SIOUX FALLS - Today, Senator Billie Sutton, candidate for South Dakota Governor, was endorsed by the South Dakota Education Association’s SD-EPIC (Educators Political Involvement Committee).
The announcement, which followed Sutton’s round table discussion with educators, was made Tuesday, September 11 at a 10:45 AM news conference in Sioux Falls. SDEA President, Mary McCorkle said:
“As educators we know that every decision about our classrooms and schools is a political decision. We also know that in the coming year, South Dakotans will elect a new governor who will have a tremendous impact on those decisions. That is why it is crucial that as educators, we raise our voices and help elect the candidate who has demonstrated time and time again that providing a great education for all students, regardless of their zip code, is a priority.”
Billie Sutton has spent 8 years in the South Dakota Senate fighting for education, serving an instrumental role in raising teacher pay up from last in the nation with the Blue Ribbon Task Force. Surrounded by educators at the endorsement, Sutton said:
“I am honored to be endorsed by South Dakota educators. Just as I have in my eight years in the Senate, I’ll be focused on creating more educational opportunities for all South Dakotans as Governor. It’s our responsibility to give the next generations the tools to live a better life– and that starts with education. If we can work together to develop world-class educational opportunities that everyone can access, South Dakota’s future will be brighter for it.”
In addition to today’s roundtable discussion, Sutton has held a Back to School Town Hall call to get feedback on his Education for the Next Generation plan. Educators have also organized in support of Sutton on Facebook with an Educators for Sutton group.
Billie Sutton is a rancher, financial professional at a small community bank, State Senator, former professional rodeo cowboy, fifth-generation South Dakotan, and candidate for Governor.
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