Funding - Douglas is Unique

This video from the South Dakota Department of Education simplifies and explains how public schools are funded in South Dakota:

General Fund Funding:

• Our General Fund is equalized, meaning all South Dakota school districts are funded using the same state formula.
• Every school district receives funding based on student enrollment.
• Per-student funding comes from a combination of local property taxes and state aid.
  
  

How the State Calculates Funding:

• The state determines a target number of teachers based on enrollment.
• That number is multiplied by an average target teacher salary.
  
  

Douglas School District Priorities:

• We have made intentional decisions to:
• Pay our staff competitively
• Maintain smaller class sizes (K-5)
• Support student learning through strong staffing and resources

Why is Douglas funded differently? 

Impact Aid & Military-Connected Students:

• Because of our close proximity to Ellsworth Air Force Base, Douglas receives Impact Aid.
• Impact Aid helps offset the loss of property tax revenue from federal land on the base.
• Military-connected students include those who have a parent, step-parent, or guardian who is: 

• • Active-duty and living on base
  • Active-duty and living off base
  • Lives on federal property (Antelope Ridge)
  • Works on base
• "Works on base" includes, but may not be limited to, contractors, construction workers, service workers, or any individual who is being paid by the federal government, through Ellsworth AFB base or their employer, for work performed on Ellsworth Air Force Base. 

Why Impact Aid Matters:

• Supports smaller class sizes (K-5)
• Helps attract and retain highly qualified teachers
• Provides academic programming for all students and additional support for military-connected students and families
• Strengthens educational programs and student services district-wide