Rapid City Area Schools are bracing for potential financial strain as the South Dakota Department of Education implements new austerity measures. The district is already grappling with a $20 million budget shortfall, and officials warn that further cuts could jeopardize essential programs and staffing.
Superintendent Dr. Jami Jo Thompson emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that rising costs and stagnant funding formulas have left the district in a precarious position. “We’re doing everything we can to protect student learning, but the numbers are tightening,” she said.
The district has launched a series of community forums to gather input and explore solutions, including possible reallocations, staffing adjustments, and appeals for additional state support. School board members are also advocating for changes to the state’s funding formula, which they say unfairly penalizes districts like Rapid City with fluctuating enrollment and rising local property values.
Despite the challenges, district leaders remain committed to maintaining educational quality and transparency. They’re urging lawmakers to consider long-term fixes that reflect the real costs of running schools in growing communities.
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