The Harrisburg School Board has taken a firm stand in support of South Dakota’s public education system by passing a resolution opposing the proposed Education Savings Account (ESA) initiative—a school voucher program under a different name—anticipated for the 2025 legislative session. Public schools serve as the cornerstone of our communities, providing not only education but also critical support such as meals, mentorship, and workforce preparation for all children, regardless of background. The resolution highlights significant concerns about the impact of diverting public funds to non-public schools and unaccountable programs, emphasizing the importance of preserving resources for public schools to ensure the success of all South Dakota students.
WHEREAS public schools in South Dakota, including the Harrisburg School District, are the foundation of our state, serving all children, providing education, meals, and mentorship, and preparing them to become the future workforce of South Dakota;
WHEREAS the proposed Education Savings Account (ESA) for the 2025 legislative session is essentially a school voucher program under a different name;
WHEREAS this voucher program would divert millions of taxpayer dollars from public schools to fund non-public schools that are not obligated to accept all students, may charge tuition, and can raise additional funds through scholarships;
WHEREAS this voucher program would also use public funds to support homeschool programs that lack the accountability and transparency required of public schools;
WHEREAS South Dakota’s state budget faces challenges due to stagnant revenue, and state aid for public schools has not kept pace with inflation, further straining resources;
WHEREAS funding a voucher program in an already constrained state budget risks unbalancing the budget or reducing public school funding in the future;
WHEREAS research has shown mixed or negative impacts of school vouchers on student achievement, with no clear evidence of improved outcomes and, in some cases, declines in performance (e.g., studies in Louisiana, Indiana, and Ohio);
WHEREAS the long-term expansion of a voucher program would harm public schools, students, and communities;
WHEREAS voters in several states have rejected school voucher initiatives;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Harrisburg School District Board of Education opposes any legislative proposals for school voucher programs or related funding mechanisms during the 2025 legislative session, as they would negatively impact South Dakota’s public schools and students.