An Act to address elementary and secondary education direct the Department of Education to create the Education Cost Efficiency Task Force.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. This bill addresses elementary and secondary education. The Department of Education shall assemble the Education Cost Efficiency Task Force to examine the program and administrative efficiency and cost effectiveness of school districts. The task force shall consist of at least twenty members and must include:

(1) Two senators, at least one of whom is a member of the Committee on Appropriations, appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate;

(2) Two representatives, at least one of whom is a member of the Committee on Appropriations, appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives;

(3) Six administrators, as defined in § 13-42-1:

(a) Two from districts with enrollments of two hundred or fewer students;

(b) Two from districts with enrollments between two hundred one and five hundred ninety-nine students; and

(c) Two from districts with enrollments of six hundred or more students;

(4) Two teachers;

(5) Six school board members:

(a) Two from districts with enrollments of two hundred or fewer students;

(b) Two from districts with enrollments between two hundred one and five hundred ninety-nine students; and

(c) Two from districts with enrollments of six hundred or more students; and

(6) The secretary of education.

The secretary of education may appoint ex-officio members from the department.

Section 2. The Education Cost Efficiency Task Force shall review:

(1) Virtual learning and potential for expansion;

(2) Combining operations and functions across school districts; and

(3) Any other cost-effective measures as determined by the task force.

Section 3. All expenses incurred in carrying out the work of the Education Cost Efficiency Task Force must be paid out of funds appropriated or otherwise provided to the Department of Education. The department shall present the findings of the task force to the Governor and to the Joint Committee on Appropriations no later than November 15, 2022.