Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship Board
The Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship Board administers the scholarship program and consists of five (5) members appointed by the Governor to five-year terms. A majority of the Board constitutes a quorum. The South Dakota Board of Regents provides support services to the Board. The Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship Board is established in SDCL 13-55-65.
Current Board Members
Anna Schwan - Dean of the School of Education - Northern State University
Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship Board President
Term Appointment: July 26, 2021 ; August 28, 2026
Term Expiration: June 30, 2026; June 30, 2031
Patrick Mikkonen - Superintendent - Parkston School District
Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship Board Vice President
Term Appointment: February 2, 2024; June 25, 2025
Term Expiration: June 30, 2025; June 30, 2030
Dr. Joseph Graves - Department of Education Secretary
Term Appointment: January 1, 2023
Term Expiration: N/A
Dr. Donovan DeBoer - Superintendent - Pierre School District
Term Appointment: August 28, 2026
Term Expiration: June 30, 2030
Dr. Kay Schallenkamp - Retired Educator/University President/Board of Education Standards Member
Term Appointment: June 30, 2018, reappoint: January 22, 2024
Term Expiration: June 30, 2028
Board Meetings
The Board typically meets twice each year.
The primary purpose of the first meeting is to identify and approve the teaching occupations that will be designated as Critical Need Areas for the upcoming application cycle.
The primary purpose of the second meeting is to review scholarship applications and select recipients. Board members receive applicant information in advance of the meeting for review. During the meeting, the Board discusses the applicants, determines the number of awards to be made based on available funding, and selects the scholarship recipients.
Contact Information
For questions about the Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship, contact a Scholarship representative at scholarships@sdbor.edu or use the Contact Us Form.