A new WalletHub study ranks South Dakota 47th in the nation for teachers in 2025, citing low average pay, limited school funding, and weak income growth potential. While the state ranked 19th for starting salaries and 22nd for student-teacher ratios, it slipped to 44th in average pay and 41st in per-student spending.
Central Electric Cooperative is now accepting Operation Round-Up grant applications from local organizations through Oct. 31. Nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and community groups can apply for up to $3,000 in funding for projects that benefit members in Aurora, Brule, Buffalo, Davison, Hanson, Jerauld, Miner, and Sanborn Counties.
Students at the University of South Dakota are protesting the planned firing of art professor Michael Hook after backlash over his social media post on Charlie Kirk’s death.
LifeScape is warning that a proposed South Dakota Department of Social Services rule could cut its Medicaid funding by $10 million annually. The nonprofit says the 80% reduction threatens therapy services for more than 3,300 children and families who rely on its specialized care.
Enrollment at South Dakota’s public universities is holding steady this fall, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth and the second straight year with more than 36,000 students enrolled.
South Dakota juniors and seniors can apply to be legislative pages for the 2026 session, gaining civic experience while earning $55 per day.
The Mitchell School Board will weigh selling its Crow Lake wind turbine to Basin Electric, valued at $850K, during tonight’s 5:30 p.m. meeting.
Eight Mitchell teachers are starting the school year with new classroom resources thanks to $14,000 in KIDS Grants. The awards, ranging from $700 to $5,000, support creative projects, technology, sensory tools, fitness events, and new reading resources. Now in its 11th year, the KIDS Grant program has invested more than $174,000 in Mitchell classrooms, funded by donations from local families, businesses, and organizations.
An Edison Middle School 8th grader is urging the Sioux Falls School Board to allow protective Guardian Caps during football practice. Student Grant Hohn told board members he was recently blocked from wearing the gear, which fits over a helmet to reduce impact.
The South Dakota Legislature is accepting applications for 22 student interns to serve during the 2026 legislative session, which begins January 13. The program offers college and university students from all majors a paid, hands-on experience in state government, including assisting lawmakers, attending committee hearings, and working in caucus meetings. Interns earn $185 per day—about $7,200 for the full session