Pam (Merchant) Cole is apparently leaving her position as Executive Director at the South Dakota Democrat Party at the end of February, according to the Rapid City Journal:
“Pam’s efforts and passion for the party got us through a challenging time and put us on the right path going forward. I’m grateful for her dedication and wish her well in her future pursuits,” said Senate Minority Leader Troy Heinert.
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State senators have revived a bill to create community-based schools focused on Native American cultural curriculum. The process included a series of unusual procedural moves.
Senate Bill 68 allows for community-based schools centered on the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings. The culturally based content standards are designed to teach all grade levels about Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people. Supporters say a more culturally relevant education will help Native American students. Critics say these schools will divert funds from public schools in their district.
Senators debated the issue for about 40 minutes on Monday. At that point, Senate Majority Leader Gary Cammack used a procedural move to end debate and immediately take a vote.