2026 School Board Candidate Forum

The Sioux Falls School District held a School Board Candidate Forum on May 8, 2026, featuring six candidates discussing key issues facing the district. The forum focused heavily on budget concerns, literacy challenges, and the impact of artificial intelligence on education. Candidates debated the use of property tax opt-outs as a funding mechanism, with some advocating for fiscal responsibility and budget cuts, while others warned against potential program and staff reductions. Literacy improvement was a major theme, with proposals to adopt new teaching methods and address declining reading proficiency. The integration and ethical use of AI in classrooms was also discussed, with the district implementing monitoring tools and training for teachers. Community engagement, transparency, and addressing misinformation were emphasized as important for future governance. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during the forum, but budgetary policies and funding priorities were central topics that could influence future procurement and resource allocation in the district.