The State Senate rejected a resolution recognizing a connection between the teacher shortage in South Dakota and low teacher pay. A resolution expresses the intent of lawmakers, it is not binding law.
Republican State Senator Larry Senator Larry Tidemann from Brookings supports the measure.
“We do have a teacher shortage. When we look at the time when the baby-boomers are going to retire we need to replenish those folks. What can we do about it? We can do nothing, or first you have to recognize there is a problem, there is an issue,” says Tidemann.
The resolution says the teacher shortage in the state is also caused in part by cuts to education made during the recession. The resolution passed the House last week. It points to critical needs including Math and Science teachers in rural districts. Those in favor of the resolution argue that teachers are leaving South Dakota to work nearby states that offer better wages. No one spoke against the measure on the Senate floor. Fifteen senators supported the resolution and nineteen voted against it.
This session lawmakers are also considering the governor’s recommendation of a 3% increase in K-12 education funding. Some education leaders say the increase is welcome, but it won’t make up for the losses incurred during the cutbacks three years ago.