Simplified: Education makes up about half the state's budget, so it only makes sense that a large number of the bills filed in South Dakota's state legislative session have to do with schools. Here's a look at some of the bills and common themes the Sioux Falls School District is tracking.

Why it matters

  • Over 500 pieces of legislation have been filed after lawmakers saw the deadline to file bills come and go this week. The Sioux Falls School District has taken a position on more than 80 of those bills that impact education – and more often than not, the stance is "oppose" or "neutral," according to a spreadsheet shared on the district website.
  • Overall, the district is in against any legislation that would pull funding from K-12 public schools, Business Manager Todd Vik said. This is particularly relevant during a budget cycle in which the governor has proposed a 0% increase in state aid to education – a move counter to state law requiring increases of either 3% or inflation, whichever is less.
  • The district is also opposing anything that requires school districts to play by different rules than other local governments. That includes opposition to a bill that would require only school district opt outs to go to a public vote. That bill, SB 85, died in the House earlier this week but lists an intent to reconsider.
"It's one of those, 'do as I say not as I do,' bills, and there's a lot of them in the legislature," Vik said. "And this is probably the worst one."

Tell me more

Of the 80+ bills the district has taken positions on, a handful include what Vik calls "key bills."

Some of those key bills include:

  • Bills related to funding "The Big Three" – education, medicaid providers and state employees. (See HB 1051, HB 1205, probably many others but those are "key.")
  • A bill that would provide free school meals to students who qualify for reduced-price meals.
  • Bills related to property tax relief. Vik said the district supports Gov. Larry Rhoden's plans (SB96) for targeted property tax relief in the counties where it's most needed.

Another big topic in Pierre this session is school choice, i.e. public money supporting private or home-schools. The district also opposes these measures from both a funding standpoint and because private schools do not have to uphold the same levels of transparency as public schools for things like student achievement, how money is spent, etc.

What happens next?

The legislative session continues through March 9, with "veto day" at the end of March to consider any legislation the governor may reject.