SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Multiple members of the Sioux Falls School Board criticized state lawmakers for supporting and introducing legislation that defunds education programs and makes it harder for teachers to teach.  Minnehaha County Auditor: ‘New territory’ with new election law s “I’m having major palpitations in my neck right now going through this,” school board Vice President Dawn Marie Johnson said after hearing the legislative report at Monday night’s meeting.  According to the district's business manager Todd Vik, the district was tracking 73 bills this year; supporting seven, were neutral on 25 bills and opposing 41.  Bills the district opposed or remained neutral on, but the legislature still passed include repealing programs to reimburse teachers for certification, state library cuts, reducing the state’s contribution to high school dual credit, obscene materials in libraries, a transgender bathroom ban and allowing 17-year-olds to drop out of school.  “Who were these bills in mind for, were they for the average South Dakotan? What was the purpose of this,” Johnson questioned.  She said while the Sioux Falls School Board doesn’t always agree on things, they still know who they serve and show up for: the students of Sioux Falls. That’s why she questions the legislative decisions in Pierre. “We’re working against our average, hardworking people,” Johnson said. “Who are the legislators serving?”  School Board President Carly Reiter thanked Vik for his legislative recap and offered her own summary as well. Opposing 41 bills, she says, means this was not an “education friendly session.”  “They tried several times to find a way to hang the Ten Commandments in schools and classrooms, despite the fact that many legislators struggle to abide by them themselves,” Reiter said.   Sioux Falls replacing more than century-old building “They attempted to jail or [punish] librarians for the books that are checked out of libraries,” she added. “They removed funding for some educational certifications. They decided they don't support local control when it comes to payments to get into school events. They're attempting to solve bathroom problems that don't exist and attempting to take money away from public education by using voucher programs.” Nan Kelly, another school board member, encouraged people to reach out to both their state and federal delegation about how education is funded in South Dakota.  “This isn't a time to sit back and wait for the next legislative session,” Kelly said.  Johnson agreed, “I know that it can be easy to not vote, It’s easy to skip over those days. This is the direct result of us not engaging in our voting system. This is a result of that." School board member Marc Murren also offered his brief thoughts on the situation.  “I don't understand how we got so far apart. I don't get it.,” Murren said. “For me, it's a simple thing. It's about children, OK. Focus on learning. I don't get where we became a target. I don't understand, so somebody can explain that one to me. I'm waiting for you.” Sioux Falls Superintendent Jane Stavem added she “would hope that the focus might return to the importance of supporting public schools.” ...read more read less