Meet BV's new school board member, Ellie Saxer
By:
Jamie Hult, Journal staff writer
Ellie Saxer is the newest member of the Brandon Valley Board of Education.
Ellie Saxer values education, and it’s that attitude that led her to seek a spot on the Brandon Valley School Board last spring.
The Valley Springs mom, who ran unopposed, was sworn in July 17. The Brandon Valley Journal recently had a chance to chat with Saxer about what encourages her and what she’s looking forward to in the 2017-18 school year.
Q: What inspired you to seek school board?
A: The inspiration for running came from the honor of being involved in my son’s classrooms the last three years. I’ve had the privilege of watching how the incredible teachers, administrators and staff invest in the students at Brandon Valley. I’ve loved being involved with the school and have a great sense of pride for the Brandon Valley School District. I also want to do anything I can to ensure that my son, all of his classmates and students in the community have access to the best education. I was humbled to be encouraged by teachers and staff to consider getting involved with the school board, and beyond thrilled that I took their advice.
The Brandon Valley School Board is built on a foundation of strong leadership and years of phenomenal experience. The support from the community and each school administrator is unparalleled to what I have seen and heard of. I look forward to learning from my fellow board members and seeing where I can best serve the board, school district, community, teachers, and, above all, the student.
Q: What would you like to see in your term?
A: It would be incredible to create a strong mentoring network for our high-schoolers so they’re connected to professionals as they head out to careers and college. The pride that our students and school staff have for Brandon Valley is palpable. That kind of pride is contagious to the communities of Brandon and Valley Springs. The more we can integrate community businesses and professionals into our schools for events, mentoring and networking, the more pride and support for our school will grow, as well as pride for the greater community.
Q: What relevant experience do you have?
A: I was in college school senate and served as a local city campaign manager while in college. I’ve also been attending the Brandon Valley School Board meetings for the past eight months as I prepared for my petition for a seat on the board. I will look to bring some of my transferable skills in my day-to-day job to this role in dealing with people, as well as high administration, policy navigation and negotiation skills.
Q: What are a few of your hobbies and interests?
A: In my spare time you can find me most likely playing sports with my family. I love athletics and grew up playing every sport available. I played college softball but have found a truer joy, and that is watching and coaching my son! I also enjoy repurposing vintage treasures, from jewelry to furniture. Recently I’ve been blessed to have my husband join me in dance classes, and that has been immense fun and laughter.
Q: What’s one interesting thing about you few people know?
A: I learned to say the alphabet backwards before I learned to say it forward. Makes alphabetizing easier.
More about Ellie Saxer
Saxer lives in Valley Springs with her husband of 16 years, Travis, and son, Braxton, a 2nd-grader at Brandon Elementary.
Born in Sioux Falls, she attended schools in Garretson and Brandon and graduated from Spearfish High School.
Saxer earned a B.S. in biology and chemistry from the University of South Dakota and an M.B.A. in healthcare administration and management from the University of Sioux Falls and North American University.
She works as Regional Director, Midwest, AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Women’s Health.
