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Yankton School Board adopts resolution addressing proposed school vouchers
Summary
The Yankton School District 63-3 Board of Education voted to adopt a resolution concerning school-voucher funding after a lengthy presentation by Superintendent Dr. Kendall and public comment on funding transparency and accountability.
The Yankton School District 63-3 Board of Education voted to adopt a resolution regarding school vouchers and related funding mechanisms at its January meeting after an extended presentation by Superintendent Dr. Kendall and public discussion.
Dr. Kendall told the board and the public that the governor's proposal for an education savings account — described in the meeting as a $4,000,000 pilot — is “in fact a school voucher bill” and warned it would “negatively affect your children and your grandchildren in the Yankton School District.” He urged parents and community members to contact legislators and to monitor the legislative process.
Board members moved and seconded a resolution described in the meeting as “a resolution regarding school vouchers and funding mechanisms related to school vouchers.” After a roll call, the motion passed. The board did not provide a detailed breakdown of the vote in the transcript beyond affirmative roll-call responses.
During public comment prior to the vote, community speakers and library trustees stressed concerns about transparency and accountability for any public dollars directed into private scholarships or education savings accounts. A library representative emphasized that voucher-style programs “directly to parents with no strings attached” raise accountability concerns for publicly funded education services.
The board did not adopt or propose specific legislative language; the resolution taken was a district-level formal stance to communicate concerns about voucher funding and transparency. Board members and district leaders encouraged constituents to contact appropriations committee members early in the legislative process; speakers said changes are most likely before committee reports reach the full chamber.
The resolution will appear in the district records and may be used by district staff and community members in communications with state legislators. No implementation actions or district budget reallocations were decided during the meeting.
