ASBSD’s Legislative Day brought school board members and administrators together with legislators to sit down and build and strengthen relationships.

 

“We’re not here today to lobby you,” ASBSD Executive Director Wade Pogany told the attendees. “We’re here to get to know each other.”

 

For photos from the event, visit the ASBSD Facebook page.

 

Over 70 people, including 37 legislators, sat down for lunch together at the Lutheran Memorial Church following the morning committee events, which were attended by school board members.

 

The room buzzed with conversation, not just on legislative issues, but the many unique programs, projects and successes in South Dakota public schools.

 

“We’re honored to have our legislators join us this afternoon,” ASBSD President Pam Haukaas said as she welcomed the crowd. “We share a common goal, to provide the best possible education to the students of South Dakota.”

 

Haukaas urged legislators to turn to school board members for information on school information.

 

“We want school board members to be your source for information on educational issues. We want to work with members of the legislature to provide high quality educational opportunities for our students,” Haukaas said.

 

“Let’s continue to work together for the good of K-12 education.”

 

Pogany commended board members for their work in advocating for education.

 

“I have never heard legislators be as supportive for school funding as they are this year,” Pogany said. “You’ve told your story. You’ve made your case. We’ve positioned ourselves well because of your work.”

 

Following the luncheon, board members and administrators headed back to the Capitol where Agar-Blunt-Onida School Board Chair Bob Graff for being named the 2013 ASBSD School Board Member of the Year.

 

Graff was given standing ovations in both the Senate and the House for his achievement and dedication to public education in his 27 years on the ABO School Board.

 

“Bob’s service is truly amazing,” Pogany said.