Election Day: June 6, 2023
To find your voting location and sample ballot, CLICK HERE.
Click on the Candidates for more information.
(Candidates listed in alphabetical order.)
School Board 4
Gerald Harvey
Candidate has not responded yet, please check back for candidate info.
Amy Sazue
Candidate has not responded yet, please check back for candidate info.
Walter Swan Jr.
Candidate has not responded yet, please check back for candidate info.
Karen Woods
When I am elected I will bring common sense, integrity, wisdom, and knowledge to the school board. Regarding the government’s role the local government and school administration primarily needs to facilitate an unbiased learning environment that focuses on the core of education (reading, writing, math and history/social studies). As I have served on School boards in both a rural elementary and high school level in Nebraska before moving to Rapid City, I have knowledge of how to assess the information I receive and how to give it proper consideration. I stand out from my competitors as I have served on school boards previously and understand laws and regulations. I believe every child should have a solid education in the basics of reading, writing, arithmetic, sciences, social studies/history, music, and the arts. If children can read, as they grow, they can make informed and educated decisions for themselves. I am looking forward to serving the Area 4 constituents and their families as well as the entire RCAS district. Karen Woods |
School Board 5
Paul Lloyd
I bring the strength of my experience to the table for the benefit of the RCAS District. My qualifications include a background in education, business, ministry, and in social services. I understand the challenges of closing the achievement gap, the role of classroom dynamics, the importance of giving value for the education dollars spent, and the need for a positive working and learning environment. I will bring positive changes to the RCAS District that will help our students achieve higher academic scores. A one-track system does not offer enough opportunity for all students to prosper. We should put more emphasis on vocational training in auto mechanics, plumbing, and other trade skills that would benefit many of our students. Our District should utilize methods and programs that ensure our students receive the foundational education that is the building block of success. My years as a classroom teacher at Red Cloud High School on the Pine Ridge Reservation provided me with knowledge of and appreciation for the needs of minority students. As an Adjunct Professor at John Witherspoon College, I saw first-hand the areas where K-12 is succeeding. I will meet the implementation of the new State Social Studies Standards with an attitude of cooperation with the SD Department of Education and work to help the teachers in our district phase in the new standards as seamlessly as possible. Community Endorsement: “I have known Paul for about 7 years now. Though my children are grown now but having just retired as a college professor I have firsthand experience to the changes in the knowledge and abilities high school graduates lack. I can think of few people I would rather have helping…” (word limit) Sincerely,
Christine Stephenson
I am a lifelong resident of Rapid City, a parent of two children in the district, a small business owner and a pediatric physical therapist. One of my best skills is synthesizing information from multiple sources to make a logical plan of action. Our district is in need of leadership that is capable of staying focused on student outcomes, and I have a record of doing just that during my past service on the board. I do not know much about my competitor, as he has not been a vocal member of the Rapid City education community in the time that I've been involved. As a contrast to Mr. Lloyd, I am very much a known quantity. You can read my pieces in the Rapid City Journal, review my comments as a board member, and look at my Facebook page to know where I stand. I am committed to this district because I care about our community and I believe education is the basis of a healthy society. Community endorsement: "I offer my strong support for Christine serving on the RCAS Board. (Christine is): very collaborative; passionate dedication; excellent communication; life-long community member; loving heart for all children; deep respect for teachers and parents in their respective roles; and a strong family person." Richard Thompson, retired educator and Superintendent of Catholic Schools in Rapid City |
Each candidate running for office was invited to submit information about their campaign to the DakotaVoter website.