SD DOE Press Release

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For Immediate Release: Dec. 22, 2006
Contact: Mary Stadick Smith - (605) 773-7228

Gov. Rounds appoints Kirkegaard to Board of Education

Gov. Mike Rounds today announced the appointment of Don Kirkegaard, Britton, to the South Dakota Board of Education.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Don Kirkegaard to the South Dakota Board of Education,” said Gov. Rounds. “Don's commitment to schools and his experience as a small school administrator make him an excellent choice.”

Don Kirkegaard has worked in K-12 education for 25 years and is the current Britton-Hecla School District Superintendent. He has previously served as a classroom teacher, coach, athletic director, elementary and secondary school principal. He has been involved with the North Central Association at the local, state and national level.

Kirkegaard is a member of the Northeast Area Superintendents Association and the School Administrators of South Dakota. He is a member of several local organizations including the Lions Club and the Britton Economic Development Association.

“Don Kirkegaard brings a wealth of experience to the Board,” said Department of Education Secretary Rick Melmer. “In addition to being an outstanding Superintendent, he has worked through a district reorganization and understands the needs of small schools.”

Kirkegaard received his B.S. Degree from South Dakota State University (SDSU), Brookings, SD and his M.S. Degree from Northern State University, Aberdeen. He continued his education at the University of South Dakota (USD), Vermillion, where he received an Educational Specialist Degree and is currently enrolled in the USD Doctorial Program.

Kirkegaard and his wife, Lois, and family live in Britton, South Dakota. They have two children. Ashley is a freshman at SDSU and Mathew is a sophomore at Britton-HeclaHigh School.

Kirekgaard will begin his position on January 1, 2007 and fills the position currently held by Jack Broome of Burke.

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