DOC Secretary Kellie Wasko under fire

State leaders say Gov. Rhoden must find new appointee to head prison system if policy changes aren't made; task force response divided

South Dakota Corrections Sec. Kellie Wasko speaks during the Project Prison Reset Task Force’s meeting in Springfield on April 29, 2025. (Joe Sneve / The Dakota Scout)

A growing number of South Dakota lawmakers serving on Gov. Larry Rhoden's Prison Project Reset Task Force want his top prison official replaced.

Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko is facing calls to resign amid criticisms over recent policy changes her critics say have undermined safety and rehabilitation inside the state’s prison system.

VIEWPOINT | DOC leader's policies have made South Dakota prison dangerous

COUNTERPOINT: We've made South Dakota corrections stronger and safer