HURON — Tim Van Berkum has submitted his petition and announced he is a candidate for re-election to the Huron Board of Education in the April election.

Van Berkum, a local businessman, is seeking another term on the board. There are two seats up for election. Tim has served as board vice president for 3 years and as board president for 5 years.

“There are many challenges facing the school district, and I have learned a great deal during my time of service.” Van Berkum stated in announcing his candidacy. “I believe in the leadership team that we have in place, and I see the community coming together to support educating the children in our community.”

“I am especially proud of the work we have done in our ESL and early childhood programs, giving every child equal access to the best education at each grade level, while increasing our efficient use of tax dollars.”

Van Berkum cites the on-going work to upgrade the district’s CTE offerings and the challenges that have presented themselves.

“I’ve served all but one year as the board’s representative on the Associated School Board’s Legislative Action Network,” he said. “Our district is working very hard to connect with state government in partnering to meet the financial needs of the most diverse student body in South Dakota. The financial challenges we face are significant. We owe it to the community to make every attempt at state funding support to reduce the request for additional local taxes. I have the energy and interest to continue to be an advocate for our schools, our faculty and staff, as we work together to meet the educational needs of every child.”

Van Berkum’s wife, Suzie, is the administrative assistant to the School District’s Special Education Director at the McKinley Learning Center.

Their daughter Sarah, is a Family Services Specialist with Child Protection Services in Huron and their daughter Torrey, is a nurse with the HRMC Physicians Clinic.

Van Berkum is a U.S. Navy veteran having served in Reactor Controls Division on a fast attack submarine.

The election is April 9.