Lawmakers Urged to Boost School Funding

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Officials representing South Dakota school districts say a legislative panel should look at boosting state financial aid to schools.

Rob Monson of the South Dakota School Administrators Association says the legislative study committee should consider recommending an increase in state funding, not just an adjustment in the way money is divided among schools.

The Education Funding Formula Study Committee is charged with looking at how the funding formula affects high school graduation rates, how technology affects education and why many school districts have decided to opt out of state property tax limits.

Committee members say those tasks will likely involve a look at overall state financial aid to school districts.

The committee plans to meet again July 29-30.

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