The state of South Dakota continues to grapple with significant challenges in education, as national rankings for the 2025 school year indicate persistent issues, especially in teacher compensation when adjusted for inflation. South Dakota ranks near the bottom of several key educational metrics, raising concerns among educators and administrators.
Education funding and teacher pay have been at the forefront of statewide discussions. Despite efforts by the Blue Ribbon Task Force to enhance teacher pay, the value of these increases has effectively diminished. Since 2017, the value of teacher salaries in South Dakota has fallen by 4.26%, as reported by the National Education Association. Although this decline is slightly below the national average of 4.63%, the impact is particularly harsh in a state ranked in the bottom five for average teacher salaries.
Rob Monson, Executive Director of the School Administrators of South Dakota, commented on the financial constraints facing school districts. He remarked, “The funding that comes from the state and setting the levies is one thing. I think school districts have tried to go even above that if they can, like the 1.4 (percent) this year.”
Dusty Johnson
Monson’s concerns echo those of Sandra Waltman, a lobbyist for the state Teachers Association, who highlighted the state’s struggles with teacher recruitment and retention. She noted, “When school districts can’t fill positions, they just cut the position. What you’re dealing with is you’re not having that teacher in the classroom. We still have a long way to go to make sure school districts have resources to recruit and retain teachers.”
According to state law, education funding increases are limited to either 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. In 2026, this translated to a 1.4% increase, mismatched against an inflation rate of 3.8%.
In parallel developments, South Dakota is also at the heart of national political discussions. The U.S. Justice Department’s settlement with former President Donald Trump has led to the creation of a $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, intended to aid those unfairly targeted by government actions. However, this initiative has drawn bipartisan skepticism, with concerns about potential misuse of the fund to benefit Trump allies, including participants in the January 6 insurrection.
South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson addressed these concerns at an event in Beresford, indicating his reservations by stating, “Before we used any new fund, I guess I would want to understand why existing legal remedies weren’t sufficient. I mean, if somebody really had their civil rights violated in some way, then we should have a system that takes care of them regardless of whether a new fund’s created.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has also expressed caution, reportedly stating he’s “not a big fan” of the fund. The concerns reflect broader bipartisan agreement on the need for further clarity on the fund’s intended use.
In addition to these political and educational issues, local initiatives are underway to support South Dakota’s environmental and recreational resources. The state’s Game, Fish, and Parks department has announced a fundraising campaign aimed at modernizing the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery in Waubay. The project, estimated to cost $8 million, marks a significant investment in maintaining one of the primary producers of walleye fry in South Dakota.
The modernization efforts are crucial, as the hatchery, operational since 1982, requires a new main water line and improved water quality systems. State officials are striving to secure $3 million through private donations, supplementing state and federal funds that will cover the remaining costs.
Meanwhile, environmental conservation efforts have put a temporary halt to infrastructure developments. A bridge replacement project in Spearfish Canyon has been postponed due to the nesting of the American dipper, a species classified as threatened within the state. The construction, previously slated to begin in May, is now rescheduled for August, ensuring that there is minimal disruption to the dipper’s nesting period.
In the realm of politics, James Bialota, a Republican candidate for South Dakota’s only U.S. House seat, is stirring conversations with his campaign platform on government accountability and agricultural policies. Bialota, an Air Force veteran and business owner from Piedmont, has emphasized the importance of modifying the farm bill to better support domestic agriculture. He proposes that food stamp programs should exclusively purchase American-grown food, enhancing the market for local farmers.
Bialota is a staunch opponent of using eminent domain for private business gains, a stance highlighted during recent eminent domain issues affecting South Dakota. He argues for legislative changes to protect landowners from such practices.
As South Dakota’s primary election on June 2 approaches, voters are encouraged to engage with and understand the issues impacting their communities. Shannon Fagerhaug, the Jerauld County Auditor, emphasized the importance of reviewing sample ballots, which are available through county auditor offices and the state’s official website.
In this pivotal election, registered Republicans can participate in their party’s primary races, while Democrats have an open primary, allowing any registered voter to request a Democratic ballot. This participatory opportunity is crucial for South Dakotans to influence not only local but also national policies.
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