The South Dakota House of Representatives has approved a package that would require each school district in the state to set a $45,000 floor for the average teacher salary starting July 1, 2026.
The legislation also mandates that teachers receive annual pay increases at least equal to each district’s annual state aid increase in the 2025 fiscal year.
The bill, HB1048, will now move to the Senate for further consideration.
Republican lawmakers cast the nine votes against the measure.
The compromise was supported by the state Department of Education and major public-school groups.