The South Dakota Senate Education Committee effectively killed a bill that would have authorized an Indian charter school in Rapid City.
Sen. Tom Katus, a Democrat, said an Indian charter school could help address high drop out rates. He said only 37 percent of Indian students graduated last year.
Lawmakers didn't question the need to improve Indian education but they had concerns about the bill, which would allow charter schools throughout the state.
Public school boards oppose the bill.
In the end, the committee voted 6-1 to send the bill to the 36th legislative day. The current session only has 35 days.
Get the Story:Charter schools rejected but not dead (The Rapid City Journal 2/6)
