Happy Friday! Megan here.
Weather check: Hope the Easter bunny hides eggs inside this year...
📝 A helpful reminder: You're going to see a lot more election coverage in the coming weeks (including a lot of multimedia stuff from me – stay tuned, it's gonna be very cool!) But, I think it's always good to remember how our local government systems work. If it's been awhile since you've thought about this stuff, I've got a little "Sioux Falls 101" guide for you to flex your civics muscles.
This week, you'll find the latest on how schools are approaching $2 million in budget cuts, as well as an update on all of the public art happening in Sioux Falls. Plus, catch some Super Simplified headlines to carry you through the long weekend.
And now, news:
EDUCATION
How schools are hoping to pay teachers more despite budget cuts
Simplified: The Sioux Falls School Board this week looked at options to pay teachers more and maintain smaller class sizes all while grappling with proposed $2 million budget cuts. Here's how it's shaking out so far.
Why it matters
- The state legislature allocated a 1.4% increase to education this year – after an initial proposal of a 0% increase from Gov. Larry Rhoden. But, that still falls short of the increase codified in state law at either 3% or inflation, whichever is lower. The district is looking at instead increasing pay by 2.5%.
- Despite the need for budget cuts, the Sioux Falls School District wants to remain focused on the "boots on the ground" work of supporting teachers, as Board President Nan Kelly said this week. That's why they're considering increasing teacher pay and implementing new strategies to keep elementary class sizes below 30 as much as possible.
- The district is also looking at ways to curb spending, find efficiencies and even save taxpayers money by reducing the amount of opt-out funding it takes in the next fiscal year. The district could take up to $17.6 million every year above the current property tax limits – but this year it's taken $12 million, and next year the proposal is to drop down to an $11 million opt-out.
"That extra money doesn't just sit in the district's bank account or something like that," Board Member Elizabeth Duffy said. "It is still with the homeowners, and I think that's something a lot of people don't understand."
Tell me more
CITY
What's the latest on public art in Sioux Falls?
Simplified: The city's 10-year arts and culture plan is nearing completion, and in the meantime, there are a number of opportunities coming up for both artists and the broader community to participate in events, calls for art submissions or to simply enjoy the art that's already out there.
Why it matters
- Public art has taken more prominence in the city in recent years with the addition of a full-time arts coordinator position. Maren Engel, the current arts coordinator, has been bringing more intentionality to public art as well as leading an effort to create a long-term arts and culture strategic plan.
- As the weather warms up and more folks are out and about, Engel this week shared an update on how that plan is coming along as well as a number of opportunities to engage with public art this spring and summer.
- Those opportunities include a few calls for art – including for submissions for the annual storm drain inlet project, to be featured on city buses and a new opportunity to showcase local art in the Carver Gallery in City Hall.
"Overall, this is a very exciting time for arts and culture in Sioux Falls," Engel said. "We're seeing strong community interest, new oportuniteis for artists and continued investment in making art more visible and accessible throughout the city. Together these efforts are helping us shape a vibrant, creative city that welcomes everyone to experience, participate and be inspired by the arts."
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TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Eggs, glorious eggs. Dakota Layers this week dropped off 10,800 eggs. It's the tenth year the business has donated a dozen eggs for every free throw made by SDSU men's and women's basketball teams on their home court during the regular season.
- That partnership expanded this year with a partnership with SDSU guard Luke Haertle, who used his platform to raise awareness about Feeding South Dakota. Dakota Layers also donated a dozen eggs for each of Haertle's 110 points scored this season. You can learn more here about Feeding South Dakota's mission to end hunger.
- Calling all Kingswood neighbors. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls is now accepting applications for free home improvement projects for qualifying homes in the Kingswood Neighborhood as part of the annual "Rock the Block" event. Learn more about qualifications and apply here.
- CommuniTree project to break ground. The city next week will enter the "tree-planting phase" of its CommuniTree Assistance Program, a five-year, $3 million initiative to plant 5,000 new trees in the public right-of-way. Learn more about the program here.
- City to celebrate Earth Month. The city this week shared a number of events to celebrate Earth Month and sustainability. Those include a Party for the Planet on April 26 at Sertoma Park and a Big Sioux River clean-up event April 25. There's also a number of kid/family-friendly activities including sensory play events at the libraries, paint and plant events at the Arrowhead Park House and a chance to make birdhouses at the westside rec center. See a full list of upcoming events here.
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
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Thank you
Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including SafeSplash Swim School, Wayne & Mary's Nutrition Center, Startup Sioux Falls, Encompass Mental Health, the Sioux Falls YMCA, EmBe, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Barre3 Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium, the Washington Pavilion, The Premiere Playhouse, The Good Night Theatre Collective and the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. When you support them, you're also supporting Sioux Falls Simplified.
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