(Pierre, SD) — South Dakota teachers are earning an average of just over 56-thousand dollars this year. That’s below the nearly 60-thousand-dollar target set two years ago, which would have boosted the state’s national pay ranking by eight spots. South Dakota now ranks 46th in teacher pay, improving slightly from 49th last year, but still behind the goal. The Teacher Compensation Review Board met Monday to discuss these gaps, along with challenges like teacher shortages and school capacity. Lawmakers face budget limits next year, meaning raises may stick to the current cap of three-percent or inflation. The board plans to explore new ideas at their next meeting in August.
