Governor's Teacher Initiative Discussed

Lyman Superintendent Doug Eppard expressed to the board of education, at their Monday night meeting, his concern over Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s proposed South Dakota Investing in Teachers initiative unveiled during the Governor’s state of the state address recently.

"I’m not thrilled with merit pay for teachers," said Eppard.  "It’s hard on everyone.’

Eppard explained to the board the Governor’s proposal to measure schools and teachers by their students’ growth, award bonuses to teachers that select to teach math and science and do away with tenure.

The superintendent said legislation like this could hurt teacher moral.

Mr. Eppard stated Lyman staff is excited about the possibility to be compensated for more profession development that the proposal also includes. 

No bills have been filed as of yet, but he will watch the issue.

For more on the story, pick up an issue of this weeks paper.