Board of Education approves TCAP rules

The South Dakota Board of Education put its stamp of approval on the proposed rules for the new Teacher Compensation Assistance Program at a special meeting May 3. TCAP is a major component of the education funding package approved by the 2007 Legislature.

Gov. Mike Rounds introduced TCAP as a resource for school districts to begin to address teacher salaries. The state will match $4 for every $1 that the local district invests to enhance teacher pay. The concept is part of the Governor’s 2010 Education Initiative, which was introduced in January 2006.

Based on feedback from school superintendents, the board decided to allow TCAP funds to be used to pay for standard benefits – social security and retirement – as a deduction from the stipend.

The TCAP rules now must be approved by the Legislature’s Rules Review Committee. That committee is expected to meet on May 15.