South Dakotans Sound Alarm Over Proposed Federal Education Cuts

Billboard in Rapid City calling on Senator John Thune to stop the proposed federal cuts to public schools.

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - Parents, educators, and community advocates across South Dakota are raising urgent concerns over the Trump administration’s proposed $12 billion in federal education cuts—an action that could cost the state an estimated $18 million and impact more than 140,000 public school students.

The proposed reductions represent a 15% cut to the U.S. Department of Education budget. They would eliminate or severely reduce funding for programs that serve 90% of South Dakota students enrolled in public schools. Rural communities, where federal dollars often comprise a larger share of school budgets, are expected to feel the most significant effects.

Programs at Risk

Among the programs facing elimination or severe reductions:

·        Mental health services in schools

·        Emergency preparedness funding

·        After-school and summer programs

·        Technology and digital literacy initiatives

·        Teacher training and professional development

·        Rural school support programs

Rural Schools Hit Hard

In the 2024–25 school year, South Dakota operated 41 rural schools with only one or two teachers per school. With ongoing teacher shortages and high attrition rates, advocates warn that federal cuts will increase student-to-teacher ratios and leave rural schools struggling to meet basic educational needs.

The Warner School District, serving 312 students, is projected to lose more than $63,000 in the 2026 budget—equivalent to one full-time teacher or 32 after-school program slots in a community with few alternatives for youth engagement.

“South Dakota public schools, especially our rural schools, rely on Federal funds as a stable funding source to maintain K-12 teaching staff and reading, math, science, and technology programs from year to year,” said Tony Lanning, a retired educator with 35 years of experience. “The loss of this funding will cause district boards and administrators to make cuts for next school year that go well beyond any notion of ‘getting rid of the waste’ and will instead deny South Dakota students the essential education that they deserve.”

Bipartisan Pushback

In July, the Senate Appropriations Committee rejected similar cuts by a bipartisan vote of 26–3. However, the House Appropriations Committee passed the majority of the proposed reductions, including a 27% cut to Title 1 funds.

As Congress returns to district recess this week, South Dakota constituents are urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other state officials to oppose the budget plan.

"Senate Majority Leader Thune has the power to follow and lead his Senate colleagues in rejecting these dangerous cuts," said Nikki Gronli, community advocate and former USDA Rural Development state director. "South Dakota schools are already facing budget pressures. We need Senator Thune to stand up for our state's students and rural communities."

Public Support for Education Funding

Recent polling shows strong bipartisan support for public education investment:

·        61% of Americans prefer candidates who support increased school funding

·        71% of public school parents favor more funding

·        42% of 2024 Trump voters also support boosting public school budgets

Advocates warn that the impact of these cuts could extend beyond classrooms, affecting economic development and population retention in small towns where schools serve as vital community anchors.