LA CONTINGENT SUPPORTS PUBLIC ED IN PIERRE

    Public education advocates and students gathered at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre on Feb. 13 for “Stand with Public Education Day.” The grassroots initiative, organized by individuals from the Langford Area School District, aimed to present a unified front in addressing challenges faced by public schools.
    The Langford Area Board of Education and administration emphasized the importance of making public schools’ presence felt at the Capitol this year. They highlighted the effectiveness of grassroots efforts in educating and influencing lawmakers, fostering relationships, and providing critical information.
    “We feel strongly that vouchers, educational savings accounts, and property tax relief programs for families with children in private schools or homeschooling will negatively impact public education,” said Langford Area Board of Education President Jennifer Gustafson. “Public education is the one place where all children are welcome, and we feel safeguarding public funds for public schools is imperative to the successful education of all of South Dakota’s youth.”
    The discussion on vouchers was anticipated this legislative session, prompting the local school district to consider ways to voice their concerns. By early January, organizers had developed the plan for “Stand with Public Education Day,” aiming to engage schools statewide.
    For Langford Area, the purpose was twofold. The primary concern was the potential impact of vouchers on the state budget. “When you research what voucher programs have done to other state budgets, it’s clear that the introductory cost will only grow,” Gustafson said. “The bills introduced this session ranged in cost from $4 million to over $160 million.” She noted that with the legislature already facing a $60 million budget shortfall and public schools underfunded, the state cannot afford additional school choice funding.
    “We feel that South Dakota has ample school choice through open enrollment, homeschooling, and private schools, but public dollars need to remain in public education,” Gustafson added.
    Public education is constitutionally protected in South Dakota. Supporters argue that, like roads, emergency services, and public safety, funding education ensures that all children have access to free schooling. “An educated society benefits everyone,” the Langford Area contingent stated. “A family can opt out of the provided system, but that does not ensure funds follow, nor should it negate that family’s responsibility to society at large.”
    Advocates also expressed concern that any voucher system would disproportionately impact rural schools, such as those in Marshall County.
    The second goal of the Pierre event was to network with and educate legislators, staff, and others in the Capitol. With strong participation, the event successfully raised awareness. “The Capitol was aware that public schools were here today,” Gustafson said. Around a dozen schools participated, including Langford Area, which canceled regular classes for the day and used it as an in-service opportunity, allowing staff and students to attend.
    The group met with Gov. Larry Rhoden, Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen and District 1 Sen. Mike Rohl, and other officials for photos and brief discussions. South Dakota School Administrators (SASD) Executive Director Rob Monson and Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) Executive Director Heath Larson presented information on various legislative issues affecting schools. Participants also served lunch in the President and Speaker lobbies behind both chambers, providing an opportunity for informal discussions with legislators, staff, and lobbyists.
    “I think the students get a real good taste of the process,” Langford Area Schools Superintendent Shad Storley told Dakota News Now at the event. “There’s so much more than just sitting down on the House and Senate floors – all the committees, meeting with lobbyists, getting background information. And just maybe, they could picture themselves in a leadership position like this.”
    The district believes the event achieved its goals. “We feel that we increased understanding and support for public education in general, as well as advanced the discussion on various pieces of legislation potentially impacting public schools,” Gustafson said. “We stood with pride for all public schools do across South Dakota for all students.”
    She emphasized that public schools serve all children without selectivity or additional charges. “We readily accept and unequivocally love all of our students,” she said. “At Langford Area, we call everyone involved in our system our Lion family, and we mean it. Students, staff, parents, and patrons combine in a way much like a family, where we earnestly seek the success of every child.”
    The fight, however, is not over. Gustafson pointed out that 15 “vehicle” or “carrier” bills remain open and could be amended to address voucher-related issues. “We are carefully watching all of those in anticipation that the voucher topic is not yet done,” she said.
    Organizers hope to expand the event in the future. “This year, we filled the rotunda stairs for our group picture,” Gustafson said. “I would love to see the Capitol filled with public school supporters next year. Our goal is to include the second annual event on our school calendar to allow for more planning time for families and event organizers.”