The South Dakota Board of Education Standards has elected Steve Perkins of Sioux Falls as its new president, marking the fourth change in less than three years.
In a 4-2 secret ballot, Perkins won over incumbent Terry Nebelsick of Huron.
Perkins, who previously supported new social-studies standards, takes over in January.
The standards, opposed by education organizations, were backed by Governor Kristi Noem.
This leadership change follows a series of board transitions, including the removal of the previous president, Jacqueline Sly, by the governor in May 2022, and subsequent appointments leading to Nebelsick’s brief tenure.