Kristi Noem’s proposed budget includes over $10 million in base general fund cuts to South Dakota’s public university system, citing reduced state revenues.
The cuts affect maintenance funding, cybersecurity upgrades, tuition buy-downs, and academic building insurance, among other areas.
The South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) expressed concerns over the reductions, particularly a $9 million cut to maintenance funds, which they say jeopardizes facility upkeep.
Despite the cuts, Noem approved $300,000 for an emergency medicine program and proposed a $15 million bond payoff for South Dakota State University’s precision agriculture building, saving $4.3 million in interest.
SDBOR plans to work with the Legislature to mitigate the impact of the cuts during the upcoming session.