SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Senate Education Committee started the process of establishing the South Dakota Board of Technical Education, removing the four technical schools from the Board of Education.
Bill author Representative Mark Mickelson of Sioux Falls says tuition rates at the tech schools are, on average, twice as high as neighboring states.
Mickelson says it's common knowledge that South Dakota is having a workforce issue and that means "getting at funding." He says that demands putting in place a dedicated board to advocate for the technical schools.
State Senator Jim Bolin of Canton says the tech schools have accomplished a great deal "despite being placed in a difficult position of being under the authority of local school boards, but not fitting well within the framework and mission of K-12 education."
Bolin believes the passage of the measure will allow the state's technical schools to grow and flourish. He's convinced passage of the bill will enhance workforce development in our state, "a goal we all desire."
Voters narrowly approved Amendment R in November that paved the way for the legislature to establish a separate board to run the technical schools.