House passes Investing in Teaching Initiative

Air Date:02/13/2012

The Governor’s Investing in Teaching Initiative has made it one step farther in the legislative process. House Bill 1234 gives bonuses to top performing teachers, tuition reimbursement to new math and science teachers and ends continuing contracts.
 
Republican Representative Jim Bolin of Canton is a former teacher and he strongly opposes House Bill 1234. He says the plan is another big government spending program that will not help student achievement.
 
“This bill will increase the financial obligations of this state by 15 million dollars per year. This is money outside of the basic formula and it will be an additional ongoing expense for the state. It is not wise to begin this type of a program,” says Bolin. 
 
Rapid City Republican, Jacqueline Sly, is also a retired teacher. She says the public shouldn’t be afraid of changes in our education system. She stresses there’s still time to address any concerns with the plan.
 
“Changes in education are happening throughout the United States. South Dakota is no different. Do I agree with all the changes? No, but our state needs to begin somewhere,” says Sly.
 
House Bill 1234 passed by a vote of 41 to 28. It now moves to the Senate.
 
By Jackelyn Severin

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