Jackelyn Severin

A legislative measure requiring k-12 schools to post teaching materials online has died in committee. The bill would also require schools to post employee professional development and orientation materials, and a catalog of all books and resources at a school’s library. Under the measure, a school could be sued if it doesn’t comply.

A legislative committee has passed Governor Kristi Noem’s bill banning the teaching of Critical Race Theory in state universities and technical schools. Critical Race Theory is an academic concept that studies how racism is embedded in legal systems and policies.

The South Dakota House Education Committee has passed a measure requiring public schools to display the state seal or state motto. South Dakota’s state motto is “Under God the People Rule.”

A measure allowing Native American students to wear beaded graduation caps has passed the House Education Committee. However, the committee killed two other bills dealing with the representation of Native Americans in public schools.

Lawmakers have voted down a bill to require Native American history and culture in state-approved social studies curriculum.

In 2016 state lawmakers approved a scholarship program that gives money to low-income students who want to attend a private k-12 school in the state. The scholarships are funded through tax credits given to insurance companies. Currently, the tax credit is capped at $2 million. Senate Bill 71 would raise that cap to $3.5 million.

SDPB reporters Lee Strubinger, Arielle Zionts, and Jackelyn Severin join us for a reporter roundtable. Today we highlight developments in the state legislative session regarding transgender athletes, medical marijuana, worker compensation, and the infrastructure of higher education in South Dakota.

State lawmakers have killed Governor Kristi Noem’s bill requiring a moment of silence in schools for prayer or reflection.

A South Dakota legislative committee has approved several bills that would update facilities and provide equipment for nursing education programs across the state.

The Board of Regents is asking lawmakers for around $240 million in state general funds for fiscal year 2023.