This bill amends South Dakota's education funding laws, specifically targeting the calculation of the "other revenue base amount" for certain school districts. Key changes include the introduction of a provision that allows school districts with a fall enrollment of 250 students or fewer and an area of 250 square miles or fewer, which are not classified as sparse districts, to have their other revenue base amount set at 25% of the previously defined amount. Additionally, the bill clarifies the treatment of wind energy tax revenue, stipulating that revenue from wind farms producing power for the first time after June 30, 2016, must be retained by the school district for a specified period, gradually decreasing over time.

The bill also outlines various definitions and calculations related to education funding, including adjustments for nonresident students, target teacher ratios, and local need calculations. It emphasizes the importance of fall enrollment figures in determining state aid and local effort, while also addressing the implications of school district reorganizations and the distribution of funds in cases of dissolution and annexation. Overall, the amendments aim to provide clearer guidelines for funding calculations and ensure equitable distribution of resources among school districts in South Dakota.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/30/2025: 13-13-10.1