In any election, it is up to each voter to carefully consider the candidates; to research their experience, background and issues of importance. All of us should be concerned with the education of our youth as the future of our community, our state and our country depends on an educated, informed citizenry. So many of the bills that come before the legislature have a direct impact on our schools and our learners. Two of the candidates for state house have strong leadership and support for public education: Roger DeGroot and Mellissa Heermann.
Roger has served as a teacher, a principal, a superintendent and most recently as a school board member. He has a strong understanding of the issues faced by our schools and our communities. Roger will be able to share his expertise to assist others in recognizing the concerns facing education today – a critical teacher shortage, mental health of teachers and learners, resource allocation needed to support education and many more issues that have an impact on our learners, families and school district personnel.
Mellissa is a parent to children in our school district and has also served as a school board member for six years, serving two terms as board chair. Mellissa also developed her leadership skills and strong work ethic serving on the Lake Preston City Council and as mayor of Lake Preston. She has demonstrated her willingness to listen to all sides of an issue and to carefully consider varying perspectives in making sound decisions. Under Mellissa’s leadership, school policies have been carefully scrutinized and revised to avoid contradictions and to ensure that all policies are in keeping with current state statutes.
Both of these candidates are practical, level-headed and caring leaders. These are qualities we need in Pierre. I encourage your support of DeGroot and Heermann for state House.
