In the heart of the Midwest, South Dakota stands poised at a crucial juncture in its educational landscape. Rep. Dusty Johnson, a longstanding advocate for the enhancement of the state’s educational framework, has rolled out an ambitious ‘Strong Schools’ plan as part of his bid for the gubernatorial seat in 2026.
Focusing on reinvigorating South Dakota’s commitment to education, Johnson’s plan comprises three pivotal elements, promising a transformative impact on the state’s educational priorities and practices.
Dusty Johnson
At a recent announcement, Johnson expressed his concerns about the current state administration’s budget priorities, where Medicaid has surpassed education—a troubling shift that occurred in late 2025. Johnson advocates for “conservative, priority-based budgeting” to realign the focus back on education, reflecting his vision for the state’s future. “Certainly, when I’m governor, there’s not going to be any doubt that student achievement is my top priority,” Johnson emphasized, challenging current policy directions. He argues that South Dakota’s economy isn’t growing, in part because the administration has sidelined educational advancement.
South Dakota, known for its serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has traditionally valued community-driven education. However, with changing economic dynamics and a diversifying population, there is an increasing need to prioritize educational quality and accessibility.
The first element of the Strong Schools plan emphasizes restoring education as a budgeting priority, a strategic shift that Johnson believes is crucial for the state’s long-term success. “I think we saw from the (governor’s) budget address that there is not a lot of evidence that this administration is prioritizing education. And I think rather than tearing our schools down, we need to be lifting students up,” Johnson told the Mitchell Republic.
Improving literacy and math scores forms the second pillar of Johnson’s proposal. The decline in student performance has been a pressing issue, with state officials continuously seeking effective strategies to reverse this trend. Johnson insists that a collaborative approach involving state officials, educators, and parents is essential. This coordinated effort is aimed at enhancing foundational skills, especially in grade and middle schools.
“We need some affirmative leadership,” Johnson stated. Drawing on successful educational models from other states, he believes that South Dakota can dramatically improve student outcomes through bold and visionary planning. “We have made some modest moves toward doing this differently, but nowhere near at the scale and the caliber that we need,” he remarked.
Larry Rhoden
The final component of the plan introduces a novel approach to high school graduation pathways by integrating skilled trade courses as equivalents to upper-level math and science credits. This initiative seeks to reflect the value and practicality of technical education, aligning it with the contemporary needs of the job market.
“We need to take some of these skilled and technical courses and allow them to count as upper-level math and science credits for the purposes of graduation,” Johnson explained. The proposal acknowledges that many technical courses require applied science and mathematics knowledge, providing students with practical skills and a potential career pathway.
Dusty Johnson’s vision for education in South Dakota is not just about meeting immediate needs but also setting a strategic course for the state’s future. He believes that with the right focus and leadership, South Dakota can usher in a new era of educational excellence.
The Strong Schools plan reflects Johnson’s commitment to a transformative educational agenda that places students at the center. “I think the next 20 years can be the best 20 years of South Dakota’s history. But that’s not going to happen unless we find energy, vision, and leadership to help us move forward. The Strong Schools plan makes it clear that education is a top priority for me,” he asserted.
South Dakota, with its rich history and commitment to community values, stands at the threshold of educational reform. As the state anticipates the future, plans such as Johnson’s Strong Schools serve not only as a policy blueprint but also as a renewed promise to the families and children of the state.
Readers interested in more details about Rep. Dusty Johnson’s educational initiatives can reach him at dusty.johnson@example.com.
The full impact of the Strong Schools plan will depend on various factors, including public support and the ability to successfully implement its strategies. However, Johnson’s proposal has certainly ignited a conversation about the importance of prioritizing education for the prosperity of South Dakota.