State senators have rejected a bill to create community-based schools centered on Native American cultural curriculum. The Senate passed a similar proposal unanimously last year.
But lawmakers could reconsider the measure this week.
Proponents say Senate Bill 68 would provide a more culturally relevant curriculum that could improve graduation rates for Native K-12 students. The schools would focus on the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings that include language, treaty rights, and other topics.
The state Department of Education reports 90% of white students graduated on time last year, compared to 53% of American Indian students.
Opponents say these community-based schools would divert state funds from the other schools in their district. Senator Lee Schoenbeck is a Republican from Codington County who’s against the proposal. He says the Todd County School District—on the Rosebud Reservation— submitted a letter supporting this bill. But Schoenbeck says the district already has what it needs to help students succeed.
“And I hope the residents of that school district take it out on that school board and make them do what they oughta do, which is help educate those young children and fight every problem we’re talking about. But they’re elected to do that! That’s local control. They’re right there on the ground and they have all the cash.”
The letter from the Todd County School District says the community has spoken in favor of Senate Bill 68. It also says the school district wants to use innovative new methods – like community schools - to serve students.
Senator Troy Heinert represents Todd County and is the bill’s prime sponsor. He is surprised by the pushback this bill received compared to last year’s unanimous support. He hopes to have the vote reconsidered on the Senate floor.
“We’ll have the data sets that they were asking for today. We’ll have those delivered and on their desks and maybe we can actually get them to recognize that this is a huge problem and this is our opportunity to do something about it.”
The bill failed with 14 in favor and 20 opposed. If a majority of Senators agree, the bill could be reconsidered this week.
