Gail was born and raised in South Dakota and knew when she was a junior in high school that she wanted to be a teacher. Upon graduation, she received her B.S. degree from SDSU and started on a career in public education that lasted 41 years.

In those years, she was a high school language arts teacher, publications advisor, play director, and speech coach in several districts, a teacher’s union president, a Teacher on Special Assignment working on Staff Development, the Supervisor of Homeless and Indian Education, and a high school principal. She retired in July 2021 as a K12 Superintendent. Most of her career was spent in the Sioux Falls School District.

In addition to her bachelor’s degree, Gail also earned an M.Ed. from SDSU, and an Ed.S. from the University of Sioux Falls.

Having been a school superintendent makes Gail uniquely qualified to serve on the Sioux Falls School Board. She brings the experience of sitting at the Board table and understanding the knowledge and vision required to lead a school district; so moving to another seat at the table was an easy transition. Although she is retired, she maintains her passion to make a difference for children and the education they receive, and to support the staff that makes it possible.

Gail brings these priorities to her campaign:

• Excellence – Continue to build a culture of excellence in all aspects of the district: academics, student opportunities, facilities, programs, and environments

•Safety – Ensure that we strive to do everything possible to create buildings and learning environments that are safe for our students and staff to be in every day

• Engagement – Continue our efforts to encourage our students, families, community, and elected officials to be engaged in our district and our children’s education

In her first term on the Board, Gail believes her experience in education has served her well. Her knowlege of finance and budgets, policy and school administration made her transition smooth, and her experience during her first two years on the Board, rewarding.

Gail is a strong supporter of the Sioux Falls School District and hopes to continue her advocacy of student learning, growth, and opportunities in a second term on the School Board.

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