Board endorses training push on human trafficking and approves joint letters to districts and DSS

The Board of Education Standards approved a plan to encourage educator training on human trafficking and authorized two joint letters — one to superintendents and curriculum directors and one to the Department of Social Services — urging expanded training and use of state materials.

Andrea Effling, school counseling and student support administrator with the Department of Education, briefed the board on the working group’s recommendations. She said the Division of Criminal Investigation will produce two online on‑demand trainings: a general module for educators on recognition and response, and a deeper module for school counselors. Those trainings will be platformed on the department’s professional‑development site and count for continuing‑education credit toward certificate renewal.

Effling also said the department plans to promote a DSS video for mandatory reporters that already defines human‑trafficking indicators and that the department will send a joint letter recommending the trainings and awareness measures to district leaders. A per‑capita statistic cited to the board (from Call to Freedom) placed South Dakota ninth among states for trafficking rates, underscoring the subcommittee’s emphasis on training.

Dr. Meyer moved and Phyllis Heinemann seconded the motion to approve attaching the board president’s signature to the two letters; roll‑call votes recorded 7 ayes and the board approved the communications.

What’s next: The department will share the training materials when they are ready (estimated at the end of summer) and will circulate the joint letter to districts along with subsequent training links when available.