PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — The House Education Committee voted 14-1 today (Monday) to recommend against cuts to South Dakota’s high school dual credit program.
House Bill 1040 would reduce state funding for the program from 67% to 50%, saving about $1.15 million in next year’s budget. The bill now moves to the Joint Appropriations Committee with a “do not pass” recommendation.
The program lets high school juniors and seniors earn college credits before graduation. Last year, 30% of South Dakota juniors and seniors took at least one dual credit course, with some students earning a two-year college degree before finishing high school.
“The dual credit program has been an incredibly effective program,” said Education Secretary Joseph Graves, who supported the funding reduction. He said the change would increase student costs from $55 to $75-80 per course.
However, Graves also said the cut was necessary to ensure South Dakota’s balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
Graves was the only proponent of the measure to testify.
Diana Miller, representing large school districts, opposed the cuts.
“You’re hurting taxpayers that have students that legitimately could participate in this program,” she said. “I don’t like the word subsidy. I think we should call this an incentive to move forward and improve.”
Other education groups also opposed the cuts.
One committee member pointed out that if the legislature adopts the cut, over $1 million would be shifted to parents.
Currently, the state pays two-thirds of tuition costs, while students, parents, or guardians pay one-third. Many school districts cover the student portion, while others find private funding to help students who need financial assistance.
The bill requires approval from both appropriations and the full legislature to become law.
