Panel: If Needed, Increase Sales Tax to Pay for SD Schools

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A state panel studying school funding and teacher salaries is suggesting that South Dakota should increase its sales tax if new money is needed to pay for public schools.

The Blue Ribbon Task Force on Teachers and Students on Wednesday presented its recommendations to Governor Dennis Daugaard to update the state's decades-old school funding formula and raising teachers' pay.

The Argus Leader reports the group, which included lawmakers and educators appointed by the governor, says the sales tax should be increased if the state doesn't have enough tax dollars to reach the $75 million that task force members believe will take to increase teacher pay to a more competitive rate.

South Dakota teacher salaries are the lowest in the nation.

The state hasn't increased its sales tax since 1969.

Source: Panel: If Needed, Increase Sales Tax to Pay for South Dakota Schools