Restoration of state funding for Education Service Agencies was introduced today in the form of Senate Bill 76.

 

The bill calls for $500,000 from the general fund be given to the Department of Education for the 2013 fiscal year for the ESAs, which had most of its state funding cut in 2009. DOE would approve the allocation of the funds to the school districts served by the ESA in their region.

 

Established in 2004 and adopted by law as an organization in 2007, ESAs provide service and assistance to school districts under the direction of the DOE. ESAs serve school districts in one of six regions.

 

 

Courtesy of SD DOE

 

ASBSD Resolution C3: Education Service Agencies calls for support of a “full funding” return. The potential for reinstated funding would be a very welcome bonus for districts.

 

“This is a welcome surprise for school districts,” Executive Director Wade Pogany said. “ESAs are a valuable tool that unfortunately has not been available for districts in recent years, but with this bill schools could get extra help if needed.”

 

SB 76 was introduced by Senators Ryan Maher (28) and Corey Brown (23) and Representatives Jacqueline Sly (33), Justin Cronin (23) and Charles Hoffman (23). Sen. Maher and Representative Sly are education committee members for their respective houses.

 

ASBSD will continue to update the bill’s progress.