Education Across the States

Puerto Rico's non-teaching workers have waited since 1997 for a pay adjustment — the fifth version of their classification plan, at fifty-nine point four million dollars a year, is now before the Oversight Board — plus a clarified eight million dollar school transportation debt and a Workforce Pell grant whose Puerto Rico application channel is not open yet. Sources: House Treasury Committee hearing, October 6, 2026, reported by CyberNews via Breaking News Puerto Rico (article: Educacion solicita evaluacion de 8 millones para saldar deuda con transportistas escolares, breakingnews-pr.com, October 6, 2026) and Metro Puerto Rico / El Diario (Plan de clasificacion del personal no docente de Educacion costaria 59.4 millones al ano, October 6, 2026); Governor's Office / EIN Presswire release on Executive Order OE-2026-043 implementing the Workforce Pell Grant Program, August 31, 2026 (search: OE-2026-043 Workforce Pell Puerto Rico); Opportunity Data, Workforce Pell by State: 2026 Implementation Record, Puerto Rico row verified October 27, 2026 (opportunitydata.org/workforce-pell-readiness.html); El Nuevo Dia, Inconforme la Junta Fiscal con el plan financiero del Departamento de Educacion, October 23, 2026 (meeting on or before November 6, 2026). FAFSA information via the free application at the U.S. Department of Education.

AI Generated

Columbus City Schools is deciding whether to end yellow-bus service for high school students and move them onto COTA city buses — three options saving an estimated $7.2 million, $5 million, or $4.8 million, with a formal plan due to the board by the end of December 2026 — while COTA missed about 32,000 trips in the first eight months of 2026; this deep dive works through the budget cuts behind the proposal, what Ohio law requires versus merely permits for grades nine through twelve, the transfer and reliability math, and why transportation written into an IEP under IDEA and Ohio Rule 3301-51-10 is a related service a budget vote cannot rewrite.

Sources:

- Columbus Dispatch (Cole Behrens), 'As COTA misses trips, CCS weighs sending high schoolers on their buses' (October 21, 2026; October 20 board meeting, three options, savings estimates, 4,200 riders including 740 charter and private students, 73 percent single ride / 24 percent one transfer / 3 percent or 276 students): https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/education/2026/10/21/as-cota-misses-trips-ccs-weighs-sending-high-schoolers-on-their-buses/92350096007/

- Columbus Dispatch, 'COTA buses missed some 32,000 trips thru Aug.' (September 24, 2026; 6.4 percent of 497,000 trips, New Flyer electric-bus recall, compressed natural gas bus orders): search dispatch.com for the headline to read the September COTA board presentation reporting.

- Columbus Dispatch, 'COTA releases plan to improve bus reliability, rider experience' (October 15, 2026; Customer Experience Action Plan released October 14, 33 action items): https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/10/15/cota-releases-plan-to-improve-experience-for-transit-riders/92249469007/

- Thomas B. Fordham Institute, Ohio Charter News Weekly (October 23, 2026; high school busing not state-mandated, costs over $7 million a year, decision also governs charter, private, and STEM riders): https://fordhaminstitute.org/ohio/commentary/ohio-charter-news-weekly-102326

- Columbus Dispatch, 'Here's what parents need to know about CCS busing before school starts' (August 2026; kindergarten through eighth grade lottery busing change, routes 494 to 419, $8.5 million saving): search dispatch.com for the headline.

- Ohio Revised Code Section 3327.01, Transportation of pupils (shall for kindergarten through grade eight over two miles; may for grades nine through twelve; shall for approved career-technical programs): https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter-3327

- Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3301-51-10, Transportation of children with disabilities (effective December 1, 2023; read the full rule text): https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-3301-51-10

- 34 CFR 300.34, Related services (IDEA Sites, U.S. Department of Education; transportation definition): https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/a/300.34

- To verify the federal transportation guidance summarized on air (IEP-team determination; travel training): search the Arizona Department of Education special education pages for 'FAQs: Transportation', which reproduces the U.S. Department of Education OSERS 2009 Questions and Answers on Serving Children with Disabilities Eligible for Transportation, Questions A-2 and C-1.

- To verify the Columbus budget-cut comparison (299 positions, four buildings, second $50 million round by December 31, 2026): search WOSU Public Media coverage of the September 2026 comparison of Ohio's three largest urban districts' cuts.

AI Generated

Today, October 28, is the last day West Virginia county clerks can receive an absentee ballot application for the November 3 general election — and school questions, starting with the Mason County excess levy renewal, are on that ballot. The turnout so far, the new photo ID rule, the provisional-ballot protection, and every remaining deadline through Election Day and the November 9 canvass.

