Gov. Dennis Daugaard proposed a one percent increase in funding for K-12 schools at his budget address for fiscal year 2018.

 

The proposed increase brings $6.8 million in new money to schools and the one percent increase was higher than what was required by law, as inflation came in at 0.3 percent.

 

“We’re thankful that, even in a lean year, Gov. Daugaard went above what was required by law to support public schools in his budget,” ASBSD Executive Director Wade Pogany said.

 

Gov. Daugaard noted sales tax revenue would likely come in more than $25 million under the figures adopted during the 2016 legislative session for the current fiscal year (FY2017).

 

With legislative session set to begin in less than a month, Pogany said schools will have to be vigilant of the final budget bill, as there’s still volatility in what the final product could look like.

 

“There’s some uncertainty in the final figures yet because revenues are a bit unstable and there’s other factors that could come into play and require funding,” Pogany said. “We’ll need to keep an eye on how these factors could play out to ensure our schools maintain a quality level of funding.”

 

During session you can stay up-to-date on all that occurs through the ASBSD Blog, Twitter feed and Bill Tracker.