Sioux Falls school board candidates debate book bans, special-education funding and district policies at League forum

Four candidates competing for two seats on the Sioux Falls School District 49-5 board discussed curriculum oversight, book challenges, the district budget and the potential loss of federal special-education funds at a League of Women Voters candidate forum.

At issue most frequently was uncertainty about federal funding after repeated references by candidates to proposals to reduce or dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and shift related dollars. Incumbent school board member Nan Kelly said the district must prepare for “what’s gonna happen if the Department of Education is dismantled,” and urged planning with the South Dakota Department of Education. Several candidates said they want to protect special-education services and to retain special-education staff if federal funding were reduced.

The forum, moderated by Melanie Bliss of the League of Women Voters, featured statements and brief answers from candidates Elizabeth Duffy (attorney and parent), Trish Ringgold (early-childhood educator and parent), Thomas Werner (emergency medical technician and instructor) and Nan Kelly (incumbent school board member). Candidates were asked about curriculum authority, book bans, hiring and retention of teachers, cell-phone rules, and how they would work with state legislators.

Why it matters: Sioux Falls Schools has an operating budget candidates discussed at roughly $350,000,000 and serves about 24,000 students; candidates and the incumbent said roughly 10% of the budget…