The South Dakota House of Representatives last week barely agreed to pass a $78.6-million appropriation for schools that includes $13.6 million to fund school reforms proposed by Gov. William J. Janklow.
The reform package features a controversial $3-million “family option” plan that would allow parents of students enrolled in high schools with fewer than 50 students to attend larger schools in adjacent school districts at the state’s expense; a $3.5-million program to provide five additional inservice days for teachers; and a $2-million proposal to encourage smaller schools to share teachers, administrators, and staff- and curriculum-development programs.
The bill passed by precisely a two-thirds majority vote and was to be considered by the Senate last weekend. The legislative session closes on March 15.--sr
