Jackelyn Severin

A new class of South Dakota leaders looks to the future.

South Dakota families are struggling to find quality childcare. Affordable preschool opportunities are also in high demand. A new approach addresses this crisis with early learning communities throughout the state. The goal is to promote better access at the local level.

One big-ticket item that lawmakers approved is Dakota State University’s applied research lab for cyber security. The planned opening date for the facility is 2025 in Sioux Falls.

A math teacher from T.F. Riggs High School in Pierre was recently surprised with a Milken Educator Award. The award recognizes the nation's great teachers.

Two South Dakota teachers have received a national Milken Educator Award. The award recognizes K-12 teachers and administrators who are furthering excellence in education. One award recipient is Camrin Vaux a middle school science teacher in Brookings.Jackelyn Severin spoke with the other recipient, a high school math teacher from Pierre, and has this story for SDPB.

State senators have approved legislation aiming to protect students and employees from “divisive concepts” at state universities and technical colleges. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 27 to 8. Similar legislation for K-12 public schools was killed by a Senate committee.

A measure to prevent the promotion of divisive concepts in K through 12 public schools has been defeated. After, 3 hours of testimony and discussion the Senate Education committee killed House Bill 1337 by a vote of 4 to 3.

An effort to establish two schools based on Native American cultural curriculum has failed in the state legislature.

A bill that extends the date for kindergarten enrollment has passed the House and is now moving through the state Senate. Right now, any child who turns 5 on or before September 1st is eligible to enroll in kindergarten. House Bill 1163 keeps the September 1st deadline. It also allows children who turn 5 between September 1st and October 31st to enroll if they pass a readiness assessment selected by their local school district.

A bill that extends the date for kindergarten enrollment has passed the House and is now moving through the state Senate. Right now, any child who turns 5 on or before September 1st is eligible to enroll in kindergarten. House Bill 1163 keeps the September 1st deadline. It also allows children who turn 5 between September 1st and October 31st to enroll if they pass a readiness assessment selected by their local school district.