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 comes from federal sources and that a substantial share of funding supports special education. Changes to federal funding or state policy could affect classroom services, hiring and program continuity.

Discussion highlights

Special-education funding: Several candidates raised the same concern: uncertainty about federal funding. Kelly said the district should “be ready” and review policies to anticipate possible changes in federal support. Duffy and Ringgold called for efforts to retain special-education teachers and to approach solutions on a case-by-case basis. Werner emphasized retaining relationships between students and special-education staff and said the district should not “compromise in our needs of our special education program.”

Books and curriculum: Candidates generally said curriculum standards are set at the state level and local officials should determine implementation. Kelly said she "supports transparency in school curriculum and reading materials" and favors local review processes that include parents, teachers and librarians. Duffy and Ringgold opposed broad, politically motivated book bans and pointed to existing local review procedures for library materials.

Hiring and diversity: Candidates said they want the best-qualified teachers but expressed different emphases on diversity. Werner and other candidates said the top priority is hiring the best candidate regardless of background; Duffy said she would encourage more students to pursue teaching to increase long-term diversity in the workforce. Kelly focused on retention, calling for higher pay, time and tools for educators and community support to keep teachers in classrooms.

Cell-phone policy and school operations: Candidates referenced a district survey and the board committee recommendation that resulted in the current policy: no cell phones K–5, no phones during middle school instructional time, and limited use at high school lunch. Several candidates, including Kelly, said research and community feedback support those limits because phones can be disruptive.

Budget and staffing: Kelly, who said she has attended board meetings and served on the board, listed the budget at about $350 million, roughly 3,400 staff and about 24,000 students. She also noted the district had reduced open positions from more than 60 last year to about 26 currently. Duffy said she had reviewed budget materials with district business manager Todd Beek and met with district leadership to learn about upcoming cuts.

Working with state policymakers: Candidates urged earlier and sustained engagement with state legislators. Duffy said the board should “get in front of our legislators” and build one-on-one relationships. Several candidates criticized voucher proposals and expressed concern that taxpayer dollars routed to private schools could reduce oversight and equity in public education.

Forum format and turnout: The League-moderated forum allotted three-minute opening statements and 90-second answers. Candidates urged higher local voter turnout for school board elections; Ringgold emphasized May 13 as the election date and encouraged neighbors to help get people to polls.

What the candidates said (selected quotes)

"Parents deserve to know what their children are learning and communities should have a voice," Nan Kelly said on curriculum transparency and local review.

"These Children are our future," Trish Ringgold said in her opening remarks about why she is running.

"I will always tell you the most realistic answer that there is," Thomas Werner said describing his approach to communication and trust.

"I have the heart of a mother," Elizabeth Duffy said in closing as she asked for support and framed her legal and nonprofit experience as qualifications for the board.

Next steps: The forum was part of candidate outreach ahead of the May election date. Candidates urged residents to check the district website for voting locations and to evaluate candidate positions on funding priorities, staff retention and school policies.

Sources and context: Remarks in this article are drawn from candidate statements at the League of Women Voters candidate forum for Sioux Falls School District 49-5. Financial figures and program counts were attributed during the forum to Nan Kelly and other candidates; where candidates referenced district data during the forum that could not be independently verified in the event record, the article states those figures as reported by speakers.