Heineman appointed to state Board of Education

Heineman appointed to state Board of Education Gov. Mike Rounds has announced the appointment of Phyllis Heineman of Sioux Falls to the South Dakota Board of Education. â�?�?I am pleased to appoint Phyllis Heineman to the South Dakota Board of Education,â�? said Gov. Rounds. â�?�?Phyllis has an impressive understanding of education at many levels, including knowledge of the accomplishments and challenges involved in the legislative process. She served as Chairman of the Education Committee in the State House of Representatives for six years.â�? As chairman, Heineman served on South Dakota state education task forces analyzing educational technology, state aid, 21st century skills/graduation requirements, teacher compensation, and the No Child Left Behind accountability systems. She has also represented South Dakota on several national education committees with the Education Commission of the States, American Legislative Exchange Council, and National Council of State Legislatures. Phyllis Heineman is a member of the board of directors for Dakotabilites, and REMSA (Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority), past member and president of the Sioux Falls Catholic School Board, and a long-time Junior Achievement volunteer. â�?�?Phyllis Heineman will be a great addition to the South Dakota Board of Education,â�? said Secretary of Education Tom Oster. â�?�?She is very passionate about education. She understands how our educational system operates, and she is committed to providing the best opportunities for our young people. Her years of service in the state Legislature will be valuable as we set educational policy and develop administrative rules.â�? Heineman is a graduate of South Dakota State University with a bachelors degree in mathematics. She is a former teacher at Nettleton College and served in the state Legislature from 1999-2008. Heineman and her husband, Greg, reside in Sioux Falls. They have three adult children. The appointment will begin immediately. The position was previously held by Jan Nicolay.