Sources:

- West Virginia Secretary of State, GoVoteWV — General Election Dates and Deadlines (absentee application period August 11–October 28, 2026; early voting October 21–31; emergency absentee October 27–noon November 3; hand-delivery deadline November 2; Election Day November 3; postmarked ballots accepted to November 9 canvass): https://sos.wv.gov/govotewv

- WV Secretary of State, Secretary Warner announces nearly 67,000 ballots have been cast in absentee voting and the first four days of early voting for the 2026 General Election (66,855 ballots through October 24; 62,366 in-person early; 8,290 absentee requested; 4,489 returned; 1,210,297 registered voters; sample ballots for all 1,677 precincts; first general election under HB 3016 (2025) photo ID; First Week Report promised): https://sos.wv.gov/article/secretary-warner-announces-nearly-67000-ballots-have-been-cast-absentee-voting-and-first

- WV Secretary of State, WV Secretary of State Kris Warner provides voter registration update ahead of November General Election (1,210,297 registered voters; registration deadline October 13, 2026): https://sos.wv.gov/article/wv-secretary-state-kris-warner-provides-voter-registration-update-ahead-november-general

- Verification steps without a stable URL: (1) Mason County excess levy renewal and the Treasurer's data-center revenue estimate — search the Charleston Gazette-Mail and WV MetroNews for Mason County levy and Treasurer Larry Pack data center coverage, October 2026, and this show's October 25, 2026 episode. (2) Provisional ballot and ID-cure procedure — search GoVoteWV for the Secretary of State Elections Frequently Asked Questions on provisional ballots and photo ID exceptions.

AI Generated

Rhode Island's sixteen-year-old school funding formula may be rebuilt: the Blue Ribbon Commission wants the state to fund the full cost of education, including high-cost special education, while RIDE's October 1, 2026 analysis prices the formula change at $525 million more a year — and a sixteen-member legislative commission must hold its first meeting by October 31, 2026.

Sources:

- Rhode Island General Assembly, press release creating the special joint legislative commission to study the education funding formula (2026-H 8351Aaa / 2026-S 3368aa; McNamara, Gallo, Lawson, Blazejewski, Cicilline quotes): https://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=376709

- Rhode Island Foundation, "Equalizing Opportunity: Creating a Fair and Transparent Funding System for Rhode Island's Public Schools" — Blue Ribbon Commission executive summary and four recommendations: https://rifoundation.org/news/equalizing-opportunity-creating-a-fair-and-transparent-funding-system-for-rhode-islands-public-schools

- Rhode Island Current, October 2026 report on RIDE's October 1, 2026 analysis ($525 million formula-aid estimate; $314 million state-only estimate; district-by-district effects; Barnett and Santos responses), read via the Reporter Today republication: http://reportertoday.com/premium/stories/how-much-more-report-suggests-more-work-to-be-done-to-redo-rhode-islands-school-funding,55452

- Rhode Island General Laws 16-7.2-3, Permanent foundation education aid established (Core Instruction Amount; 40 percent Student Success Factor): https://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/2022/title-16/chapter-16-7-2/section-16-7-2-3/

- Rhode Island General Laws 16-7.2-6, Categorical programs, state funded expenses (high-cost special education threshold above four times the core foundation amount; proration): https://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/title-16/chapter-16-7-2/section-16-7-2-6/

- Rhode Island House Fiscal Staff, Education Aid analysis (FY2025 high-cost special education threshold $69,076; $15.0 million funded vs. $22.0 million eligible): https://rilegislature.gov/Special/comdoc/Senate%20Finance%205212020/FY2025%20Education%20Aid.pdf

- Blue Ribbon Commission legislators' fact sheet on Senate Bill 3015 (Core Education Amount, tiered weights, current-year special education reimbursement, double-the-shortfall provision, March 1 aid estimates): http://stdidcraftstage001.blob.core.windows.net/rifoundation/documents/For-Legislators-Fact-Sheet.pdf

- Joint resolution text, 2026-S 3368 (commission charge; final report by September 1, 2027; expires December 1, 2027): https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/SenateText26/S3368.pdf

- The Providence Journal, "RI Foundation plan would overhaul school funding, shift costs to state" (January 5, 2026; preferred scenario $590 million state increase, $278 million municipal savings): https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2026/01/05/rhode-island-foundation-plan-would-overhaul-school-funding-shift-costs-to-state/87723493007/

- Focal News / Providence Journal, "Rhode Island districts cut staff and seek savings as school costs climb" (October 21, 2026; Cranston, East Providence, Newport, Warwick, Pawtucket, Providence budget facts): https://focalnews.org/providence-ri/local/rhode-island-districts-cut-staff-and-seek-savings-as-school-costs-climb

- To verify the RIDE October 1, 2026 report directly: search ride.ri.gov and rilegislature.gov for "funding formula" and the report submitted to the General Assembly under the fiscal year 2027 budget act. To verify the Richmond Town Council presentation: search citizenportal.ai for "Blue Ribbon Commission outlines school funding overhaul Richmond".

