Education Policy
South Dakota Education Policy 2026
K-12 rankings, teacher salaries, school choice, curriculum battles, and how education shapes the 2026 political landscape in South Dakota.
#17
K-12 National Rank
#51
Teacher Salary Rank
87%
Graduation Rate
Choice: No
School Choice Program
Key Education Policies
| School Choice (Vouchers/ESAs) | No |
| Curriculum Restrictions (CRT/Gender) | Yes |
| Graduation Rate | 87% |
| Student Loan Debt Forgiveness Stance | Opposed |
Education System Overview
South Dakota has among the lowest teacher salaries in the nation but decent overall education outcomes. The state has restricted curriculum topics. Governor Noum signed legislation banning CRT and restricting discussions on race.
2026 Political Impact
South Dakota is safely Republican. Teacher pay is a persistent issue — the state ranks last in teacher salaries. Despite this, education outcomes are moderate, reflecting a complex relationship between funding and outcomes.