Give me a break, "the freest state in a nation built on the principle of freedom, and we will advance the freedom of parents to choose the best educational path for their own kids.” In what fantasy world do you think the DOE chooses the educational path for South Dakota’s children? And let’s take a look at all the ways this Governor and the previous Governor inserted state government into the lives of South Dakotans—want to make your own health care choice? No, the state decides. Vote for medicaid expansion? No, the state decides. Vote for recreational marijuana? No, the state decides. If you think dismantling the DOE means that federal dollars will continue to flow to South Dakota in the same amount they currently do, you’re an idiot. It will simply be up to South Dakota to pay and to decide whether or not they’ll provide an education for students with disabilities. My guess would be we’ll get the same response we get when the question of school lunch comes up—feeding children is the responsibility of someone else and if your kid is disabled, tough. We can’t afford it. The assault on public education will continue until nothing’s left, but we’re free, we’re free, our teachers are among the most poorly paid in the country, but we’re free!
So short sighted—I know education is expensive and the results leave much to be desired, but some things are worth investing in, the education of our children being one of them. I just fear if left to our own devices, we’ll cut, cut, cut.
You're entitled to your ridiculous opinions but not your own facts. The DOE's 2024 budget was $241 billion. The DOE in 2024 spent $838 million in Department Management. That's less than 0.5% of its budget on internal management. https://www.usaspending.gov/agency/department-of-education?fy=2024
During the 2021-22 school year, 13.7% ($96.2B) of public school funding came from the federal government. Less than half of that $96.2B came from the Dept of Education. The rest came from USDA, HHS, Dept of Labor, Dept of Veterans Affairs, Dept of the Interior, Dept of Defense.
The Dept of Ed spent $18.2B on education for the disadvantaged, $14.5B on special education, $7.3B on school improvement programs, $2.1B on vocational and adult education, $1.6B impact aid program (whatever that is), and $0.8B on English Language acquisition.
I love the dismissive start to Sister’s comment—it must feel really good to always be right about everything.
"Richard Hofstadter, an eminent historian who, in the 1960s wrote Anti-intellectualism in American Life, defined anti-intellectualism as “resentment of the life of the mind, and those who are considered to represent it; and a disposition to constantly minimize the value of that life.” But intellectualism in Hofstadter’s definition isn’t about being intelligent; it’s an approach to knowledge that treats intellectual pursuits as a constant opportunity for discovery. Self-assurance and certainty are rivals to true intellectualism.”
Let me repeat that, self-assurance and certainty are the opposite of intellectualism.
"It feels good to be right, to prove others wrong, to win the combative joust that defines most of our national politics these days. But it feels even better to learn. I’ve experienced a transformation in my own research—and my life more generally—when I finally began to seriously grapple with the vastness of my own ignorance.”
Like Klaas, I continue to discover how much I don’t know—I like to explore and read and write and debate about the impact of policy choices. I try not to commit logical fallacies, try to point out hypocrisy or questionable evidence, try and understand context, but I’m pretty sure I don’t understand the complexity of most things (what’s the most complex thing you understand so completely that you could explain it to someone?).
We all stand on someone else’s work—learning requires an open-mind, a willingness to explore and change opinions when new information enters the conversation. It’s the opposite of certainty—one of my favorite questions for politicians, or really anyone, is when was the last time you changed your mind about something and what changed it? Reading all these comments about what a disaster the DOE is for education and how our schools are all failing makes me wonder where these commenters were educated, what is their area of study and expertise, when was the last time they weren’t certain they were right and anyone who holds a different opinion is wrong.
The Post reports today that the IRS’ internal projections estimate that the DOGE-driven disruptions to the IRS since the inauguration are on track to have reduced tax receipts by more than $500 billion by April 15th. This, to be clear, is not a final tally. It’s not April 15th yet. It’s a projection based on historical data, the number of people who’ve filed, paid owed amounts of tax, etc. It’s worth taking a moment to put this number into some context in case half a trillion dollars doesn’t do it for you. Non-defense discretionary spending is the cost to fund the U.S. government once you take out mandatory spending (mostly Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid) and the cost of the U.S. military. For 2023 that number was $917 billion. So that’s most of the stuff we think of as the government, apart from those payment programs and the military. In other words, in about eight weeks DOGE managed to lose the U.S. government — more or less light on fire — more than half of what goes to all non-defense discretionary spending.
