Marc Murren was elected in 2021 to the Sioux Falls School Board of Education. He attended Northern State University where he received his bachelor’s degree and the University of South Dakota where he completed his master’s degree.

Murren resides in Sioux Falls with his family. He is a retired Sioux Falls School District teacher and coach. He started his career with the District over 40 years ago when he was first hired to teach at the old downtown Washington High School. His commitment to the youth of Sioux Falls is what inspired him to run for the school board.

He is #ProudToBeSFSD because he believes Sioux Falls is a great community with great opportunities and great citizens who care about the town and the people who live here. He is dedicated to providing every child the opportunity to be successful and to create a quality future workforce. Murren is passionate about working hand in hand with the staff and all stakeholders to provide a quality education for our students, who deserve our best efforts.

Dawn Marie Johnson chose to run for the Sioux Falls School Board because our best investment is in our children, and she wants to continue contributing to the great work already being done. She Graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Master of Social Work. Much of her work over the last decade has supported youth to boost their positive self-identity and improve their mental health, ultimately leading to academic and personal success.

"My passions lie in providing students with exposure to different college and career opportunities, ensuring all families have access to quality afterschool care, educating and encouraging people on the importance of mentoring youth, and expanding alternative learning options for students."

Providing a background as an educator, social worker, afterschool professional, and mother to a child in the Sioux Falls School District makes her uniquely positioned to provide a meaningful voice to support all students and educators in a capacity that extends both in and outside the classroom.

"My greatest strength is my ability to unite the community as a collaborator and bridge-walk diverse conversations to nurture future generations. By working together, we can help all young people have access to the education they need to succeed.

Being a school board member for the Sioux Falls School District fills me with immense pride as I play a vital role in shaping the future of education in our growing and diverse community. The opportunity to celebrate and embrace the richness of cultures and perspectives within our population is incredibly rewarding, and I am dedicated to ensuring that every student feels valued. Collaborating with fellow board members, educators, and parents/guardians, I actively contribute to innovative solutions that meet evolving needs while fostering unity and a shared commitment to our students' success. This role isn't just about policies; it's about making a lasting impact on the lives of our youth, and that's why I am truly proud and honored to serve.

In my cherished leisure moments, I delight in sharing precious quality time with my daughter Rhayn, creating unforgettable memories together. Our adventures take us to captivating destinations as we explore the world's wonders through travel. Simultaneously, I find immense fulfillment in mentoring and guiding emerging adults, nurturing their potential and helping them flourish. Engaging wholeheartedly in community gatherings fuels my passion for connection and local impact. Channeling my energy, I embrace the exhilaration of running, both as a physical pursuit and a mental sanctuary."

Kate Serenbetz is the Sioux Falls School Board’s longest-serving Board member. She was elected in 2009. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Bucknell University and holds a Master of Public Administration degree from American University.

She resides in Sioux Falls with her family and works as a Director of Government Programs at one of the local hospitals. Serenbetz spent the early part of her career working for organizations that advocated for vulnerable children. Her background in education and prior work experience is what motivated her to run for the school board.

Serenbetz is #ProudToBeSFSD because of how dedicated the Sioux Falls School District staff is to serving students. Using her own children as an example, she believes the District provides each student opportunities that are tailored to them and their needs, which allows them to thrive as engaged and successful students.

Nan Baker was elected to the Sioux Falls Board of Education in 2019. Baker attended Central College and Harvard University. She currently resides in Sioux Falls with her family.

She provides leadership coaching services and is an active volunteer within the community. Her passion for the life-long impact education has on a child’s life is what inspired her to run for the school board. She believes the Sioux Falls public schools and the students who make up our schools are the city’s greatest assets for future success. She is committed to strengthening our schools to make Sioux Falls an appealing place to live and work, while also ensuring the community’s tax dollars are used wisely while strengthening the District to meet its growing needs.

Baker is #ProudToBeSFSD because of the District sustained growth, which provides new opportunities and solutions in areas such as facility needs, attendance, and graduation rate, the diverse workforce, and community engagement.

Sioux Falls School District Superintendent, Jane Stavem started with the District in July 2020. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Bethel University, a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from the Bethel University, an administrative licensure degree from St. Mary’s University, and a doctorate (Ed.D.) in educational administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Dr. Stavem started her career in St. Paul, Minnesota where she taught K-6 music, fifth and sixth grades, gifted education, and served as a building curriculum coordinator. In 2001, she returned to Nebraska and assumed the roles of Elementary Principal and Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Columbus Public Schools, Superintendent of Blair Community Schools in Blair, Nebraska, and the Associate Superintendent for Instruction for Lincoln Public Schools in Lincoln, Nebraska. Prior to coming to Sioux Falls, Dr. Stavem was the Superintendent of the Lake Washington School District.

Residents and parents/guardians of students enrolled in the School District have the expressed right and are encouraged to attend meetings of the School Board to listen and observe the deliberations of its members. A Board meeting is a legislative session, a public input session, or a work session.

Please Call (605) 367-7900 to have phone messages relayed to the School Board Members.