The Blue Ribbon Education Funding Task Force is holding what is supposed to be its final meeting today in Pierre. The group, appointed by Governor Dennis Daugaard has been focused on finding ways to improve teacher retention and pay.
Much of the discussion so far today has focused on the funding formula and what is needed to get teachers out of last place in pay in the country.
One proposal would set minimum pay at forty eight thousand dollars per year.
Senator Troy Heinert of Mission says they should focus more on the raise than the salary numbers…………

Senator Craig Tiezen says some districts with higher average salaries would still get more money…………

Representative Justin Cronin of Gettysburg says if they change the formula to give districts more money, they would have to change some rules too…….

The group is scheduled to wrap up later this afternoon with a final report and possible legislative recommendations.