Governor Noem is recommending a one-time investment to help k-12 schools bridge the financial gap caused by COVID-19.
Noem explains the traditional state funding formula for education is based on fall enrollment numbers. She says the pandemic resulted in lower enrollment around the state.
“This means that if we follow that traditional model, we would cut 11 million dollars from the school funding formula. Now, I don’t want to do that this year. Instead, we will propose that we invest that 11 million on a one-time basis.”
Noem hopes that money will give schools a final push through the end of the pandemic.
The 11-million dollar allotment is in addition to a suggested 2.4% budget increase for inflation.
-Contact SDPB reporter Jackie Hendry by email.
