Press Releases

The South Dakota Education Association, representing over 6,000 educators across the state, unequivocally opposes Initiated Measure 28. This measure threatens the very foundation of public education in South Dakota, jeopardizing the future of our students and communities.

President Loren Paul responds to the South Dakota Board of Education's vote to adopt the Social Studies Standards.

The South Dakota Department of Education released revisions to the proposed social studies standards. The following comments can be attributed to South Dakota Education (SDEA) Executive Director Ryan Rolfs.

HB 1216 will not solve any of the pressing issues facing our schools; it will only bring division and demoralize those who work in our schools and ultimately hurt students.

Pierre – The following statement can be attributed to South Dakota Education Association (SDEA) President Loren Paul in response to Governor Noem’s State of the State Address:

Pierre – Today, during her budget address, Governor Kristi Noem proposed a six percent increase to state aid for public education. The following statement can be attributed to South Dakota Education Association (SDEA) President Loren Paul:

Pierre - It is Teacher Appreciation Week, and the South Dakota Education Association (SDEA) is encouraging everyone to take a moment to thank South Dakota’s educators and ask state leaders to keep the commitment to ensure teachers’ salaries remain competitive in the region. According to the National Education Association’s (NEA) latest issue of the 2021 Rankings and Estimates, South Dakota has fallen back to 50th in the nation. SDEA says now is time to act so teacher pay does not fall back to the bottom.

Pierre – The South Dakota Education Association (SDEA) is joining a diverse coalition of healthcare providers, farmers, businesses, and other civic organizations to expand healthcare options for South Dakota’s working families. The SDEA Board of Directors voted to support South Dakota Decides Healthcare to expand Medicaid coverage for over 40,000 people in the state. SDEA President Loren Paul says a successful campaign will mean healthier families for South Dakota’s students.

Today the South Dakota Education Association took part in a briefing with the South Dakota Department of Health, the SD Dept. of Education and school administrators where the plan for vaccinating educators was outlined.

On December 9th, Governor Noem signed Ex. Order 2020-33, providing flexibilities for schools during the 2020–21 school year. Here are five things you need to know about this order.