In South Dakota, education groups are rallying against the introduction of school vouchers, which would divert critical funding away from public schools. These vouchers, also known as Education Savings Accounts or Tuition Tax Credits, allow families to use funds allocated for public schools to pay for private or homeschooling. Proponents of vouchers argue for “school choice.”
However, School Administrators of South Dakota and other education organizations believe that vouchers will starve public schools of much-needed funds, resulting in larger class sizes, fewer educators, and reduced programming. They point to research showing that voucher programs do not improve academic outcomes and can actually increase state spending without benefiting students.
Ryan Rolfs, executive director of the South Dakota Education Association, and Rob Monson, executive director of School Administrators of South Dakota, anticipate a lengthy discussion on school vouchers in the upcoming legislative session in Pierre. They plan to fight against any voucher bill introduced, as they believe it would set back the progress made in increasing funding for school districts.
The education organizations have penned a letter to South Dakotans urging them to support public schools and to strengthen public education rather than divert funds to alternative schooling options. They emphasize that public schools are the foundation of communities, providing equitable, high-quality education for all children, regardless of background.
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