Legislation that would allow charter schools in South Dakota failed in the Senate on Thursday after a 17–17 tie vote. Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen, who could have broken the tie, declined to vote, declaring the bill dead. Sen. Lauren Nelson of Yankton, the prime sponsor, immediately filed a notice to reconsider.
Senate Bill 218 would have allowed state and local education funding to follow students to charter schools. Supporters argued the proposal increases parental choice, while opponents said it would divert public dollars with less public accountability. Critics also objected to allowing charter administrators and up to 25% of teachers to be uncertified.
The bill lost further support when co‑sponsor Sen. Carl Perry announced he would vote no, saying his local schools already serve students well.
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