AI Generated

New Rochelle spent at least $3,328,452.60 in tuition and transportation on four students at Shrub Oak International School — a private school the State Education Department said in writing was not state-approved, could not be recommended by a committee on special education, and had no state funding mechanism — and payments continued into 2023-24 after warnings in 2020, a hearing, and a State Review Officer decision. A judge ordered the district's Shrub Oak legal bills disclosed on September 3, 2026; the district appealed, and the fight over those bills is now before the Appellate Division, Second Department.

Sources:

- Talk of the Sound, Oct. 8, 2026, New Rochelle Spent Millions on Four Students at Unapproved Private School, Then Fought to Keep the Bills Secret: https://talkofthesound.com/2026/10/08/new-rochelle-spent-millions-on-four-students-at-unapproved-private-school-then-fought-to-keep-the-bills-secret/

- Talk of the Sound, Oct. 19, 2026, New Rochelle School District Fights to Keep Shrub Oak Legal Bills Secret During Appeal: https://talkofthesound.com/2026/10/19/new-rochelle-school-district-fights-to-keep-shrub-oak-legal-bills-secret-during-appeal/

- NYSED State Review Officer Decision No. 21-158 (2021): https://www.sro.nysed.gov/decision/2021/21-158

- 8 NYCRR 200.7, program standards and approval of private schools for students with disabilities (NYSED): https://www.nysed.gov/special-education/section-2007-program-standards-education-programs-students-and-preschool-students

- Chapter 853 of the Laws of 1976 framework (NYS Senate resolution on 853 schools): https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2015/J6212

- ProPublica, May 2024, investigation of Shrub Oak International School (search ProPublica's site for Shrub Oak International School, May 8, 2024, by Jennifer Smith Richards and Jodi S. Cohen)

- Verification steps: check NYSED's approved private schools list (nysed.gov, Special Education, approved private schools) and confirm Shrub Oak International School does not appear; check the Appellate Division, Second Department docket for Matter of Cox v. City School District of New Rochelle, Docket No. 2026-10900, via NYSCEF for the stay-motion decision.

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Eleven days after the Silver Rail Elementary shooting, Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency for Bend-La Pine and the High Desert ESD, and the district told families Silver Rail will reopen — 86.2 percent voted to return, the building stays closed for repairs through November 6, and the special education services owed under IDEA and Section 504 never paused.

Sources:

- Governor Kotek, Governor Kotek Outlines Next Steps of State Response to Silver Rail Elementary Tragedy (Oct. 26, 2026; Executive Order 26-28, agency assignments, December Emergency Board bridge funding, safe storage directive): https://www.einpresswire.com/article/952419565/governor-kotek-outlines-next-steps-of-state-response-to-silver-rail-elementary-tragedy

- Statesman Journal, Kotek declares emergency after Silver Rail school shooting in Bend (Oct. 26, 2026; Williams 90-substitute detail, Paid Leave Oregon up to 12 weeks, safe storage law and fines, amount not yet clear): https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/politics/2026/10/26/oregon-governor-declares-emergency-after-silver-rail-school-shooting/92447608007/

- MyCentralOregon, Silver Rail Elementary Plans To Reopen After Family Survey (Oct. 28, 2026; district's Oct. 27 letter: 86.2 percent, closed through November 6, Fire Marshal exit doors, Bend-La Pine Online / another school options, engagement sessions next week): https://www.mycentraloregon.com/2026/10/28/silver-rail-elementary-plans-to-reopen-after-family-survey/

- MyCentralOregon, School Officials Evaluate Silver Rail Elementary Return to Learn Plan (Oct. 22, 2026; survey review from Oct. 26, no school Oct. 26-30, Boys and Girls Club child care, grab-and-go meals at R.E. Jewell Elementary): https://www.mycentraloregon.com/2026/10/22/school-officials-evaluate-silver-rail-elementary-return-to-learn-plan/

