BROOKINGS, S.D.(KJJQ)- After some two decades at South Dakota State University, Vice President for Student Affairs Doug Wermedal (Worm-uh-dall) is leaving to become Executive Director of the Associated School Boards of South Dakota.

He’ll replace Wade Pogany who is retiring after 11-years in the position. The most visible part of the job is as lobbyist for the association during the legislative session. Wermedal says it goes beyond that as school board members and teachers face so many pressures and expectations these days.

He’ll go into the job facing numerous challenges including new social studies standards that were opposed by the association. Wermedal says they have until 2025 to implement those new standards.

Education funding is often a challenge in South Dakota although the last two years have seen substantial increases in state aid. Wermedahl says they want to be responsible.

Weremdal has had boots on the ground — having served as a member of the Sioux Valley School Board for nine years.

He starts the new job in July.