LatestNews

You are here:

LatestNews

Latest Blog Post

No resolution on bill promoting public funding be used for private school scholarships

Resolution on a bill that would divert public funding towards non-public school scholarships remains unclear.   Senate Bill 189, which would provide a tax credit to insurance companies contributing money to an organization that provides funding to cover the cost of a student enrolling in a private school and for instructional supply grants for teachers, …

No resolution on bill promoting public funding be used for private school scholarships Read More »

Bills limiting rule making authority of SDHSAA defeated

Two bills related to the South Dakota High School Activities Association adoption of a transgender student participation policy were voted down by the Senate Education committee.   Committee members voted 4-3 to defer House Bill 1195, which declared the transgender policy adopted by the SDHSAA void, to the 41st day. House Bill 1161, which limited …

Bills limiting rule making authority of SDHSAA defeated Read More »

CO option for schools to fund tech institutes tabled

At the request of the prime sponsor, Senate Education committee members tabled House Bill 1218.   Rep. Mark Mickelson asked committee members to table the bill, which would have allowed any school district to designate up to $0.25 of their capital outlay levy to fund a post-secondary technical institute.   HB 1218 previously passed the …

CO option for schools to fund tech institutes tabled Read More »

Update to CO program passes committee

Senate Bill 191, which revises certain provisions in a program for capital outlay certificates and lease purchase agreements of school districts, cleared another legislative hurdle this morning.   House State Affairs committee members unanimously passed the bill, which would designate the South Dakota Health and Educational Facilities Authority Intercept Program as the debtor for capital outlay bonds …

Update to CO program passes committee Read More »

House Ed. comm. passes financial incentives and minor boundary change bills

House Education committee members pass two bills in their last scheduled meeting of the legislative session.   After deferring action on Senate Bill 132 at last Friday’s committee meeting, the group passed the bill on an 11-3 vote on Wednesday.   SB 132 would allow districts leeway to offer a signing bonus, moving expenses, or …

House Ed. comm. passes financial incentives and minor boundary change bills Read More »

Lockdown bill lacks support, Fund Balance bill finds it in House

It had been smooth sailing for Senate Bill 89 until it was sunk in the House chamber on Tuesday (3/3).   SB 89, which would require school districts to develop safety plans and conduct lockdown drills, was defeated on 37-30 vote by Representatives; in three previous votes the bill had no “Nays” cast.   “We don’t …

Lockdown bill lacks support, Fund Balance bill finds it in House Read More »

Appropriators part ways with teacher recruit program

Senate Appropriators tabled a proposal that would have established and funded a program to recruit and retain teachers for rural school districts.   House Bill 1092 encouraged individuals working as paraprofessionals in school districts with 600 or fewer students enrolled and at least one teaching position unfilled the previous year to enroll in a post-secondary program, …

Appropriators part ways with teacher recruit program Read More »

A listing of legislative cracker barrels throughout S.D.

Getting a face-to-face meeting with your local legislators is tough to do during legislative session.   Legislative Cracker Barrels in your area offer access to your local legislators, as well as the chance to hear their answers on a variety of legislative topics.   Below you will find a list of dates and locations of …

A listing of legislative cracker barrels throughout S.D. Read More »

Sen. Ed. & Senate affirm appointment, pass bills and resolution

Senate Education committee members covered a diverse agenda at Thursday’s meeting.   Committee members affirmed Governor Dennis Daugaard’s appointment of Dr. Melody Schopp as the state’s Secretary of Education on a 5-0 vote. Senators voted 31-1  in favor of appointment.   Sec. Schopp has served as the leader of the Department of Education for four …

Sen. Ed. & Senate affirm appointment, pass bills and resolution Read More »

Action deferred on financial incentive flexibility bill

Action was deferred by the House Education committee until next week on Senate Bill 132, which would allow districts leeway to offer a signing bonus, moving expenses, or tuition reimbursement to a teacher employed in the school district.   Committee members heard testimony on the bill, which was passed in the Senate on a 26-7 …

Action deferred on financial incentive flexibility bill Read More »

Scroll to Top