A man who is originally from Chamberlain has been hired (Jan. 19, 2026) as the next superintendent of the Pierre Public School District.
School Board President Joan Adam said Dr. Donavan DeBoer rose to the top of an impressive group candidates.
While DeBoer will be completing his year as the superintendent for the Dell Rapids School District, Adam said having him hired helps facilitate a seamless transition between him and retiring Pierre Superintendent Dr. Kelly Glodt.
Adam thanked all of the people involved with the interview process.
Glodt announced his intention to retire in September (Sept. 8, 2025). His retirement is effective June 30, 2026. DeBoer will begin his duties July 1, 2026.
Written version below:
A man who is originally from Chamberlain and has spent time working at schools in Wood, Winner, Newell, Rapid City, Parker and Dell Rapids has been hired as the next superintendent of the Pierre Public School District.
Dr. Donavan DeBoer has a graduate of Northern State University and earned his graduate degree from the University of South Dakota. He and his wife, Michelle, began their teaching careers in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Dr. DeBoer taught fifth grade. The couple later returned to South Dakota, living in Winner, where he taught one year in Wood and then two years in the Winner School District. During that time, he taught fifth grade and coached cross country, basketball and track.
DeBoer’s first administrative role was as principal in Newell, where he served for six years. He later taught elementary physical education and was the head girls’ basketball coach at Rapid City Stevens High School. In 2014, he earned his first superintendent position, that being in Parker. Following nine years there, he has spent the past three years as the Superintendent of the Dell Rapids School District.
He will begin his duties July 1, 2026.
The DeBoers have two children, Paityn (24) and Jaivyn (21). Outside of school, he enjoys bow hunting, attempting golf, and cheering on Duke University athletics and the Chicago Bears.
DeBoer shared that he feels extremely humbled and blessed to join the Pierre School District and looks forward to serving students, staff, families and the greater Pierre community.
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