LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A retired teacher from South Sioux City has announced her candidacy for the Nebraska Legislature.

Ardel Bengtson says she is running to represent District 17, which includes Dakota, Wayne and Thurston counties. The seat is currently held by state Sen. Dave Bloomfield of Hoskins.

Bengtson taught elementary and middle school at South Sioux City Public Schools for 38 years before retiring in 2006. She says that if elected, she would focus on better funding for public schools, expanding career opportunities and taking steps to keep local taxes low.

Bengsten, an avid runner, was married for 41 years before her husband died of cancer in 2010. She has three children and eight grandchildren.