SDEA once again expects legislators to debate a proposal called the "65 Percent Solution". While the title might seem catchy, the reality of such a plan would mean significant cuts to several essential school support programs. The plan does not provide additional funding for education; rather it forces districts to rob Peter to pay Paul.

The problem with the "65 Percent" plan is that it sounds like a good idea, but it is not the solution to South Dakota’s funding woes.

But it’s a real threat to sound school funding. It’s serious enough to cause SDEA and other state and national education organizations to sound the alarm as the scheme’s backers continue to work to spread it from state to state.

What is "the 65% solution?"

The so-called "65% solution" being promoted by out-of-state millionaires mandates that 65 cents of every education dollar be spent "in the classroom." The mandate would be enacted through legislation or a ballot measure. Backers have launched a national campaign with the goal by 2008, to have all 50 states and D.C. mandate that 65 cents of every education dollar be spent "in the classroom."

What is "in the classroom" spending?

"In the classroom" spending, according its backers is based on data gathered by the National Center for Educational Statistics. NCES gathers data from every school district in the country on a common form. The data then are divided into three categories of spending: Instructional, student support, and administration. Instructional (or "in the classroom") expenditures include teachers’ salaries and benefits, instructional aides’ salaries and benefits, instructional supplies, music, art, field trips, athletics, and tuition paid to private institutions for special education children.

What is "out of the classroom" spending?

So-called "out of the classroom" expenditures include all categories of student support. These include libraries and librarians, counselors, school nurses, media technicians, food service, transportation, plant operation and maintenance (heating and cooling), school clerks, and administration. Ironically, vital resources such as libraries are considered "out of the classroom" while athletics (including football) are considered "in the classroom."

How does it work?

The mandate means no additional funding for schools. The funds increased for "instruction" are not new dollars, but dollars redirected from funds that now support such essential services as school libraries, librarians, teacher training and curriculum, counselors, nurses, plant maintenance and operation, food services, and transportation. In almost every state, these services must be cut to meet the 65 percent mandate.

What is the negative impact of the 65% deception?

If the 65% deception is adopted, it will mean massive layoffs of vital "student support" personnel including librarians, counselors, nurses, cafeteria workers, school bus drivers, custodians, and clerks.

What is the impact on children in our schools?

Because budget cuts are necessary under the 65% deception, children will lose out on nourishing meals, health services, counseling, and learning opportunities from well staffed school libraries. Security will have to be cut, making schools less safe. Disparate impacts occur in low-income areas where children depend on schools to provide nutritious meals, counseling and security, and in rural areas where safe school buses transporting children to school must be reduced or eliminated.

What can I do?

Visit www.sdea.org and contact your state legislature via the SDEA Legislative Action Center. Tell them you want a real solution for education funding in South Dakota.