The text of Gov. Kristi Noem's proposed education savings account pilot program is now available.
Noem announced the $4 million dollar program in December.
Recent changes to Republican majorities in the state Legislature make the idea — or something similar — more likely than in previous sessions.
South Dakota House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach, R-Spearfish, and Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff, R-Pierre, announced the bill's filing on Wednesday
"This program will provide an opportunity for all parents to have agency in the education of their children, regardless of their financial means,” said Sen. Mehlhaff in a statement.
It would allocate $3,000 for each student. She wants it to start with low-income students but eventually extend to every student in the state.
A coalition of South Dakota education groups are warning about the effects of implementing school voucher programs.
“A voucher bill is really student choice," said Rob Monson, executive director of School Administrators of South Dakota.
He is opposed to the idea. He said public schools must educate all South Dakota kids, whereas private schools can be selective.
“If a student is in a wheelchair or needs nursing services, they can choose not to take that student. When those kiddos role up at a public school, front door, tomorrow, they’re coming in," Monson added. "The public school will be—not necessarily forced—but we will have to do whatever is needed to provide for that child.”
About 30 percent of state general funds go to assisting local governments and schools.
Currently, sales tax collections are about $29 million lower than anticipated. There are several competing sales tax and property tax relief proposals being talked about.
Some question the cost associated with a voucher program during a lean budget year.
“We have a difficult enough time funding our K-12 public system. I don’t think anyone here on this call—at least in the education lobby group—understands how we would afford two systems,” Heath Larson, the executive director of Associated School Boards of South Dakota, said. “Make no mistake about it, it’s a diversion of public funds and we are certainly 100 percent against it.”
State lawmakers convene on Tuesday, Jan. 14, for the annual legislative session. They meet until mid-March.
