Roger DeGroot
Roger DeGroot is a Brookings educator and administrator who retired in 2015 after 40 years in South Dakota schools, including eight as superintendent of the Brookings School District. He also served on the Brookings School Board before winning election to the District 7 House seat, where he has served since 2023. In 2025 the South Dakota Education Association named him Friend of Education for his work on teacher-related legislation. He is seeking re-election in 2026.
Why they’re
Sensible
Roger DeGroot's four-decade career in public education — capped by eight years leading one of South Dakota's largest school districts — gives him unmatched credibility on the education and local government questions that dominate District 7 life. His 2025 SDEA Friend of Education recognition reflects genuine legislating, not mere posturing: he helped move bills that directly benefited teachers. DeGroot also shows a willingness to take on controversial local-service questions, evidenced by his work on fishing guide licensure in northeast South Dakota. His steady, community-first approach embodies what Sensible South Dakota looks for.
Key positions
“When I was first asked about what I wanted to work on in Pierre if elected, my first responses were education and education, because it has been such a big part of my life and a focus in our community with South Dakota State University and the Brookings School District.”
“It was really a surprise to me. I was just going about doing my duties in the House. We passed a few bills that affected the teachers of South Dakota, but I never really thought anything about this.”
“Why can't all other states or most other states do this, but we can't — out-of-state guides are operating without any license or regulation in our state.”
Also running for
SD State House · District 07
Every other candidate filed for this seat, listed for transparency. Our Sensible slate reflects the full field — not just a single pick.