Attempted cap on SD school administrator pay fails, but highlights disparity with teachers
Feb 07, 2025 | 3:46 pm ET
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Then-Rep. Sue Peterson, R-Sioux Falls, speaks on the House floor on Feb. 8, 2024 in the Capitol. Peterson, now a state senator, failed in her attempt to close the gap between teacher and administrator pay. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)
PIERRE — A state senator brought attention to a disparity in educator compensation in South Dakota but lost her attempt Friday to cap administrator salaries at three times the average pay of teachers.
The Senate vote against the bill from Sen. Sue Peterson, R-Sioux Falls, was 22-13.
Peterson said South Dakota’s teachers rank 49th nationally in average pay, while administrators rank 16th.
“Our teachers are last and our administrators are near the top. That’s wrong,” Peterson said.
In opposition comments, senators acknowledged the problem but criticized the proposed solution, saying a fix should come from local school boards.
Sen. Jamie Smith, D-Sioux Falls, is a former teacher who voted against the bill.
“Pushing somebody else down is not how to raise everybody else,” he said.
Pierre, SD