SIOUX FALLS, SD — Calling teachers “builders of our future,” former South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard gave a speech to about 400 educators at the Civics and History Summit Tuesday morning.
During his speech, Daugaard paid tribute to the role teachers play in shaping young minds. The two-term Republican governor, who made education reform a cornerstone of his administration, also reflected during his address on his efforts to transform the state’s school system during his term.
Daugaard’s speech highlighted major initiatives undertaken during his tenure as governor from 2011 to 2019. Chief among them was the Blue Ribbon Task Force, which examined funding challenges facing school districts. The group’s recommendations led to legislation injecting $67 million in new funding into K-12 public education.
Perhaps Daugaard’s signature achievement was an increase in teachers’ salaries. South Dakota, historically ranked last in the country, saw average teacher salaries increase by 11.8% in the 2016-17 school year, the largest year-over-year increase in the country.
“For too long, our teachers were disrespected by receiving low salaries,” Daugaard said. “Increasing salaries across the board was crucial to showing we value their important work.”
In a question-and-answer session, Daugaard acknowledged the prevailing “lack of respect” toward teachers amplified on social media. However, he stressed that a silent majority still has great respect for teachers.
“You have to remember that people do not respect lawyers except their own lawyer. Isn’t that strange? They don’t respect lawyers unless their lawyer is respectable,” Daugaard said. “So they may not respect teachers, but they respect you, their teacher. “There is great respect for teachers in the community at large.”
When asked about his greatest accomplishment as governor, Daugaard highlighted his administration’s success in getting South Dakota named “America’s Best Run State” and earning the highest AAA bond rating from the three major rating agencies. qualification. He noted that the higher rating saved school districts $20 million through lower interest rates on the bonds.
Secretary of Education Joseph Graves also praised Daugaard’s ability to reduce costs in the state’s education system. “Having that rating has saved school districts millions of dollars each year,” Graves said. “We approved them (loans and bonds) and the amount of money saved is amazing.”
By reviewing his accomplishments in improving education during his tenure as governor, Daugaard hoped to make assistant teachers proud of their role as educators. His account of initiatives such as funding reforms and increasing teachers’ salaries was intended to underline the immense value that society should place on the teaching profession.
“As teachers, you are very, very important to the children in your classroom. They drive you crazy, and especially the older ones, who pretend they don’t care what you think of them, but they do,” Daugaard said. “As teachers, your donation of time and support is extremely valuable to the children in your classrooms.”
While Daugaard may not have a “crystal ball to predict what the future holds for education funding in South Dakota,” he expressed certainty about an unchanging reality.
“The most important factor driving student success is the presence of a highly qualified teacher,” Daugaard said.
Addressing the educators present at the summit, the former governor expressed his deep gratitude.
“I’m sure there have been and will be many better performances than mine today, but no one, no one will appreciate more what you do, the sacrifices you make to be a teacher,” Daugaard said. “Your education was the only thing that gave me so many opportunities, and I will be forever grateful to the teachers and professors who helped me along the way.”
Jennifer Leither joined Mitchell Republic in April 2024. She grew up in Sioux Falls, SD, where she attended Lincoln High School. She continued her education at South Dakota State University and graduated in December 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. During her time in college, Leither worked as a reporter for the campus newspaper, The Collegian. She also interned for Anderson Publications in Canistota, SD, in the summer of 2000. After graduating, Leither continued to reside in the Sioux Falls area and worked as a freelance writer for the Argus Leader for several years.
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