SD HB1213

Appropriates $2,500,000 from the general fund to the Department of Education to provide grants to school districts and accredited nonpublic schools for educator retention

Requires the initiative to use both quantitative and qualitative data to identify and address issues that impede educator retention in school districts

Grants will be awarded based on applications approved by the Department of Education during the period from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029

Department of Education may spend up to 5% of the appropriation ($125,000) for administrative costs and may partner with a qualified organization to provide the initiative

Effective date is June 30, 2026, with unexpended funds reverting per chapter 4-8 procedures