Sioux Falls board adopts resolution opposing proposed 2025 school voucher plan

The Sioux Falls School District 49-5 Board of Education voted to acknowledge and adopt a resolution opposing a proposed education savings account (school voucher) program for the 2025 South Dakota legislative session during its meeting. The board discussed concerns about accountability, effects on special education services, and potential harm to rural districts.

The resolution, drafted in response to guidance from the Association of South Dakota School Boards (ASBSD), characterizes an education savings account as “simply a different title for a school voucher program” and says such a program would divert taxpayer dollars from public schools, lack transparency and accountability, and risk long-term growth that could reduce funding for public education.

Board members said accountability was a central concern. One school board member said accountability matters because "if we're gonna spend tax dollars to support either private parochial voucher or whatever, then there's got to be some accountability." Another member cited the district's demographics — including the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals and the number in special education — to argue that private providers receiving public dollars are not required to serve the same populations. That board member said, "Voucher programs jeopardize these critical supports leaving vulnerable students without services they need to succeed."

Members raised rural impacts repeatedly. A board member noted that many rural districts have few local alternatives and would suffer disproportionately if state funding were routed to private or homeschool programs. Another member referenced state history and the South Dakota Constitution, Article VIII, Section 1, to argue the state’s duty is to maintain a uniform, free public school system and that public funds should not be used to subsidize private tuition.

Board members also cited research and outside commentary during the discussion. One member referenced a summary from the Economic Policy Institute and other national studies asserting that voucher programs generally do not improve academic outcomes statewide and may primarily benefit families already using private schools.

After discussion, a motion to acknowledge and adopt the resolution was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board recorded the action as acknowledged and agreed to contact legislators and the public about its position. Several members encouraged constituents to contact their state representatives to express support for public schools.

The board did not adopt any binding state-level policy beyond the resolution; the action was a formal statement of opposition and does not itself change district operations. Board members said they intend to monitor House Bill 1020 (referenced by speakers during the meeting) and other legislation during the 2025 session.

The board then moved on to other business, including policy reviews and a scheduled executive session.