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Republican Leaders Announce Task Force To Study Education

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Republican state officials say they want to study education in South Dakota and re-evaluate how the system is funded before taking action.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Republican legislative leaders on Friday announced the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Teachers and Students, which will report recommendations to the 2016 Legislature.

Daugaard says South Dakota should strive for high student achievement, excellent teachers and a funding system to support them both.

Democrats have pushed measures to boost teacher pay in South Dakota and have criticized Daugaard for not adequately addressing the issue.

The governor says increases in education funding could be necessary, but it’s important to have evidence backing whatever action the state decides to take.

He says a similar work group studying the criminal justice system produced a sweeping legislative overhaul.