The South Dakota Senate Education Committee rejected a bill Tuesday that would have reduced state funding for the high school dual credit program, while advancing another education measure to appropriations.
House Bill 1040, which proposed cutting the state’s share of dual credit tuition costs from two-thirds to 50 percent, failed on a 4-3 vote after committee members expressed concerns about passing costs to students and families.
“This is a very affordable investment in our kids,” Sen. Jamie Smith, D-Sioux Falls, said. “I think we are supporting families in a way that I believe the state should.”
The dual credit program allows high school juniors and seniors to earn college credits at reduced rates. Last year, 5,739 students participated in the program, with the average student taking more than two courses.
Secretary of Education Joe Graves testified in support of the bill, noting it would have saved the state about $1.15 million in next year’s budget.
“Students are finding the program highly appealing,” Graves said. “Shifting the subsidy from 67 percent to 50 percent is not likely to discourage students or their parents.”
Opponents argued the program’s current funding structure was key to its success.
“One of the reasons the dual credit program is so successful in South Dakota is that it gives our students a leg up and an opportunity to receive a higher education at a much lower cost,” said Sandra Waltman with the South Dakota Education Association.
Dianna Miller, representing the large school group, called the program “an incentive for young people to take courses and get a jumpstart on their college career.”
In other business, the committee unanimously approved House Bill 1039, which amends programs that reimburse teachers and school counselors for earning national board certification. The bill adds language preventing new participants from entering these programs after July 1, 2025.
The committee sent HB 1039 to the Senate Appropriations Committee with a do-pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote.
The committee also tabled House Bill 1200, which would have permitted merit pay as a component of teacher compensation, with Rep. Liz May, R-Kyle, requesting the action because the bill “should have been a resolution.”
Todd Epp-SDBA