STURGIS, S.D. – Five of the seven candidates running for the Meade 46-1 School Board participated in a forum Tuesday night at the Erskine Building in Sturgis.
The seven candidates running for the three open spots are Charlie Wheeler, Aaron Odegaard, Thomas Schneller, Kolten Odle, Terry Koontz, Scottie Bruch, and Amber Lopez. Odle and Lopez were not in attendance for Tuesday’s forum.
The candidates answered a variety of questions.
All candidates believed Meade 46-1 offers a good mix of curriculum to prepare kids for the future, although they all pledged to work on improving that.
The candidates also had some words of advice when asked by Legislative candidate Terri Jorgenson how the state could help. That advice was trust the teachers and as candidate Aaron Odegaard expressed, “get a little more out of the way.” Incumbent candidate Terry Koontz agreed and said regulations “from the state level are taking away our local control.”
Candidates also answered questions pertaining to teacher salaries, preparing the budget, the recent change to a trimester schedule at the high school and controversies, such as book banning and diversity.
The School Board election will be held on June 4th, which is primary election day in South Dakota.
Learn more about the candidates here: Meade 46-1 School Board Candidates
