Safer Sioux Falls Forum

As the end to Summer is closer, so is the anticipation of the new school season.

This week’s update begins with the July 22nd “Safer Sioux Falls” Forum. This much needed discussion was brought about by the July 8th Prison Task Force meeting which concluded that a maximum men’s facility prison should be built in the Sioux Falls area. Two sites have been added to the table for discussion. It must be mentioned that these sites are not set in stone and must pass both the House and Senate by a 2/3 vote in order to be in effect.

The “Safer Sioux Falls” forum was brought forward by Representative Greg Jamison and featured dozens of State, County, and City officials to collaborate ideas and address the many issues that we will face in our community. This is a heated and imperative topic, but we will continue to work together to find solutions and pathways for a safer Sioux Falls.

On Monday, July 28, the Teacher’s Compensation Review Board was called to order by Dr. Graves. This continues our study and data request from the June 16th meeting. The board is composed of three Senate appointed members: Senator Taffy Howard, Senator Jamie Smith and Senator Curt Voight. It also includes three House of Representatives appointed members: Representative Eric Emery, Representative Logan Manhart, and Representative Tesa Schwans. The governor added three appointed members: Dr. Joseph Graves/ SD Secretary of Education, Dr. Tonia Warzecha/ SD education advisory board and Dr. David DeJong/ Director of teacher apprenticeship programs.

With teacher salaries at a yearly projection, the committee asked for data on how many days a year that adds up to versus non-teacher employment. Most teachers work 238.7 days per year compared to other professions who work an additional 49.6 more days per year. South Dakota teacher pay has moved upwards since 2016 when the Blue Ribbon Task Force was created. Teacher salaries have moved from a national ranking of 50th at one point to 46th for the 23–24 school year. The average teacher base salary in SD is $56,328.00 which works out to $304.31 per day. Teachers work an average of 238.7 days a year. The statistics were then compared to other professions, which work an additional 49.6 days a year. If teachers added on these days, they would project another $15,093 and would move their average salary to $71,422 per year. With those statistics in mind, it would then place teachers salaries comparatively between healthcare workers and financial employees, IF they worked year round. Of course it was NOT suggested that teachers do so, but that gives us an approximation of where they would align IF that was the case. Nevertheless, teachers do work long hours both during the school year and off-season. Afterschool hours are spent correcting papers, reworking lesson plans when students aren’t grasping the concepts, IEP meetings, committee and staff meetings, school conferences, preparing report cards, etc. Have you thanked your child’s teacher lately? Kind words or an expression of gratitude go a long way!

More data that was brought to the board‘s attention was public schools versus private and tribal schools. What percentages across the state are we looking at? The distribution of schools by district type are 85% public, 10% private and 5% tribal/BIE. These statistics are important to know because 85% of public schools across South Dakota are what we fund with our property taxes.

Many other important topics were discussed, including dropout rates, student proficiency, behavioral issues, teacher retention, community outreach, and parent involvement. These are very real topics facing our teachers and students today.

The next review board meeting is set for August 20 at 10:00 AM. Located at: 800 Governors Dr Pierre, SD 57501. Public comment is welcome. If interested log into doe.sd.gov and search Teachers Compensation Review Board. You may also call +1 (605) 773-3134 to get more Information.

We hope as we get closer to the start of school, that we take moments to focus on our families and create daily positive impacts in each other’s lives. Remember, you are part of the solution! Have a safe and healthy week!

Sincerely,
Representative Tesa Schwans
Representative Bethany Soye and Senator Joy Hohn