PIERRE, S.D. – In her State of the State Address, Governor Noem stated that since the budget address in December, state revenue projections have improved. She went on to say that it will be her priority to use those additional dollars to fund increases for state aid to education. The following comments can be attributed to South Dakota Education Association President Mary McCorkle:
“Governor Noem’s State of the State Address offered more optimism than what we heard in December. The question still remains; will the state keep its promise to the students of South Dakota and keep its education investment at pace with inflation?”
“To honor its commitment, the legislature must increase state aid by at least two-percent; anything less would mean that for the second time in four years, state-aid would fall short of keeping pace with growing expenses. Without that increase, students will have less access to school counselors, fewer career and technical education and fine arts programs, less one-on-one time with teachers, and fewer supports for students in need.”
“We agree with Governor Noem that economic development is important; however, education and economic development go hand-in-hand. South Dakota needs a sound and continued investment in public education to ensure our students have the opportunities to develop the skills they will need for the workforce and beyond. Education is the foundation of a strong economy.”
“The educators of South Dakota look forward to working with Governor Noem and state lawmakers over the coming months to ensure that our schools have the resources necessary to meet our students’ needs. Governor Noem and the legislature must support students and keep the promise by increasing education funding by at least two-percent.”
