Speaking Up for Educators: A Decade of Success
SDEA members have joined together with families and community leaders to advocate for our students and our public schools.
And along the way, we’ve accomplished quite a bit.
Take a look at what we can do together when we use our collective power to speak up for students and educators.
2012
Referred Law 16
SDEA gathered over 30,000 signatures to refer legislation (HB 1234) that established a statewide merit pay scheme and took away continuing contract rights for teachers. Referred Law 16 was defeated by the voters by 68% of the vote!
2015
Blue Ribbon Task Force
SDEA worked with Governor Dennis Daugaard to establish the Blue Ribbon Task Force on teacher pay. Educators had a seat the table with other state leaders to develop a strategy to finally move South Dakota out of last place in teacher pay.
2016
History Increase in Education Funding Targeted at Teacher Pay
South Dakota State Legislature increased the state's sales tax by half a penny. The new revenue was targeted to increase the average teacher salary by $5,000. It was the first time since 1969 that the legislature increased the sales tax.
2021
Defeated Ban on Collective Bargaining
SDEA members flooded the state capitol with messages after lawmakers introduced legislation to prohibit collective bargaining.
2021
Extended Accountability for Educator Pay
SDEA worked with lawmakers to ensure the money from the state's increase in sales tax continued to go to teacher pay.
Defeated Vouchers
Defeated Vouchers
SDEA defeated voucher legislation. Two bills were introduced and both were defeated in committee.
