Next week South Dakota will bid farewell to a staple in education in the state.

 

After four decades serving public education South Dakota Secretary of Education Melody Schopp is set to retire with her final day in the department on Friday, December 15.

 

“We’re going to miss working with and alongside Secretary Schopp,” ASBSD Executive Director Wade Pogany said.

 

“She cares deeply about the success of every student in South Dakota and public education in South Dakota is going to miss the hard work and dedication she put forth during her many years of service to public education.”

 

Schopp joined DOE in 2000, serving in a variety of roles before being appointed Secretary of Education by Gov. Dennis Daugaard in 2011. During her time as Secretary, Schopp worked tirelessly to help implement a new education funding formula and half-cent increase to the state’s sales tax that was used to increase teacher salaries, as well as oversaw the implementation of the South Dakota Content and Common Core Standards.

 

“Melody’s determination and courage to ensure the success of public education are very, very admirable,” Pogany said.

 

“We’re better for having had her efforts enhancing public education for so many years.”