookings High School for nine years. While at BHS I served on district- and school- level leadership committees. I also served one term as the Brookings Education Association co-present. In addition, I have experience working with families and elementary age students through the Boys and Girls Club, adults with developmental disabilities at Advance, was an adjunct instructor at SDSU, and currently part-time serving our aging population through Interim HealthCare. I enjoy using my energy and expertise to lift people up and help others feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Why are you running for then Brookings School Board?
• Dierks: I am a champion for public education and believe deeply in the importance of a strong public school district for our community. Public schools serve all students, and we must ensure students continue to have access to high-quality certified teachers. When community members and former co-workers encouraged me to run, I felt it was the right time to actively serve our district.
• Bowman: What motivated me to run is simple — the kids. I have always stayed engaged with our local school district, but once my son started kindergarten, I realized I wanted to become even more involved. Many people are surprised to learn that our current board does not include any parents of school-aged children. I am running for the Brookings School Board to be a strong voice for parents and families in our community. Parents bring a unique and valuable perspective that our current board is missing. When important decisions are made, we are not imagining the impact — we are living it every day. We see firsthand the challenges, successes, and opportunities within our district, and that perspective can help guide thoughtful growth and continued improvement.
I am also running to bring a strong financial background to the board. Through my professional experience in the district, I have developed extensive knowledge of school finance and operations, and I believe that expertise would be a valuable asset to both the board and the Brookings community as a whole.
While my background is not in education, I had the privilege of watching my mother dedicate her life to teaching. I learned from the passion, time, care, and energy she poured into every student she taught. That experience shaped my belief that teachers are one of our most important investments in the future — not simply a line item in a budget.
What sets you apart from your opponent? Why should people vote for you?
• Bowman: First and foremost, being a parent of a child in the district sets me apart from my opponent. As a mother of a son entering second grade next year, with another child on the way, I have a strong personal investment in the long-term success of our district. I understand the everyday challenges our students face, and I see firsthand the incredible value our educators and support staff provide each day. Parent representation on the board helps ensure accountability, strengthens the connection between schools and families, promotes student advocacy, and builds trust through collaboration and transparency. Whether it’s school drop-off and pickup, book fairs, classroom events, or bingo nights, I’m actively involved and engaged in our school community. I believe a parent’s voice is essential in helping guide decisions that directly impact students and families.
In addition, my financial background brings valuable experience to the board. Budget decisions play a major role in shaping opportunities for our students, and I believe it is essential that every dollar is spent in a way that directly and positively impacts student learning and success. During the 2019–20 school year, an average of $15,810 was spent nationwide per K–12 student. However, rising per-student spending alongside persistent gaps in literacy outcomes highlights an important reality: how funds are used matters more than how much is spent. Budget constraints will continue to present significant challenges for our district. We must focus on identifying inefficiencies and finding sustainable ways to attract and retain high-quality educators and support staff.
• Dierks: A: I have worked with a diverse group of community members and am comfortable interacting with others while remaining objective when faced with differing opinions. I have worked with learners from first grade through undergraduate education, as well as adults across all stages of life. As an educator at Brookings High School, I communicated with parents, supported educators, and championed student growth.
I can see issues from multiple perspectives and identify missing voices when analyzing feedback and data. I remain calm, steady, and objective when challenges arise. I believe leadership requires listening carefully, focusing on facts, and making thoughtful decisions grounded in what is best for students.
What are the most important issues the school board will have to face?
• Dierks: We all want highly qualified educators in our classrooms, but views around public education and respect for teaching have changed. Educators face increasing stress and limited support, and many passionate teachers have left our district in recent years. Ensuring students have access to excellent educators and support staff while equipping schools to meet diverse academic, mental health, and behavioral needs are priorities of mine.
• Bowman: Two of the most important issues facing our school board are declining enrollment and academic proficiency. Over the past decade, South Dakota has experienced one of the highest growth rates in the nation in families choosing alternative education options. To address this, we must refocus on strong core education and ensure our resources are being allocated effectively. By continuing to strengthen our district and improve student outcomes, we can encourage more families to choose — and remain in — our public schools.
While we have made progress in proficiency scores, there is still significant work to be done when compared to other districts of similar size. Academic confidence is a key factor in whether families choose alternative options. When student outcomes are visible and consistently improving, families feel more confident that their children are being well served.
Another important factor is how welcoming and responsive the system feels to parents. Strong communication, accessible leadership, and meaningful parent involvement are essential to building trust and strengthening partnerships between schools and families.
What would you change about how the school board performs its responsibilities?
• Bowman: I believe our district would benefit from more open discussion and communication around important decisions. Healthy debate and thoughtful conversation are essential to strong leadership and effective governance. Diversity of thought helps ensure decisions are carefully considered and ultimately leads to better outcomes for students, staff, and the community as a whole.
One of the greatest strengths of our district is the dedicated professionals we employ. The role of a school board member is to provide oversight, set policy, and support the educators and staff responsible for implementing student services and programs — not to micromanage the day-to-day operations themselves.
At the end of the day, what matters most is that we remain focused on our shared goal: doing what is best for students and supporting the long-term success of our district.
• Dierks: Let us work to improve communication between the district and stakeholders. Is the communication coming from the superintendent detailed enough? Are community members seeking out information? Do community members know how to find district information? As a board member, I will work to bridge that information gap between the district and stakeholders. I also want to help grow the amazing community and school district partnerships that support our students and families.
— Contact Doug Kott at [email protected].
Leave a Reply