Board thanks departing member Kelly, appoints Theresa to fill vacancy

The Brookings School District board publicly thanked departing board member Kelly for her service and accomplishments and administered the oath of office to Theresa, who will fill the remainder of Kelly’s one‑year term.

At the start of the meeting the chair announced Kelly would be leaving the board for a new position. Kelly addressed the board and community, saying it had been a "great professional opportunity" and highlighting district achievements under recent boards. She noted the community passed a bond for new elementary schools at Hillcrest and Madera with a 69% approval rate and that the district invested about $68,000,000 in the new facilities. She also described the board’s participation in the Brookings Child Care Collaborative and said the district invested roughly $5,000,000 in early‑childhood facility wings at Hillcrest and Midairie elementary schools.

After remarks of thanks from several members, the board asked Theresa to come forward to be sworn in. Stacy administered the oath of office; the oath invoked support for the U.S. and state constitutions and faithful service to the Brookings School District. The board welcomed Theresa as a returning member who is already familiar with district work.

Kelly told the board she is relocating to Kearney, Nebraska, to take a position with the University of Nebraska Foundation and the board wished her and her family well.

What’s next: Theresa will serve through the remainder of the term until the next election cycle; the board encouraged continuity of early‑childhood engagement and asked Dr. Schultz to ensure district involvement with the Brookings Child Care Collaborative continues.