In a show of support for Native American students and culture, the Senate is passing a bill to create immersive charter schools in South Dakota.
Some changes were made to the bill before final passage on the Senate floor.
The bill was amended to create the opportunity for two Oceti Sakowin community-based schools in the state rather than the original four. The bill also provides criteria for the charter schools to receive state funding.
The amended form of the bill allows school districts to approve or deny a completed application for the creation of the charter schools. The original language of the bill stated school districts had to approve the application if certain provisions were met.
The amendment was approved by a majority voice vote.
Republican Senator Jean Hunhoff of Yankton opposes the bill. She says schools already have the opportunity to incorporate the curriculum these community-based charter schools would use.
“They can do it now, and I think that’s the important piece and so rather than create something else, go ahead do that incorporate it. That’s the local control that’s there and do that.”
Democratic Senator Troy Heinert of Mission disagrees. He says the opportunity is there, but not the will to actually do it.
“The thing that has always been missing in Indian education, and still is missing, is the Indian.”
This is the third time Senator Heinert has brought the bill. It passed the Senate with a vote of 22 to 13 and now goes to the House for further consideration.
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