HB 1290 amends South Dakota's education funding law by updating how school districts calculate their fall enrollment for state aid. It specifies that nonresident students in state care (e.g., foster care) must be included in enrollment counts, while students in residential treatment facilities must be excluded. The bill also revises the formula for determining the "teacher ratio factor," setting fixed ratios (12 for districts under 200 students, 15 for districts over 600 students) or a calculation-based ratio for medium-sized districts. These changes directly affect all public school districts in South Dakota receiving state aid for general education.
HB 1291 amends South Dakota's formula for calculating school district funding by changing how "fall enrollment" is determined. It specifically adjusts the count of students in state custody (like foster care) and those receiving tuition from other districts when calculating a district's base funding. The bill also updates the method for calculating "target teacher ratio" based on district size and ties future teacher salary adjustments to the consumer price index (inflation). These changes directly affect how much state funding school districts receive under South Dakota's education finance system.
HB 1251 creates two new state funds: the "target teacher salary supplement fund" (administered by the Department of Education) and the "community-based providers methodology supplement fund" (administered by the Department of Human Services). The bill directs that unspent state funds from the previous fiscal year - after a portion is placed in a budget reserve - be split equally (30% each) into these two new funds. These funds will directly support increases in teacher salaries and provider rates for community-based services, as specified in existing law. The transfers occur automatically each year through the state's budget process, with expenditures requiring annual legislative approval.
HB 1249 modifies the process for school districts to request waivers of financial penalties under South Dakota law. It requires the School Finance Accountability Board to create specific rules for how districts can apply for waivers, including documentation needed to prove "special circumstances" (like retirement impacts on cash balances). The bill also adds that waiver conditions must include maintaining cash balance requirements for three years or meeting teacher pay standards for three years, with penalties for noncompliance. These changes directly affect school districts facing financial penalties under Sections 13-13-73.5, 13-13-73.6, or 13-13-73.8. The bill clarifies the board’s role in reviewing waiver requests and the Joint Committee’s authority to approve or amend them.
SB 200 amends South Dakota's state aid formula for funding public school districts' general and special education programs. The bill establishes a base teacher salary of $62,821.19 for the 2025 school year, with annual increases tied to inflation (using the consumer price index). It updates how school districts calculate their funding by revising definitions for enrollment counts, English learner adjustments, and local need factors. This change directly affects all South Dakota public school districts by altering how state education funding is determined each year.
HB 1213 appropriates $2.5 million from the general fund to the South Dakota Department of Education for a statewide educator retention initiative. The bill provides grants to public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to address retention challenges, using both quantitative and qualitative data to identify and resolve underlying issues. School districts must apply for funding, with grants covering program costs during fiscal years 2026-2029, and the Department may use up to 5% of the appropriation for administration. This initiative requires a comprehensive approach to support educators, with funds allocated based on approved applications and expiring June 30, 2029.
HB 1131 amends how South Dakota school districts calculate their fall enrollment for state education funding. The bill specifically requires districts to exclude students residing in residential treatment facilities (when the facility operates the education program) from their enrollment count used in the funding formula. This change directly affects school districts serving students in such facilities, potentially altering their state funding amounts based on revised enrollment calculations. The amendment clarifies an existing definition within the state's education funding structure without changing other elements like teacher salary formulas or English learner adjustments.
HB 1239 requires South Dakota's Department of Education to pay the full salary and benefits for all teachers employed by public school districts, replacing the previous system where districts covered these costs. The bill establishes a state-mandated salary schedule that must include increases based on a teacher's certification demand, highest degree, and years of experience, with benefits set at a minimum of 29% of salary. It also limits school districts from exceeding a target teacher ratio factor (calculated by enrollment size) without state approval. This directly affects all South Dakota public school districts and their teaching staff by shifting funding responsibility to the state.
HB 1205 amends South Dakota's formula for calculating state aid to school districts for general and special education funding. It updates key definitions, including how "fall enrollment" is calculated (subtracting certain tuition-receiving students and adding those for whom the district pays tuition) and revises the target teacher ratio factor based on district size. The bill also establishes a new method for calculating target teacher compensation, linking it to the consumer price index and requiring annual adjustments. This directly affects all South Dakota public school districts receiving state education funding.
