Yankton board adopts resolution on school voucher funding after superintendent warns of 'negative' effects

YANKTON, S.D. — The Yankton School District 63-3 board on Jan. 13 adopted a resolution related to school vouchers and funding mechanisms after Superintendent Dr. Kendall urged parents and community members to oppose the governor's proposed Education Savings Account (ESA) program.

Speaking directly to parents, Dr. Kendall described the proposal as a school voucher bill with a proposed $4,000,000 start and warned of consequences for public schools. "I am telling you school vouchers and school voucher funding with a public tax money will negatively affect your children and your grandchildren in the Yankton School District," Dr. Kendall said.

Board chair later introduced an action item: "Motion to adopt a resolution regarding school vouchers and funding mechanisms related to school vouchers," which was seconded and carried on roll call. The roll call recorded multiple members voting "Yes" and the chair declared the motion passed.

During earlier discussion, board members and the superintendent described the issue as one of transparency and accountability, with concerns that funds channeled through Education Savings Accounts could lack oversight and that private scholarship programs may not provide the same public reporting required for schools. Board members asked whether the scholarship fund amounts were publicly reported; speakers said some information is publicly accessible but that specific balances were not known in the meeting.

What happens next: the resolution was adopted and the board encouraged parents and district residents to contact legislators on appropriations committees if they wish to make their views known.