- U.S. Department of Education, School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) — program description, eligibility tests, and application contents: https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/response-programs/safe-and-supportive-schools/school-emergency-response-to-violence-project-serv

- Les Schwab Foundation press release (Oct. 27, 2026; $100,000 commitment: $40,000 Silver Rail, $30,000 Bend-La Pine, $30,000 via Oregon Community Foundation): https://www.lesschwab.com/newsroom/press-release/les-schwab-foundation-commits-100000.html

- Focal News, Bend-La Pine families divided over return to school after Silver Rail attack (Oct. 21, 2026; parent petition 1,500+ signatures, Nov. 10 board meeting): https://focalnews.org/portland-or/local/bend-la-pine-families-divided-over-return-to-school-after-silver-rail-attack

To verify Executive Order 26-28 directly: search oregon.gov for 'Executive Order 26-28' for the full text linked in the governor's release. To verify the district's return date when announced: search blschools.org for 'Silver Rail' family updates.

AI Generated

On October 26, 2026, Virginia lawmakers voted to hire an expert to design a replacement for the state's 52-year-old Standards of Quality school funding formula — the JLARC audit behind the move, the special education aide gap (about 1,700 funded versus roughly 11,400 employed), Spotsylvania County's 68-percent-local special education bill, and the design choices that will decide what the new formula means for students with disabilities.

Sources:

- WHRO / Virginia Mercury, Virginia lawmakers approve plan to advance new K-12 school funding formula (October 28, 2026; the October 26 subcommittee vote, Locke and Price quotes, VDOE consultant timeline, FY23-FY28 funding increases): https://www.whro.org/education-news/2026-10-28/virginia-lawmakers-approve-plan-to-advance-new-k-12-school-funding-formula

- Fredericksburg Free Press, 'It's outrageous': Spotsylvania schools clamor for more state funding (October 27, 2026; Trayer presentation: $49.1M special education cost, 68% local, nine classrooms, $1.6M staffing, autism enrollment 470 to 815): https://www.fredericksburgfreepress.com/2026/10/27/its-outrageous-spotsylvania-schools-clamor-for-more-state-funding/

- The Commonwealth Institute, SOQ and LCI: What They Are and How They Impact School Funding (updated July 2025; formula mechanics, 55/45 split, 1971 history, student-based option): https://thecommonwealthinstitute.org/tci_blog/soq-and-lci-what-they-are-and-how-they-impact-school-funding/

- Virginia Education Association, JLARC SOQ Report Fact Sheet (other states ~14% / ~$1,900 more per student; higher-needs underfunding): https://www.veanea.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/JLARC-SOQ-Report-Fact-Sheet.pdf

- JLARC, Virginia's K-12 Funding Formula report (delivered July 10, 2023; Table 9-1 student-based example) — to verify directly: search jlarc.virginia.gov for the K-12 funding formula report Rpt575 and open the PDF.

- SB 977 (2025) five near-term JLARC components and the 1,700 vs 11,400 aide figures as stated by Sen. Hashmi in committee — to verify: search citizenportal.ai for 'Senate debate advances broad education-funding overhaul SB 977 Virginia'.

AI Generated

More than eighty parents trained alongside youth services and special education staff in the Northern Mariana Islands on how to shape their children's individualized education programs, through locally voiced Project Higai modules that stay available after hours at youth centers.

Sources:

- Marianas Press, CNMI PSS Special Education Program Project Higai Hosts 2026 IEP Module Training in Partnership with DCCA Department of Youth Services (September 18, 2026 training at Pacific Islands Club; 80+ parents, DYS staff, and SPED professionals; fourth-year partnership) — https://marianaspress.com/news/article/cnmi-pss-special-education-program-project-higai-hosts-2026-iep-module-training-in-partnership-with-dcca-department-of-youth-services

- U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Final Determination Letters for Northern Mariana Islands, June 16, 2026 (Part C, Needs Assistance) and June 18, 2026 (Part B, Needs Assistance), via CNMI PSS at cnmipss.org and sites.ed.gov/idea 2026 SPP/APR and State Determination Letters, Part B and Part C — Northern Mariana Islands

- CNMI PSS, 2026 SPP/APR Part B — Northern Mariana Islands (Project Higai State Personnel Development Grant, October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2028; partners Guam CEDDERS, PROGRESS Center, NASDSE, and local Parent Training and Information program) — search sites.ed.gov IDEA files for 2026 SPP/APR Northern Mariana Islands Part B

