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Special
board meeting addresses TCAP rules
The South Dakota Board
of Education will discuss the proposed rules for the Teacher
Compensation Assistance Program at a special meeting on April
11. The meeting, which will be held via the DDN, will originate
from the Capitol (DDN Studio A) in Pierre. TCAP is a major
component of the education funding package approved by the 2007
Legislature. The initiative is designed to help school districts
enhance local teacher salaries.
Under the proposed
rules, school districts apply for TCAP money each year. If a
district’s application is approved, the state will provide $4
for every $1 that the local district invests in the program.
Available funding is based on a district’s student enrollment.
Below is a quick
review of TCAP guidelines that the board will consider. The May
Ed Online will contain a summary of any board action taken on
April 11.
Click here to view the proposed rules.
District plans
The requirements for
developing a TCAP plan are minimal, allowing for school
districts to create a program based on their unique goals and
situation. A district’s TCAP plan must be based on:
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meeting district
instructional goals, or
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market
compensation strategies, or
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a combination of
both
Plans must be approved by the local school
board prior to submitting an application. A district’s TCAP
funds must:
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be distributed
to certified instructional staff only
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supplement and
not supplant local salary policy
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include
matching funds, which must be taken from general funds.
(Federal or private funds may be used.)
Application and review process
A Teacher Compensation Assistance Oversight
Board will be established to review all applications. The TCAP
Oversight Board will make recommendations to the South Dakota
Board of Education, which will make the final decision on
whether or not a district receives funds.
Under the proposed rules, the TCAP
Oversight Board will consist of nine members, appointed by the
Secretary of Education. The board membership will include two
legislators, two school officials, a school board member, a
business leader, a teacher, and two members at large.
Timeline
The proposed rules outline the following
application timeline:
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November –
applications released to school districts by November
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December –
review by Teacher Compensation Assistance Oversight Board
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January –
applications approved by Board of Education
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February –
districts notified of board’s decision by Feb. 1 for funds
available for the following school year
PLEASE NOTE: The timeline for the 2007-08
school year varies from the above, as the law was not in effect
in the prior school year.
Click here for deadlines for this first year of implementation.
For more information about the Teacher
Compensation Assistance Program, contact the South Dakota
Department of Education at (605) 773-3282 or e-mail
wade.pogany@state.sd.us.
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