The governor apparently has no clue as to what the Dept of Education is responsible for. Not only do they oversee funding from the federal government, but they also advocate and oversee educational rules for disadvantaged students. They are the rules keepers for things like IEP's and 504 plans.
And you think that's a good thing? That bureaucrats in D.C. are writing and keeping rules for school systems in the states? They keep 80% to 92% of the funding within the federal department, and only a tiny leftover slice in the form of grants with a lot of federal strings attached ever touches a school child.
I doubt very much that you or most other South Dakota Republicans could explain the history of Critical Race Theory and articulate what it actually means or give the history of DEI and honestly tally how much it has benefited South Dakotans -- especially women of all colors; or give a lucid definition of what "woke" means. You throw the words around as yet another way to manipulate the ignorant. Once again, the Republican Party's mission is to destroy rather than to build.
Note that there is an inverse correlation between education and voting republican. Rhodes is looking out for the party. The less education our kids get, the better for republicans.
This editorial by the governor is misinformation while attempting to carry favor with an ideology that has no factual basis . This is what you should expect or accept if you eliminate DOE . Want block grants ? State taxpayers pay for it . Want students eligible for school loans ? Then establish your own state lending institution to provide those loans ? Want research dollars to go to universities? Be prepared for the state of SD to find its own research . Maybe “ Big Bird “ will share some of his dollars ? Ha ! Get real everyone for what Trump is proposing .
Religion does not belong in our schools—keep it out! The money from the Federal Government is for public education—not for home schooling and private schools! Use the money for what it is earmarked for now—not private or religious purposes.
He’s off his rocker. I can’t believe a person in a responsible position would say anything so irresponsible. I may register republican to vote against him. Depends on whether Dusty and/or Jackley show any courage.
We're still in the middle (slightly above it) which is pretty good when you consider we pay our teachers less than just about anyone. We only moved out of the bottom slot on teacher pay--to #49 from 51--a few years ago.
Why not? We obviously have a problem. Lots of people are not ok with the ROI we are getting for our dollars. What we have been doing has got us into this situation of accepting average as good enough. Our children deserve better. Or is it because of who is doing it ? I like getting local control back.
It’s been 45 years of this experiment that is the DOE. Every year since it started we have slid farther down. I will ask again . Why not try it? It has obviously not improved things but the exact opposite. I think it’s the person who is doing it is your reason for opposing it.
Let's pretend, for a gol darn minute, like were trying to honest. Just a minute.
Show me the Federal DOE mandates for: "Critical Race Theory, DEI and a woke gender agenda" - because these appear to be figments of the rabid MAGA imagination. Show me in past DOE directives, mandates, Consolidated Federal Regulations - 34 Education, etc. Instead I find these sensible mandates: drug free schools, campus security, violence against women, educational rights and privacy, higher education opportunity, etc. https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/training-technical-assistance/education-level/higher-education/strategic-planning/federal-mandates
Undoubtedly the US DOE improved the lives of many. Yet, the agency has not improved the US education standing in the world - but that is NOT ITS MISSION. It has 4 simple missions centering around disseminating and monitoring funds, collecting school data and sharing it, making recommendations, prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education. Education inputs and outcomes are a state prerogative - hence the US created 50 ways to achieve mediocre education outcomes far below those of the first world nations. Nice bunt.
Reasonable people may agree or disagree whether the US needs the services of the mere 4,200 US DOE employees or the DOE being a cabinet level agency. Yet, reasonable people ought agree that some of the DOE's functions and funding mechanisms ought be retained in whatever agency those fall into.
Reasonable people ought be VERY concerned that the MAGA federal government will not replace the 21.8% of federal funds used by South Dakota schools. (That's the 2d highest in the nation.) Reasonable people ought be concerned of what losing any fraction of that federal educational funding will do to property tax bills.
They must have, right??? Reasonable people wouldn't still be falling for the "CRT, DEI, woke agenda" propaganda to their own detriment.
