Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Referred Law 16 Fails This Election

South Dakota voters resoundingly disapprove of education overhaul passed during the 20-12 legislative session. Referred Law 16 failed this election, with nearly 70 percent of ballots opposing the measure. State Senator Deb Peters ran her re-election campaign unopposed. She championed the sweeping measure H-B 12-34 during the session.

"In talking to voters, they didn't understand all five pieces. I think it was too much in one fell swoop. So I think if we break it down again into bite sized pieces we'll be able to make some of the same changes, but also listen to the task forces, too, says Peters. Obviously they've been working on it for a lot longer than we thought about it last session, and they're going to have some better ideas and we're going to try to incorporate them going forward.

Peters says lawmakers now have elements to craft better education reform. She says they'll especially consider teaching and administrator input next session.

Kealey Bultena grew up in South Dakota, where her grandparents took advantage of the state’s agriculture at nap time, tricking her into car rides to “go see cows.” Rarely did she stay awake long enough to see the livestock, but now she writes stories about the animals – and the legislature and education and much more. Kealey worked in television for four years while attending the University of South Dakota. She started interning with South Dakota Public Broadcasting in September 2010 and accepted a position with television in 2011. Now Kealey is the radio news producer stationed in Sioux Falls. As a multi-media journalist, Kealey prides herself on the diversity of the stories she tells and the impact her work has on people across the state. Kealey is always searching for new ideas. Let her know of a great story! Find her on Facebook and twitter (@KealeySDPB).