BROOKINGS – Michelle Powers has announced her application for the Brookings School Board.
Powers is seeking to fill the one-year vacancy left open due to the recent resignation of Jennifer Lacher-Starace.
Powers and her husband, Pat, residents of Brookings since 2005, are the parents of seven children, four of whom are BHS graduates. Three children, ages 16, 13 and 10, remain at home and attend Brookings schools.
Powers is an assistant professor at Augustana University and has an extensive background in education, holding a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of South Dakota.
Her work includes 12 years as the director of special education for the Brookings School District, as well as being the state director of special education for the State of South Dakota.
Powers has previously served as a school board member for the Pierre School District, being elected to two terms, starting in 2002.
“I am extraordinarily proud of the Brookings School District, its students, staff and families, and consider the opportunity to serve a privilege,” Powers said in her application. “In offering my service to the district, I can assure the community I will work in tandem with other board members to achieve a fiscally responsive program that meets the needs of students and staff above all else.”
Powers noted she was opposed to the recent opt-out and encourages others to apply to the board as well to ensure the voters are represented on the board.
“If we’re to successfully address the future funding needs of the school district, I would suggest that we need to have a variety of opinions represented on the board,” Powers said.
