OTHER NEWS
School board election May 12

An election for two open seats on the Sioux Falls School Board will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2009. The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce asked each of the three candidates to answer some questions about their backgrounds and why they want to serve on the Sioux Falls School Board (in 50 words or less). Here are their responses:

Darin Daby
7204 W. Lancaster Cir.
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Occupation: Banker
Family: wife Diane; children: Cali (sophomore at the University of Nebrask-Lincoln) and Camden (junior at Roosevelt High School)
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Management from William Penn
Years Residing in Sioux Falls: 8
Why do you want to serve on the Sioux Falls School Board: I have a passion for education. Giving young people the foundation for success has a ripple effect, from their lives, through their families, through our community, and on through the state, nation, and world. I can't think of a more impactful way to serve.

Kate Parker
1205 S. 2nd Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Occupation: Resource Specialist, South Dakota Department of Health
Family: husband Matt; children: Jack and Bobby
Education: Bachelor's degree in Education from Bucknell University and Master's in Public Administration from American University
Years Residing in Sioux Falls: 4
Why do you want to serve on the Sioux Falls School Board: As the mother of two young children, I want to ensure our school system continues to offer exceptional education opportunities. I approach my service as a parent looking to future educational needs. It is important that we involve everyone in our educational system; it is vital for Sioux Falls' growth.

Mike Deitschman
5532 Deer Creek Dr.
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Occupation: Paramedic, part-time substitute teacher
Family: wife Angie, children: Natasha, 20 (student at the University of South Dakota), Brandon, 12 (seventh grader at Memorial Middle School), Tori, 8 (second grader at Oscar Howe Elementary), and a grandson, Cayden, 1.
Education: Graduate Certificate from the University of Minnesota; bachelor's degree from Southwest State University, Paramedic Diploma from Wadena Technical College
Years Residing in Sioux Falls: 13
Why do you want to serve on the Sioux Falls School Board: I've always had an interest in public service, both in my career as a paramedic and when I previously worked as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children. I've had children in all levels of the school system and have been inside the schools as a substitute teacher. I approach my service as a parent looking to future educational needs. It is important that we involve everyone in our educational system; it is vital for Sioux Falls' growth.