The "I" of "DEI" stands for Inclusion, and in schools when you hear the word inclusion it generally refers to kids with Special Needs or learning disabilities. People who think kids on IEP's and 504's aren't going to be effected by this are kidding themselves.
Wrong! I am extremely disappointed with this commentary by the governor. He clearly does not understand public education and what is at stake if DOE goes away. Our legislature will do what it always does and rob the education federal dollars to support their pet projects. Once again South Dakota will be at the bottom in support for public education.
South Dakota ranks #2 in states that receive the most K-12 federal education funding. I notice he fails to mention how the state is going to make up for loss of the federal money. The ones who will be hurt by this will be the students and anyone who works in education.
Stripping out federal mandates unrelated to core education will help to lower the need for South Dakota's education to be funded by other states. Also, a reordering of city and state spending priorities is in order - a performing arts center in Tea schools, a new convention center built on the site of the existing men's prison, a $billion men's prison 5 times larger than our average men's prison population in the midst of an area with zero infrastructure, an extension of Veteran's Hwy to future-world, etc. seem like luxury projects siphoning off funds that might better pay for higher teacher salaries and curricula aimed at inculcating reading, writing, math, history, science, civics and basic manual skills.
I hear Bill Bennett speaking about this (former Secy. of Education some years go and very good). He wanted to be sure that the DOE continued to records states' education statistics to know what states are doing a good job of education our children. Sounded like a good idea.
I agree with the governor that public education has a core mission: “teaching our kids what they need to know to be successful”. By “successful”, the governor tells us later in his viewpoint, he means rejecting diversity, equity and inclusion and avoiding areas of inquiry at odds with the governor’s worldview. When thinking about this, I’m reminded of advice Albert Einstein gave his students: becoming a person of value is more important than becoming successful. The latter is guided by measures of social and economic status as well as public recognition. Value on the other hand is based on contributions to the well-being of society, ALL members of society. Becoming a person of value through public education requires a breadth of understanding that neither be measured by test scores (Einstein failed a math course early in his life) nor limited the personal viewpoints of elected officials. Becoming a person of value thrives on considering those very topics the governor discards.
The governor aims Scythian arrows at the “woke agenda” (a trigger term that has become shorthand for "viewpoints I disagree with"), our state’s diversity (a walk on the streets of most of our towns and cities would make it obviously real), the equitable regard for all our citizens under the spirit of our Founding Documents, and the blessings of including all under the American banner of liberty. These arrows are meant to poison minds, not enlighten them.
The governor believes that funding for “key educational priorities” will not disappear. He believes that because the president said so. This is the same president who said he would end the Russo-Ukranian war within 24 hours of becoming president. At this point, it’s hard to know what commitments will be kept and what changes there may be to “key educational priorities”.
Platitudes like “we are the freest state in a nation built on the principle of freedom” reflect both an historical and practical misunderstanding of the meanings of freedom and liberty. In a recent, provocative television series (Zero Day), an ex-president says "Freedom is what allows people like you to do whatever you want. Liberty is what protects the rest of us from people like you." South Dakota has always made decisions about teaching South Dakota kids; the US Department of Education never has. That department existed to assure that every kid got an education, not the content of that education.
It is, in fact, our former and current governor, those who agree with them, and those governors of other states, having crushed educational freedom upon the anvil of liberty with the hammer of personal ideology, who limit the education of South Dakota kids.
Give me a break, "the freest state in a nation built on the principle of freedom, and we will advance the freedom of parents to choose the best educational path for their own kids.” In what fantasy world do you think the DOE chooses the educational path for South Dakota’s children? And let’s take a look at all the ways this Governor and the previous Governor inserted state government into the lives of South Dakotans—want to make your own health care choice? No, the state decides. Vote for medicaid expansion? No, the state decides. Vote for recreational marijuana? No, the state decides. If you think dismantling the DOE means that federal dollars will continue to flow to South Dakota in the same amount they currently do, you’re an idiot. It will simply be up to South Dakota to pay and to decide whether or not they’ll provide an education for students with disabilities. My guess would be we’ll get the same response we get when the question of school lunch comes up—feeding children is the responsibility of someone else and if your kid is disabled, tough. We can’t afford it. The assault on public education will continue until nothing’s left, but we’re free, we’re free, our teachers are among the most poorly paid in the country, but we’re free!
