The audience submitted questions to the forum moderator, who chose which questions to read at her discretion.
Standout topics included the candidates' experience, what they hope to improve in terms of transparency, students' rights and curriculum.
Experience and motivation
Cory Begley, 43, is in active duty with the South Dakota Army National Guard. He and his wife, who teaches in the district, have three children who attend Sioux Falls schools. Begley said he decided to run for school board as another way to serve his community after 22 years of service in the military.
Paulette Ludens, 63, is retired and works part-time as a school bus driver and part-time at Midco Aquatic Center as a lifeguard. She is a mother of six, a foster parent and a grandmother of 20. She said she decided to run to be a voice for children, teachers and administration.