Huron board to carry ASBSD legislative positions — opposition to federally funded school choice and new teacher‑pay suspension resolution
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Summary
The Huron School District board reviewed the Association of School Boards of South Dakota legislative resolutions to send to the Nov. 21 delegate assembly, endorsing positions including opposition to a federally funded school‑choice program and a proposed resolution to suspend teacher‑pay accountabilities in tight budget years.
At its Nov. 10 meeting the Huron School District board reviewed and approved the district positions it will take to the Association of School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) delegate assembly on Nov. 21.
Chair Van Beckham led the reading of standing positions and proposed legislative resolutions. Among the items the board signaled it would carry to the delegate assembly were an amendment encouraging exploration of new state funding sources for public schools, and a proposed statement that "ASBSD opposes the establishment and funding of a federal school choice program," reflecting board concern about reallocation of federal dollars away from existing public‑school programs.
The board also reviewed items reflecting recent state law changes, including proposed deletions and updates connected to Senate Bill 71 and to school‑board and bond‑election dates. A newly proposed resolution would allow ASBSD to support suspension of accountability requirements tied to average teacher compensation and minimum teacher salary in fiscal years when districts do not receive statutorily required increases in state aid or suffer reduced local effort due to state tax caps. The rationale presented said the suspension would be a temporary measure to help districts meet financial obligations in tight budget years.
No board members raised objections during the reading; Chair Beckham said he will take the board’s positions to the Nov. 21 delegate assembly and that board member Garrett will also attend as part of the ASBSD delegation.
Why it matters: ASBSD positions shape advocacy and draft legislation the association may support at the statehouse; the teacher‑pay suspension resolution and funding‑source amendments reflect school‑district concern about funding stability and the effect of state policy changes on local budgets.
Next steps: Chair Beckham and Garrett will represent the district at the ASBSD delegate assembly on Nov. 21 and carry the district’s recommended positions.