South Dakota would create a new system allowing charter schools—publicly funded schools operated by independent governing boards under contracts with school districts or the state—to operate with significant flexibility from state regulations. Charter schools would still have to follow civil rights, health, and safety laws, operate physical buildings with in-person instruction, and serve at least one grade from kindergarten through 12th grade, but would be exempt from most other state education rules. This represents a major shift in how public education can be structured in the state, giving educators and organizations a new option to run schools outside the traditional district model.
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
The amendment adds a requirement that charter schools operate a physical structure providing in-person instruction and prohibits using online or remote methods as the primary educational delivery method.
Other amendments
Senate Reconsidered Failed, YEAS 17, NAYS 16. S.J. 339
Senate Intent to reconsider S.J. 315
Senate Do Pass Amended Failed, YEAS 17, NAYS 17. S.J. 314
Senate Motion to amend S.J. 314
Education Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 4, NAYS 3. S.J. 13
Education Motion to amend S.J. 13
Education Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Education S.J. 179
Reconsidered
Do Pass Amended
Education — Do Pass Amended