A coalition of groups in South Dakota, led by sustainability group SoDak 350, will hold an Earth Day rally on Saturday April 22, followed by a march to City Hall in Sioux Falls.
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.
This event, held at 201 East 38th Street in Sioux Falls is free and open to the public. Livestreams are available at the KLRN Midco cable channels 20 and 595, or on the Sioux Falls School District s YouTube channel.
About the school board candidates
Cory Begley, 43, is in active duty military with the South Dakota Army National Guard. He and his wife, who teaches in the district, have three children who attend Sioux Falls schools. He said he decided to run for school board to continue to serve his fellow community members 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.