(Pierre, SD) — South Dakota Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko announces she’s stepping down, effective October 20th. Her resignation letter, dated September 1st, comes just weeks before lawmakers vote on a proposed 650-million-dollar, 15-hundred-bed prison in Sioux Falls with the plan facing scrutiny tied to leadership concerns. Governor Rhoden says Wasko made the decision on her own, but it follows a letter from 20 House lawmakers expressing no confidence in the DOC. Wasko, appointed in 2022 by then-Governor Kristi Noem, cites family discussions and a desire to pursue new opportunities. Rhoden says her departure could clear the path for the prison’s approval. Reactions to the news are mixed as some lawmakers say it’s encouraging, while others credit Wasko for raising officer pay and cutting vacancy rates. The search for her replacement is already underway.
