Board appoints Jebediah Hibbs to fill Sioux City Comm School District vacancy

The Sioux City Comm School District board voted unanimously by ballot June 8 to appoint Jebediah Hibbs to an open board seat after hearing statements from two candidates.

Hibbs, who described himself as a Navy veteran and parts manager at Murphy Tractors, told the board he would prioritize students and staff and work to "take the stigma of the past board and the district and try to get that cleaned up and out of our business" so the board can focus on education. "Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed," Hibbs said in his statement.

The board conducted a short special meeting called to order at 4:32 p.m. and discussed process rules before hearing candidate remarks. Paul Rhodes, who identified himself as a youth pastor and South Regional Director for Siouxland Youth for Christ, spoke first about his three decades of youth ministry experience, volunteer work in district schools and a focus on "creating the right environment" and board unity.

Board members asked both candidates about priorities, handling diversity and time commitments. Rhodes said his work with students is generally secular in small-group settings and that his employer has indicated flexibility to allow the time commitment. "I have over 30 years of experience as a youth pastor ... and I serve as the South Regional Director with Siouxland Youth for Christ," Rhodes said while describing his community ties and volunteer counseling work.

Hibbs emphasized practical governance, saying the board's role is to ensure the district follows state and federal mandates while leaving implementation to staff and the superintendent. "The staff and the superintendent are more the boots on the ground," he said. He also highlighted long-standing community involvement, including volunteer work with East High School and managing a multimillion-dollar parts department in his current job.

After questions, the board voted by written ballot. Shanice read the votes aloud: "Director Sue Piat voted for Jebediah Hibbs. Director Veil Lee voted for Jebediah Hibbs. Director Bob Michelson voted for Jebediah Hibbs. Director Earl Miller voted for Jebediah Hibbs. And Director John Myers voted for Jebediah Hibbs." Shanice confirmed that Hibbs had the required majority of at least four votes and the presiding officer congratulated him.

The board then moved, seconded and approved adjournment with no opposition.

Next steps: Hibbs will be seated as the newly appointed director; the board did not specify a swearing-in date during the special meeting.