A proposal to help South Dakota families pay for reduced‑price school meals is moving through the Legislature with strong bipartisan backing, including support from Rapid City Area Schools.
House Bill 1082 would require the South Dakota Department of Education to reimburse school districts for the difference between federal meal payments and the actual cost of providing reduced‑price breakfasts and lunches. Supporters say it would lift a financial burden from families who are just above the threshold for free meals.
Rep. Kadyn Wittman, the bill’s prime sponsor, told lawmakers the proposal would benefit about 8% of South Dakota students. The House Education Committee advanced the bill 13–1 after hearing from 20 supporters, including Rapid City school officials. Only the Bureau of Finance and Management testified against it.
The bureau estimates the plan would cost about $601,000 annually but told appropriators the true cost is difficult to project. The committee has asked for an official fiscal note and will revisit the bill on Feb. 23.
Rapid City Area Schools face $175,000–$200,000 in annual meal debt and recently turned overdue accounts over to collections.
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