Gov. Rhoden Opts in to President Trump’s School Choice Initiative
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced he is opting in to President Donald J. Trump’s school choice initiative. This initiative was laid out in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, and states need to opt in to take advantage of the program.
“Our students are the future of our state, and we must equip them with the skills and resources they need to thrive,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Parents should have the freedom to choose the learning environment that sets their kids up for success. I am grateful that President Trump has the same conviction and is helping us create more opportunities for our students.”
Individuals will be able to donate to organizations that provide tax credit scholarships, allowing families to choose the type of instruction that works best for their kids. The money will fund scholarships for families to use on a variety of educational purposes, including microschools and classical schools. The scholarships can also be awarded to public school students for supplemental academic enrichment.
Donors can give up to $1,700 to approved scholarship organizations for a 100%, nonrefundable tax credit. This opportunity is available starting in January 2027.
Over the last 5 years, the number of students choosing homeschooling has doubled, and other innovative models like microschools and classical schools have also been on the rise.
“Individuals can soon donate to scholarship organizations instead of paying more taxes to the federal government – that is a huge win for taxpayers, schools, and students!” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “My goal as Governor is to support innovation – not stand in the way. So, we will continue to champion policies that expand the freedom to learn for our students.”
Governor Rhoden made this announcement at a press conference at St. Josephs Academy. You can find a photo of that announcement here.
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Between the Partners in Education at the State Level and this new Federal Tax credit, this should really cover what is needed for “school choice” and no further state funded ESA’s should be required, especially with the lack of revenue for the foreseeable future at the state level. Somehow I don’t believe this will quell the public school haters though. I also love that I will be able to get a tax credit for donations to scholarship funds at my local Public School.
Good news for states like Minnesota.
All I hear Gov Rhoden say say is agrees with trump. He wears a cowboy hat and acts like a rancher. How many calves is selling this fall? Is he happy trump as caused his check to be reduced 300-500$ per head?
A tree stump would be more dynamic.
That press conference was something else. We are gonna opt into something that no one knows what it really entails. Wild. Larry stumbling asking Dr Graves for help. Dr Graves didn’t have a clue like usual. I feel bad for Tony. He’s gotta feel a little like Biden’s handlers.
Just wild. No hate against Larry, but I can’t believe how voters don’t see that the man is not even close to all there. It takes one conversation with him to make that clear.
Parents already have the freedom to choose the learning environment. Free public or paid private.