Rapid City Central activities director Darren Paulson has worked, in various capacities, at several West River schools. So it was only fitting that eventually he would represent them.

Paulson was introduced last month during a South Dakota High School Activities Association meeting in Pine Ridge as one of two newly elected members of the organization's board of directors. Paulson fills the West River at-large position for an athletic/activities director.

"I'm excited to do it," Paulson said. "I'm sure it will be a real learning experience. I will rely on other board members to assist me with that."

Paulson will serve a five-year term, which began July 1, on the board, which meets six times a year.

"It's a commitment but I look forward to it," he said. "It's a big challenge that I accept, and I'll try to do the best job that I can."

Paulson takes over one of two seats vacated by Pine Ridge's Bryan Brewer and Jones County's Larry Ball. The other newcomer is White River's Eldon Marshall, who fills the Native American at-large position for an athletic/activities director.

"The board of directors, basically, is the governing board for our activities association, which regulates all of our fine arts and athletic competitions statewide," SDHSAA executive director Wayne Carney said.

Carney believes Paulson is a good fit for the executive board.

"I think he has a good handle on what the issues are in our schools. He's also been in different size high schools - Class A, Class AA - and he's well-connected with the athletic administrators. He brings a name recognition, that, a lot of times, is important to our board."

Paulson, who has also worked at Todd County High School and Lead-Deadwood High School, said his time at different schools will come in handy during his five-year term.

"With the stops, you find out issues are issues everywhere," he said. "Everyone deals with the same stuff, just on different scales."

One issue facing every school in the state, regardless of size, Paulson said, is money, or rather a lack of it.

"Money is always an issue with all of the districts throughout the state," he said. "It's nothing new; all school districts are strapped."

Paulson grew up East River, attending college and playing football at Augustana College in Sioux Falls. After his college graduation though, Paulson began his work career out west. That knowledge of both sides of the state, Paulson said, will serve him well during his tenure on the executive board.

"I know the eastern side, and I definitely know the western part of the state being out here," he said. "I've taught, I've coached, I've officiated, I've played a bunch of sports, and I've done a lot of things that will, hopefully, help me."