So short sighted—I know education is expensive and the results leave much to be desired, but some things are worth investing in, the education of our children being one of them. I just fear if left to our own devices, we’ll cut, cut, cut.
80% to 92% of the Federal Dept of Ed's budget is in a wash, rinse, repeat cycle that never reaches a single student in any state.
You're entitled to your ridiculous opinions but not your own facts. The DOE's 2024 budget was $241 billion. The DOE in 2024 spent $838 million in Department Management. That's less than 0.5% of its budget on internal management. https://www.usaspending.gov/agency/department-of-education?fy=2024
Nice chatting with you.
During the 2021-22 school year, 13.7% ($96.2B) of public school funding came from the federal government. Less than half of that $96.2B came from the Dept of Education. The rest came from USDA, HHS, Dept of Labor, Dept of Veterans Affairs, Dept of the Interior, Dept of Defense.
The Dept of Ed spent $18.2B on education for the disadvantaged, $14.5B on special education, $7.3B on school improvement programs, $2.1B on vocational and adult education, $1.6B impact aid program (whatever that is), and $0.8B on English Language acquisition.
$44.5B total from Dept of Ed to K-12 schools.
https://usafacts.org/answers/what-percentage-of-public-school-funding-comes-from-the-federal-government/country/united-states/
The FY summary of the Dept of Ed funding (put out by the gov't) was $637.7B.
The line graph is worth exploring.
https://www.usaspending.gov/agency/department-of-education?fy=2022§ion=status-of-funds
I love the dismissive start to Sister’s comment—it must feel really good to always be right about everything.
"Richard Hofstadter, an eminent historian who, in the 1960s wrote Anti-intellectualism in American Life, defined anti-intellectualism as “resentment of the life of the mind, and those who are considered to represent it; and a disposition to constantly minimize the value of that life.” But intellectualism in Hofstadter’s definition isn’t about being intelligent; it’s an approach to knowledge that treats intellectual pursuits as a constant opportunity for discovery. Self-assurance and certainty are rivals to true intellectualism.”
Let me repeat that, self-assurance and certainty are the opposite of intellectualism.
"It feels good to be right, to prove others wrong, to win the combative joust that defines most of our national politics these days. But it feels even better to learn. I’ve experienced a transformation in my own research—and my life more generally—when I finally began to seriously grapple with the vastness of my own ignorance.”
Like Klaas, I continue to discover how much I don’t know—I like to explore and read and write and debate about the impact of policy choices. I try not to commit logical fallacies, try to point out hypocrisy or questionable evidence, try and understand context, but I’m pretty sure I don’t understand the complexity of most things (what’s the most complex thing you understand so completely that you could explain it to someone?).
We all stand on someone else’s work—learning requires an open-mind, a willingness to explore and change opinions when new information enters the conversation. It’s the opposite of certainty—one of my favorite questions for politicians, or really anyone, is when was the last time you changed your mind about something and what changed it? Reading all these comments about what a disaster the DOE is for education and how our schools are all failing makes me wonder where these commenters were educated, what is their area of study and expertise, when was the last time they weren’t certain they were right and anyone who holds a different opinion is wrong.
https://www.forkingpaths.co/p/knowingness-and-the-politics-of-ignorance-deb?r=1xrzbf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Matthew 7:6
Matthew 22:21
The Post reports today that the IRS’ internal projections estimate that the DOGE-driven disruptions to the IRS since the inauguration are on track to have reduced tax receipts by more than $500 billion by April 15th. This, to be clear, is not a final tally. It’s not April 15th yet. It’s a projection based on historical data, the number of people who’ve filed, paid owed amounts of tax, etc. It’s worth taking a moment to put this number into some context in case half a trillion dollars doesn’t do it for you. Non-defense discretionary spending is the cost to fund the U.S. government once you take out mandatory spending (mostly Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid) and the cost of the U.S. military. For 2023 that number was $917 billion. So that’s most of the stuff we think of as the government, apart from those payment programs and the military. In other words, in about eight weeks DOGE managed to lose the U.S. government — more or less light on fire — more than half of what goes to all non-defense discretionary spending.
