SECOND 'STAND FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION DAY' RALLIES CROWD

    For the second year in a row, area residents traveled to Pierre to take part in Stand With Public     Education Day 2026, showing their support for public schools at the State Capitol. Led locally by the Langford Area School District, organizers called the event a success.
    Throughout the morning, participants served breakfast to legislators and staff members in the Speaker and President lobbies, attended committee meetings, met with legislators and lobbyists for an informational question and answer session, and observed both House and Senate sessions. Organizers estimated total attendance at between 175 and 200 people statewide, including approximately 35 from Langford.
    Jennifer Gustafson, president of the Langford Area Board of Education and one of the event’s organizers, thanked those who participated.
    “Thank you to all who took the time to attend and show your support for public education,” Gustafson said. “Public schools proudly educate over 90 percent of the students of South Dakota. We are thankful for the partnership between state and local efforts for funding and are hopeful the Legislature will agree that we need more than zero percent to properly provide for K through 12 education.”
    Public schools educate roughly 91 percent of South Dakota’s youth. Gustafson said attendees were able to engage in meaningful conversations throughout the day.
    “We were able to engage many in good conversations and were pleased to hear from many that they are supportive of public education,” she said. “Students and adults alike had great conversations and it was an overall positive experience.”
    This marked the second year for the event, and Gustafson said planning and engagement continue to improve.
    “The goal of awareness and support for public education was achieved,” she said. “This week we heard from our Governor who now supports a one percent increase to the big three, state employees, education and health care. While one percent does not keep up with inflation or follow their own laws, it is still appreciated far more than zero percent.”
    Langford Area Superintendent Shad Storley described the day as positive and productive.
    “It was a good day and a positive day,” Storley said. “We had good conversations with lobbyists and legislators. There is an ongoing concern about the state of public education. This is our profession and we want the best schools for our communities. We are going out to stand with public education.”
    Storley noted that with zero percent in new funding and rising costs due to inflation, school districts continue to face challenges.
    Looking ahead, organizers plan to continue the annual event and hope participation continues to grow. Gustafson said it is important for legislators to hear directly from their constituents.
    “While we support school choice, we also support that public tax dollars belong in public education where over 90 percent of South Dakota youth attend,” she said. “Public education has much to be proud of and we at Langford Area are happy to do our part to defend and support the great things happening not just in our school but across our state.”