Associated School Boards of South Dakota | 2015 Legislative Session

May29: Two interim studies affecting schools on schedule

Two interim studies will be of interest to schools in the legislative “offseason.” The Study Committee on Juvenile Justice will consider and develop alternatives for the placement of juvenile offenders. The interim committee is comprised of 15 legislators that include: Chair Rep. Caleb Finck Vice Chair Sen. Erin Tobin Fred Deutsch Red Dawn Foster

February22: Scientific info instruction bill sent away in House

A bill permitting untethered instruction was reined in by the legislature. House members defeated House Bill 1270, which protects teaching of certain scientific information, on a 21-46 vote. The bill had previously been passed by the House Education committee on an 8-6 vote. ASBSD opposed the bill. ASBSD Director of Policy and

September03: Teacher pay review board adopts final report

The board charged with studying South Dakota’s progress on teacher pay approved their report to Gov. Dennis Daugaard on Wednesday (8/29). On a 7-0 vote, Teacher Compensation Review Board members approved the report that will be submitted prior to the September 30 deadline with the following conclusions: The data demonstrates that South Dakota has

August30: Stroeder elected 2nd VP of ASBSD Board

Mobridge-Pollock School Board President Eric Stroeder was elected the Second Vice President of the Associated School Boards of South Dakota by the Board of Directors at last month’s board meeting. The ASBSD 2nd Vice President is a member of the Association’s Executive Committee, which is also comprised of a President, 1st Vice President and Past President and

February12: Committee rejects policy mandate bill

School boards will continue to have control over facilities policy. House Bill 1296, which requires each school board to establish a policy on the use of certain school district facilities by transgender persons, fell on a 11-1 vote by the House Judiciary committee on Monday (2/12). ASBSD opposed the bill. “The issue

February05: Two bills trek towards the Senate

Two bills trekked across the Capitol building hall towards the Senate this week. House Bill 1221, which expands the partners in education tax credit program, passed the House Education committee on a 13-0 vote and the House on a 62-5 vote. Sen. Kevin Killer said the addition would make one new school eligible

January29: Scientific info bill sent to House

After consecutive years of being left to freeze on the 41st legislative day, a bill allowing teachers to theorize in the classroom on the strengths and weaknesses of scientific topics was warmed up to by Senators. Senate Bill 55, which protects the teaching of certain scientific information, passed the Senate Education committee on a

January16: Pledge program presents districts better interest rates on bonds

Members of the ASBSD Board of Directors received an overview of an expanded state program that increases the rating of capital outlay bonds or certificates issued to schools and provide them with better interest rates. S.D. Health and Educational Facilities Authority Director Don Templeton shared information on the program, which was updated by the

March29: Program promotes C/O bond rating increases, better interest rates for schools

During the 2015 legislative session, the South Dakota Legislature adopted Senate Bill 191 authorizing an expanded State Aid Pledge Program through the South Dakota Health and Educational Facilities Authority. Lt. Gov. Matt Michels said the program is “beneficial to our schools” because it would designate the South Dakota Health and Educational Facilities Authority Intercept Program as

February23: HB 1182: Sales Tax Increase bill passes House on second try

After years of need, months of discussion, weeks of review, days of votes and delays, and few changed minds, a bill providing the much needed revenue source for school districts to improve teacher pay took its first step towards becoming law on Monday (2/22). Members of the House of Representatives voted 47-21 to pass