The governor apparently has no clue as to what the Dept of Education is responsible for. Not only do they oversee funding from the federal government, but they also advocate and oversee educational rules for disadvantaged students. They are the rules keepers for things like IEP's and 504 plans.
What does he know about?
Not much. He seems to be following very closely in Kristi Noem's footsteps.
And you think that's a good thing? That bureaucrats in D.C. are writing and keeping rules for school systems in the states? They keep 80% to 92% of the funding within the federal department, and only a tiny leftover slice in the form of grants with a lot of federal strings attached ever touches a school child.
I doubt very much that you or most other South Dakota Republicans could explain the history of Critical Race Theory and articulate what it actually means or give the history of DEI and honestly tally how much it has benefited South Dakotans -- especially women of all colors; or give a lucid definition of what "woke" means. You throw the words around as yet another way to manipulate the ignorant. Once again, the Republican Party's mission is to destroy rather than to build.
Note that there is an inverse correlation between education and voting republican. Rhodes is looking out for the party. The less education our kids get, the better for republicans.
Well said!
This editorial by the governor is misinformation while attempting to carry favor with an ideology that has no factual basis . This is what you should expect or accept if you eliminate DOE . Want block grants ? State taxpayers pay for it . Want students eligible for school loans ? Then establish your own state lending institution to provide those loans ? Want research dollars to go to universities? Be prepared for the state of SD to find its own research . Maybe “ Big Bird “ will share some of his dollars ? Ha ! Get real everyone for what Trump is proposing .
Religion does not belong in our schools—keep it out! The money from the Federal Government is for public education—not for home schooling and private schools! Use the money for what it is earmarked for now—not private or religious purposes.
So white washed curriculum and vouchers. Got it.
Exactly, so sad
He’s off his rocker. I can’t believe a person in a responsible position would say anything so irresponsible. I may register republican to vote against him. Depends on whether Dusty and/or Jackley show any courage.
Those two clowns are cut from the same cloth.
Why would they start now?
So if local schools choose to teach critical race theory on their own, you're going to complain about that and say that they need more oversight?
Our education system is ranked last as a national in results but first in cost. Maybe that explains why so many people are mad about this.
World rankings?
https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2025/feb/13/donald-trump/us-education-system-doesnt-rank-worst-in-the-world/
State rankings?
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/public-school-rankings-by-state
Yes our education ranking has been going down hill for years.Some just don’t want to acknowledge it and want to stay in the same path.
https://useducationnews.com/us-education-ranking-by-year/#us-education-ranking-by-year-1
We're still in the middle (slightly above it) which is pretty good when you consider we pay our teachers less than just about anyone. We only moved out of the bottom slot on teacher pay--to #49 from 51--a few years ago.
And dismantling the DoE won't catch us up to the rest of the world. I'm not sure anything could at this point.
Why not? We obviously have a problem. Lots of people are not ok with the ROI we are getting for our dollars. What we have been doing has got us into this situation of accepting average as good enough. Our children deserve better. Or is it because of who is doing it ? I like getting local control back.
Take a look at this very basic run down of a few other country’s approaches to the school year and school day
It’s been 45 years of this experiment that is the DOE. Every year since it started we have slid farther down. I will ask again . Why not try it? It has obviously not improved things but the exact opposite. I think it’s the person who is doing it is your reason for opposing it.
Great article Governor. I couldn't agree more.
Let's pretend, for a gol darn minute, like were trying to honest. Just a minute.
Show me the Federal DOE mandates for: "Critical Race Theory, DEI and a woke gender agenda" - because these appear to be figments of the rabid MAGA imagination. Show me in past DOE directives, mandates, Consolidated Federal Regulations - 34 Education, etc. Instead I find these sensible mandates: drug free schools, campus security, violence against women, educational rights and privacy, higher education opportunity, etc. https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/training-technical-assistance/education-level/higher-education/strategic-planning/federal-mandates
Undoubtedly the US DOE improved the lives of many. Yet, the agency has not improved the US education standing in the world - but that is NOT ITS MISSION. It has 4 simple missions centering around disseminating and monitoring funds, collecting school data and sharing it, making recommendations, prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education. Education inputs and outcomes are a state prerogative - hence the US created 50 ways to achieve mediocre education outcomes far below those of the first world nations. Nice bunt.
