Chuck Thompson Mar 6, 2024
The Rapid City Area Schools election campaign season is underway.
Katy Urban announced her candidacy for RCAS Area 7 with a fundraiser and press conference Monday at the Rapid City Elks Golf Course club house.
Areas 1, 2 and 7 are on the ballot in June.
RCAS board seats are three-year terms, giving each candidate the potential, if elected, to make an impact in the education of Rapid City school students.
Urban spoke to those in attendance Monday night at the Elks club house.
“My motivation for running for the school board is simple: I love the Rapid City Area School District, and I want to contribute to a system that makes a difference in the lives of many, in a community I care deeply about,” Urban said.
Urban spoke of the need for safe schools, an issue which she feels is lacking on campus buildings. She feels this should be a concern to everyone in the community.
“The reality is there are dangers today that we did not face when we were growing up,” she said to the people in the room.
Nineteen buildings in the school district do not have safe entrances, and Urban stated that many of the Rapid City Area School buildings are, “one HVAC system malfunction from an emergency closure.”
She also touched on the need for strong, fair decision making, and being a voice for community members.
Area 7 residents in attendance included those in support of Urban, and undecided voters looking to explore all options before coming to a decision.
An estimated 100 people turned out for Urban’s official campaign launch.
Urban’s daughter, a student in the Rapid City Area School system, spoke in support of her mother.
“She has been my voice and my advocate for 13 years now, and she will make as positive impact on our schools as she has our family,” she said.
Jim Herman, an undecided voter, moved here from North Dakota about six years ago to be closer to family, and cares about the school system being led by a school board that has the best interest of the students in mind.
“I have a grandson that will go into the school district,” Herman said. “I want to find out what her views are; her vision for the Rapid City school district.”
Dustin Calhoun, a supporter of Urban, said, “I’ve known Katy for almost 30 years. I know what kind of person she is. I know what kind of leadership she will bring to the table. I fully support Katy with the background she has, not just in education, but overall.”
Calhoun, among others, also spoke to those in attendance, attesting to Urban’s character and vocalizing their support for her Rapid City Area Schools candidacy for school board.
“I am deeply humbled by the overwhelming support shown at my kick-off event, and I am incredibly grateful to all those who took the time to join and learn more about me,” Urban said in a statement to the Rapid City Journal.
Urban continued, “Between facility issues, boundary changes, staffing shortages and the strife created by the pandemic, our district has had its fair share of challenges. Now, more than ever, we need leaders on the Board who are committed to addressing our district’s needs, while at the same time working to generate support for our community’s public schools.”
Urban works for the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office as the first public information officer. She has held the position since September of last year.
Kate Thomas is the current RCAS Board Member representing Area 7, which Urban is challenging.
Rapid City Area Schools Board Member Deb Baker of Area 1 and Board President Troy Carr of Area 2 are also current members whose positions are up for election this year. The four other remaining board seats will not be up for election until 2025 and 2026.
The RCAS board term is for three years and board members are expected to contribute their time and energy to the education system and the community.
The board of education election will be held on June 4, 2024.
Contact Chuck Thompson at cthompson@rapidcityjournal.com