Welcome!

Julie and her husband were attracted to the lifestyle that homeschooling offered their family over 20 years ago. They live in Sioux Falls. Three of their five children have graduated as homeschool students. Two have graduated from college and are building professional careers in South Dakota. Julie has a degree and professional background in education and special education. Since leaving public education to be at home with her children, she has maintained a private practice serving individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Dyslexia.

Rep. Sue Peterson (District 13) is currently serving her fourth term in the SD House of Representatives. She has a professional background in banking and finance. Sue and her husband, Bill, live in Sioux Falls and have three sons. Parental choice in education was important to their family as her sons were in public and private schools and homeschooled. Sue is a strong advocate, sponsoring and supporting legislation that promotes parental rights and homeschool freedom in South Dakota. 

 Nancy Dennert is a mother to five children and 20+ year veteran homeschooler. She and her husband Dana farm and ranch north of Aberdeen.  Nancy wants her children to love to learn and be allowed to follow their God-given talents. She loves supporting families on their own homeschooling journeys. Through her family’s experiences, Nancy has insight into the SD legislature and has experience in grassroots organization and lobbying. 

Kate and her husband, Vince, live in Rapid City and have seven children. Kate analyzes each child’s needs and chooses the best education option for each child. Her kids have attended public school, have partially enrolled in public school, and have been full-time homeschooled. Kate advocates for children with dyslexia in South Dakota and is a trained tutor.  She served as a school board member for four terms and is a past president of the Rapid City Area Schools.

Mary is a native Pierre resident, a small business owner, and a full-time farmer with her husband. Her kids have thrived in their homeschool education while helping to run their family farm. She is a strong advocate not only for her family but every family’s right to homeschool. She has been involved in the capital processes for over 15 years. Her passion lies in ensuring parental rights remain intact in the state of South Dakota. 

Aaron and his wife Annie live at the northern edge of the Black Hills and have home educated their three children from the very beginning.  They knew they wanted to create a home environment and education structure that built a love of learning, strong family ties and creativity into the lives of their children.  In serving on the FAIRSD board, Aaron brings educational degrees and 11 years of experience teaching in the public education system. 

Inspired by the focus on faith, family time, and freedom that homeschool offers, Rachel, and her husband, Craig, decided to homeschool their six children from the beginning. She appreciates the flexibility to curate each child’s individualized education, and meeting each of their needs in ways that are as unique as they are. Rachel lives in south central SD, and is passionate about fighting for the rights of homeschooling here in her home state. She has 10 years of experience in grassroot organizations and the legislative process.