I suppose there could be a couple of scenarios. First off, he is probably leading in the polls, why mess that up? I will admit, I missed this last night, and am waiting for STORMLAND TV to post the video online. But as I understand it from people who watched the program last night, the results of the ZOGBY poll wasn’t really flattering for the GOP in the state.
Five-hundred likely South Dakota voters were recently asked 20 questions on everything from education funding to quality.
On this week’s Inside KELOLAND we’ll share some of the results from the ASBSD – Zogby poll as well as talk with the Associated School Boards of South Dakota’s executive director.
We’ll also get reaction from democratic candidate for governor Scott Heidepriem.
Republican candidate Dennis Daugaard’s campaign declined our invitation to respond to this poll.
And here are the results; (here is detailed video results)
SIOUX FALLS, SD – A poll from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota is gauging voters’ views on education and funding.
ASBSD teamed up with national pollster Zogby and asked 500 likely South Dakota voters 20 different questions dealing with education, including topics such as local control, federal policy and state aid to South Dakota schools.
One question asks voters if more funding equals better education. Nearly 77 percent say yes, while 22 percent say no.
Another question asks voters if they think public school funding in South Dakota should be increased or decreased, or is just about right. Sixty-one percent say it should be increased, nearly 3 percent say it should be decreased, and 30 percent say it’s just about right.
And it seems voters are prepared to put their money where their mouth is. When asked if they’d support a measure to increase sales tax to help fund schools, a slim majority, 55 percent of voters, say they would. But a good number, 36 percent, also say they’d oppose it and nine percent aren’t sure.
ASBSDÂ shared the results of the poll with KELOLANDÂ News before publicly releasing the numbers.
I have believed all along that public education in SD is way underfunded (and I don’t even have any kids) and I have often noted that Republican control of Pierre is the reason why. It seems, SD voters agree. So what are we going to do about it? Well, we can vote in another Republican as governor, or another FAUX Republican and see what happens. Well we know what will happen. Nothing. Or as voters, we can get off our duffs and start a drive to force government to fund education properly. Like I have noted, I have no children, BUT, I believe public education is an investment, and have no problem with paying property taxes to fund it.
I have not seen a study yet that shows that an increase in per pupil spending results in higher grades or better performance. Yes there is a certain amount that needs to be spent but it is not the end all it is made out to be. And for the record, I don’t support Doogard.
Jim:I have not seen a study yet that shows that an increase in per pupil spending results in higher grades or better performance.
Well the NEA (Teachers Union) will be more than happy to provide you with a few, but just like most studies, the numbers are easily manipulated.
I agree with you – more money does not automatically equal a better education, especially when many of our South Dakota schools use their “extra” funds to upgrade athletic facilities, boost administrator pay, buy iPods or laptops for each student, or install new scoreboards on the football field.
There becomes a point where there is no return on the investment, and although I think education might be somewhat underfunded in our state, it isn’t as grossly underfunded as some school administrators would have us believe.
Costner, I couldn’t have said it better.
Well put Costner, my thoughts exactly.
I’ll also add that someone needs to tell those 61% that are willing to have their taxes raised about the opt-out procedure.
Denny does not want to address this issue because it would require additional funding which in turn might lead to a tax increase which in turn would greatly diminish his chances of getting elected. And that is what it is all about.
Costner, I agree with you too.
I am still under the impression that education is underfunded. When you go from 39% of the budget to 31% of the budget in 8 years, one has to wonder what is going on. I don’t think we should raise taxes, I just think we need to reprioritize our budget. When we increase FTE’s, no-bid contracts and governor airplane fleet during the past 8 years, one has to wonder why education is underfunded.
Not sure if I have ever said it before, but Mike Rounds is a peckerhead, good riddance.
Couldn’t agree with you more Lewis.
L3wis, that is the problem in a way. You can’t say that education must be xx percent of spending, you have to look at what it actually costs to ensure good books, great teachers and a safe learning environment. I will certainly go with ya on a budget reorganization though!
l3wis: When you go from 39% of the budget to 31% of the budget in 8 years, one has to wonder what is going on.
I guess when I see these figures, I start to wonder if we might just be spending too much on other worthless crap. I’d much rather see the actual budget amounts for education during that same period to see if it kept up with inflation. I’m betting it has, so they are manipulating the figures to make it sound like education funding is being cut, when in reality the real story is our budget is bloated everywhere else which skews the numbers.
This is true.