All of the SDEA Board of Directors and NEA RA delegate races are uncontested except for the Board of Directors race in the Plains unit. The SDEA Board of Directors voted at its January 2026 board meeting to send ballots to only the Plains unit and only for the respective contested race. This means that all other units and races will not receive ballots and the candidates of the uncontested races are automatically declared winners. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact SDEA Elections Committee Chair Tess Canet, [email protected], or Elections Committee Liaison Brooke Quinlivan, [email protected].
2026 SDEA Election Statements
Executive Office Positions
President
Stephanie Hageman
I am running for President of the SDEA because I believe in the power of public education and the collective voice of educators. Throughout my 28-year career in public education, I have advocated for students, supported fellow educators, and strengthened our profession through service and collaboration.
Vice President
Jennifer Milliken
I have over 25 years of experience as an educator and have served in multiple leadership roles within our district. For the past three years, I have been the President of the Stanley County Education Association, following 15 years as Secretary. I have worked collaboratively to foster strong, productive relationships with district leadership and board members.
I have been selected to serve on numerous district committees, including the Safety Committee, Building Leadership Committee, and Literacy Committee, reflecting a high level of trust in my leadership and professional judgment. I have also participated in negotiations for more than a decade, serving as Head Negotiator for the past three years.
I am widely regarded as a trusted resource for staff across the district and am committed to advocating effectively for all employees. It would be an honor to extend that advocacy at the state level on behalf of all members.
NEA Director
Robert Dahlenburg
(no statement provided)
Board of Directors
Eastern Prairie 2-year
Kayla Sylvester
I’ve been a teacher and member since 2017, with experience in various positions in small and large districts, currently in Sioux Falls. I’ve worked with SDEA on leading social justice trainings from work with NEA. I am passionate about both education advocacy and government, which is more important than ever.
Tim Eckart
I am Chair of the Eastern Prairie Unit, and SDEA Board of Director member for Eastern Prairie. I would appreciate your vote to continue that service and representation for the members of the Eastern Prairie Unit as a member of the SDEA Board of Directors.
EGL 2-year
Olivia Forman
Throughout my 11 years of teaching, I have served as president and treasurer of my local. I’ve also represented EGL on the Board for the past four years. I’ve seen the power of having a collective voice and would welcome the opportunity to continue serving and advocating for public education!
Western 2-year
Ann Anderson
My name is Ann Anderson from Belle Fourche, SD and I am committed to supporting educators. With a collaborative mindset and practical experience, I will work to represent member voices, promote thoughtful policies, and help our association lead positive, sustainable changes for students and
Plains 2-year
Jeremy Schultz
I’m Jeremy Schultz, a 14-year educator and President of the McLaughlin Education Association. I’m seeking to represent the Plains unit on the SDEA Board. I focus on advocating for educators, prioritizing student needs, and community engagement, aiming to strengthen our collective educational voice while upholding SDEA’s mission and vision.
Kim Doherty
My name is Kim Doherty, and I teach in Stanley County. I am currently a Plains Board member. I would be honored to once again be your voice for the Plains Unit as we move our association forward and strengthen our collective voice for all things that matter in education.
Mary Mitchell
I am running for the Plains Board of Directors because I’m committed to serving educators and strengthening SDEA. The NEA Women and Minority Leadership Conference inspired me. I am prepared to step into leadership, collaborate with others, advocate for equity, and contribute thoughtful, dedicated service that helps our association thrive.
SEE 2-year
no candidate
NEA/RA Delegate
NEA RA Western Delegate
Jennifer Macziewski
Advocating for educators and public education is one of my passions. I would like to contribute to the advocacy at NEA by attending the NEA RA. I intend to represent the Western Unit members with integrity and pride.
Robert Dahlenburg
(no statement provided)
Heather Harmon
Serving at NEA RA entails dedication to our education profession. Showing up to listen, observe, and use my voice for you and our students is a priority for me. As a repeat representative, I can dig even deeper each year and continue serving on internal committees that make a difference.
Curtis Anderson
I want to stay involved in SDEA, and NEA I feel attending the NEA RA is a way to stay actively involved in the two unions. With what I have been experiencing in my own personal life I feel I am able to give a hands on take on many social issues. That I feel hundreds of our SDEA teachers and students are actively involved in by no choice of their own.
NEA RA Eastern Prairie Delegate
Lisa Jennings
I have had the privilege of representing SDEA members at the NEA RA. To be part of the democratic process that moves NEA forward is a great responsibility and one that I do not take lightly. I appreciate your confidence in me as I continue to serve.
Tim Eckart
I am the local president for the Sioux Falls Education Association and chair for the Eastern Prairie Unit. It is my hope to represent South Dakota at the NEA RA and to be your voice at the NEA Representative Assembly.
NEA RA Plains Delegate
Kathy Olsen
I have been an educator for 30 years serving as local president and being active in the Plains UniServ. I have a belief and passion for this organization and what it can do for members. I would be honored to serve South Dakota as your voice at the NEA/RA.
Shawn Olsen
I would be honored to serve you members of South Dakota as your voice at the NEA/RA. I have served SDEA in different positions through the years. Your vote would give me the opportunity to take this knowledge and experience to the national level to benefit all our members.
Jeremy Schultz
I’m eager to represent you at the 2026 NEA Representative Assembly, advocating for your beliefs and voicing concerns. With four years as an active SDEA member and current McLaughlin Education Association president, I aim to bring valuable insights back to South Dakota, supporting students and educators on a national level.
NEA RA Ethnic Minority At-Large Delegate
(Statements listed above)
Heather Harmon
Curtis Anderson
NEA RA At-Large Delegate
Kayla Sylvester
I’ve been a teacher and member since 2017, with experience in small districts and I’m currently in Sioux Falls. I’ve worked with NEA and SDEA through Leaders for Just Schools and serve on the SFEA Executive Committee. I am articulate, passionate and outspoken about education, social justice, and politics.
(Statements listed above)
Emily Meyer
Lisa Jennings
Tim Eckart
Kathy Olsen
Shawn Olsen
Jeremy Schultz
Curtis Anderson
Heather Harmon
Robert Dahlenburg
Ready, Set, Grow!