Reasonable people may agree or disagree whether the US needs the services of the mere 4,200 US DOE employees or the DOE being a cabinet level agency. Yet, reasonable people ought agree that some of the DOE's functions and funding mechanisms ought be retained in whatever agency those fall into.
Reasonable people ought be VERY concerned that the MAGA federal government will not replace the 21.8% of federal funds used by South Dakota schools. (That's the 2d highest in the nation.) Reasonable people ought be concerned of what losing any fraction of that federal educational funding will do to property tax bills.
Reasonable people have left the building?
They must have, right??? Reasonable people wouldn't still be falling for the "CRT, DEI, woke agenda" propaganda to their own detriment.
The "I" of "DEI" stands for Inclusion, and in schools when you hear the word inclusion it generally refers to kids with Special Needs or learning disabilities. People who think kids on IEP's and 504's aren't going to be effected by this are kidding themselves.
Wrong! I am extremely disappointed with this commentary by the governor. He clearly does not understand public education and what is at stake if DOE goes away. Our legislature will do what it always does and rob the education federal dollars to support their pet projects. Once again South Dakota will be at the bottom in support for public education.
South Dakota ranks #2 in states that receive the most K-12 federal education funding. I notice he fails to mention how the state is going to make up for loss of the federal money. The ones who will be hurt by this will be the students and anyone who works in education.
Stripping out federal mandates unrelated to core education will help to lower the need for South Dakota's education to be funded by other states. Also, a reordering of city and state spending priorities is in order - a performing arts center in Tea schools, a new convention center built on the site of the existing men's prison, a $billion men's prison 5 times larger than our average men's prison population in the midst of an area with zero infrastructure, an extension of Veteran's Hwy to future-world, etc. seem like luxury projects siphoning off funds that might better pay for higher teacher salaries and curricula aimed at inculcating reading, writing, math, history, science, civics and basic manual skills.
Our governor is a self-serving fool supported by fools like you.
I hear Bill Bennett speaking about this (former Secy. of Education some years go and very good). He wanted to be sure that the DOE continued to records states' education statistics to know what states are doing a good job of education our children. Sounded like a good idea.
I agree with the governor that public education has a core mission: “teaching our kids what they need to know to be successful”. By “successful”, the governor tells us later in his viewpoint, he means rejecting diversity, equity and inclusion and avoiding areas of inquiry at odds with the governor’s worldview. When thinking about this, I’m reminded of advice Albert Einstein gave his students: becoming a person of value is more important than becoming successful. The latter is guided by measures of social and economic status as well as public recognition. Value on the other hand is based on contributions to the well-being of society, ALL members of society. Becoming a person of value through public education requires a breadth of understanding that neither be measured by test scores (Einstein failed a math course early in his life) nor limited the personal viewpoints of elected officials. Becoming a person of value thrives on considering those very topics the governor discards.
The governor aims Scythian arrows at the “woke agenda” (a trigger term that has become shorthand for "viewpoints I disagree with"), our state’s diversity (a walk on the streets of most of our towns and cities would make it obviously real), the equitable regard for all our citizens under the spirit of our Founding Documents, and the blessings of including all under the American banner of liberty. These arrows are meant to poison minds, not enlighten them.
The governor believes that funding for “key educational priorities” will not disappear. He believes that because the president said so. This is the same president who said he would end the Russo-Ukranian war within 24 hours of becoming president. At this point, it’s hard to know what commitments will be kept and what changes there may be to “key educational priorities”.
Platitudes like “we are the freest state in a nation built on the principle of freedom” reflect both an historical and practical misunderstanding of the meanings of freedom and liberty. In a recent, provocative television series (Zero Day), an ex-president says "Freedom is what allows people like you to do whatever you want. Liberty is what protects the rest of us from people like you." South Dakota has always made decisions about teaching South Dakota kids; the US Department of Education never has. That department existed to assure that every kid got an education, not the content of that education.
It is, in fact, our former and current governor, those who agree with them, and those governors of other states, having crushed educational freedom upon the anvil of liberty with the hammer of personal ideology, who limit the education of South Dakota kids.