(Washington, DC) — South Dakota schools are facing big changes if Congress follows President Trump’s proposed budget for the Department of Education. Education Law Center Research Director Danielle Farrie says cuts could cost Sioux Falls nearly three-point-seven million dollars, Rapid City one-point-four million, and smaller districts like Aberdeen and Eagle Butte hundreds of thousands of dollars. Senator Mike Rounds says the Senate plan boosts funding slightly above the President’s proposal but still comes in over 97-million dollars below last year’s level. Candidates for Congress are weighing in, with some warning the cuts could reduce staff, increase class sizes, and hurt afterschool and Title One programs. The federal budget needs approval by September 30th to avoid a government shutdown on October 1st.
