Education

As a father, I understand the importance for all parents in South Dakota to know that educators have the tools they need to ensure that children can reach their full potential.

Under Republican leadership, the 114th Congress has enacted important legislation to refine and strengthen our public education system through the reauthorization of federal K-12 education laws. By passing the Every Student Succeeds Act, Congress has returned flexibility and key decision making to states and local governments. Moreover, Congress ended federal mandates to adopt or maintain particular standards, including the Common Core State Standards. Now, South Dakota will be able to determine its own accountability system for schools and student curriculum.

Three of my amendments were included in this important legislation, one of which modernized the federal Impact Aid program, a program designed to assist local school districts that have lost tax property revenue due to the presents of tax-exempt federal property or activities.

The other two would require the secretary of education to coordinate with other federal agencies to report on efforts to address youth suicides in Indian Country and expand the use of Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) funds to include preventative efforts against youth suicide and other school violence.  

Growing up in Murdo as a son of two educators, I understand the challenges communities across South Dakota face in ensuring a high quality education for all students. South Dakota has over 125,000 students spread across more than 77,000 square miles. The school districts across our state face very different challenges than what many other states face, and it is important for Congress to address the unique needs of rural areas as we consider public education.

I will continue to support education proposals that give schools the necessary resources and flexibility while keeping them accountable to taxpayers, parents, and students.