2021 Legislative Session

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2021 Legislative Session

State Aid Increase Bill has first hearing

The bill providing public schools an increase in state aid had its first hearing of the legislative session.   Senate Bill 49, which sets the School District General Fund levy, target teacher salary and overhead rate for FY 2022, was expectedly sent to the Joint Appropriations Committee on a 7-0 vote by the Senate Education …

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Civics education update shared with committees

An update on what to expect for civics education in South Dakota was provided recently.   Sec. of Education Tiffany Sanderson shared information with two legislative committees last week about the proposed updates to civic education discussed by Gov. Kristi Noem in December and January.   Sec. Sanderson told members of the Senate Education committee …

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SB 46 headed to Governor’s desk

A bill amending the instruction and hours during a state emergency reached the Governor’s desk.   Senate Bill 46, which allows for the consideration of certain instruction to count towards the minimum number of hours required in a school term during a declared state of emergency, passed both chambers’ education committees and the full chamber …

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NSBA Overview on Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act

The following information was provided by the National School Boards Association (NSBA).   On Saturday, December 26, 2020, President Donald Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, a $900 billion legislative package to assist with the COVID-19 national emergency.   As part of the package, education received $82 billion in …

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Appoint your LAN member for the 2021 legislative session

Advocating on behalf of our public school system is an important job and ASBSD’s Legislative Action Network (LAN) steps up to take on that task.   The ASBSD Legislative Action Network is designed to activate designated members of local school boards to represent the legislative positions of the Association and their local board.   Every …

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Proposals for one-time money for schools outlined

Along with the ongoing increase of 2.4 percent to state aid for next school year, there are three proposed one-time funding plans that have been outlined.   In addition to the ongoing funding increase, Gov. Kristi Noem proposed $11 million in one-time money for student enrollment impacts from the COVID19 pandemic. The S.D. Department of …

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Flexibility from state requirements provided

Flexibility from certain requirements has been provided to school districts for the 2020-21 school year.   Gov. Kristi Noem signed an Executive Order earlier this month providing accredited schools with relief from certain state requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which include:   Teacher evaluation. Suspension of the statutory provision of SDCL 13-42-34 requiring schools …

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Legislative comm. endorses community-based school bill

A bill attempting to create a new school system that was defeated last session will be back next year after receiving the support of the State-Tribal Relations committee.   On a 10-0 vote, the committee endorsed the draft of the bill, which will create and fund Oceti Sakowin community-based schools. A similar bill was defeated …

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Additional fed dollars for public schools

The latest federal COVID-19 emergency relief fund includes $54 billion for K-12 public education.   The $54 billion for K-12 public schools does not include a condition related to funding based on schools physically reopening and operating with in-person education. The legislation also extends the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) spending deadline to December 30, 2021 …

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Public comment requested on ESSA addendum, waiver and amendment

The South Dakota Department of Education is seeking an addendum, waiver and amendment to its Every Student Succeeds Act State Plan and is seeking public comment.   The proposed addendum creates a streamlined accountability process to address the impacts of COVID-19, while the waiver is specific to the 95 percent participation rate and school support …

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