- CNMI PSS, FY 2025 Citizen Centric Report (Special Education Program served 1,122 students birth to 21 in SY2024-25) — https://www.opacnmi.com/oockuvoa/2025/10/CNMI-Public-School-System-FY-2025-CCR.pdf

- Marianas Press, PSS ends substitute teaching contracts amid budget crisis; government lawsuit not filed (lawsuit authorized October 13; no filing documented in detailed reporting checked October 28, 2026) — https://marianaspress.com/news/article/pss-ends-substitute-teaching-contracts-amid-budget-crisis-government-lawsuit-not-filed

- Commonwealth Election Commission, 2026 General Election important dates (early voting for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota October 27 to November 2, 2026; general election November 3, 2026, polls 7 AM to 7 PM) — search votecnmi.gov.mp for 2026 General Election important dates

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Guam's fiscal 2025 single audit questioned $9.3 million in federal spending, found repeat compliance failures across the special education and early intervention programs it tested, and recorded 23 years as a high-risk federal grantee — this deep dive explains what the auditors found, why fiscal controls are part of how a FAPE is delivered in Guam's unitary system, the five federal fiscal year 2026 specific conditions the system must now satisfy, and the corrective action plan that will be checked next.

Sources:

- Guam News Network, "GDOE audit questions $9.3M in federal spending, flags late financial close" (reporting the Office of Public Accountability / Ernst & Young FY2025 audit and GDOE's response) — https://guamnewsnetwork.com/news/gdoe-audit-questions-9-3m-in-federal-spending-flags-late

- Guam Department of Education, Internal Audit Office, "High Risk Designation & Special Conditions" (FFY2026 specific conditions; FFY2003 designation history) — https://gdoeiao.weebly.com/high-risk-designation--special-conditions.html

- Guam Department of Education, Integrated Monitoring Manual (revised April 2026) — unitary system, Division of Special Education, Compliance Monitoring Office, one-year correction rule — https://gdoe.net/files/page/2442/Monitoring_Manual_april_2026.pdf

- U.S. Department of Education, OSEP, 2026 SPP/APR and State Determination Letters, Part C — Guam (Needs Assistance; specific conditions in effect 3+ years) — https://sites.ed.gov/idea/idea-files/2026-spp-apr-and-state-determination-letters-part-c-guam/gu-c-spp-apr-ffy24/

- Isla Public Radio / KPRG, "WASC restores accreditation for Guam schools after purchase order problem resolved," October 7, 2026 — https://www.islapublic.org/news/2026-10-07/wasc-restores-accreditation-for-guam-schools-after-purchase-order-problem-resolved

- To verify the audit directly: search opaguam.org for the Guam Department of Education FY2025 Financial Highlights and Single Audit (Ernst & Young LLP), Finding 2025-001 and the Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs.

- To verify the specific conditions rule: search ecfr.gov for 2 CFR 200.207, "Specific conditions," and 2 CFR 200.344(b) on liquidation of obligations.

- U.S. Department of Education, OSEP, 2026 Determination Letter, Part B — Guam (June 18, 2026; Needs Assistance, RDA 78.10%; FFY2025 SPP/APR and technical-assistance report due February 1, 2027) — https://sites.ed.gov/idea/idea-files/2026-spp-apr-and-state-determination-letters-part-b-guam/gu-b-spp-apr-ffy24/

AI Generated

Sixty percent decides everything: Rapid City's $107M bond, Groton's $26M bond, Sioux Falls' proposed $105M bond with dedicated RISE special education space, and Oldham-Ramona-Rutland's Nov. 10 dissolution vote — and what each means for students with disabilities under IDEA.

Sources:

- South Dakota News Watch, Local and legislative elections to watch this November (Oct. 16, 2026): https://www.sdnewswatch.org/local-legislative-south-dakota-elections-2026/

- Argus Leader, Less than 2 weeks out: Local and legislative elections to watch (Oct. 21, 2026): https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/10/21/south-dakota-legislative-midterm-elections/92364205007/

- Rapid City Area Schools, official bond information and ballot language (District 51-4, $107,000,000, 60% supermajority): https://www.rcas.org/page/bond-information

- KOTA Radio, $107 Million School Bond Proposal Heads to Rapid City School Board Vote (Apr. 3, 2026): https://www.kotaradio.com/2026/04/03/107-million-school-bond-proposal-heads-to-rapid-city-school-board-vote/

- South Dakota Education Association / Rapid City Education Association, The Rapid City Education Association SUPPORTS the RCAS BOND (Oct. 26, 2026): https://www.sdea.org/RapidCityBond

- Argus Leader, SFSD seeks community input on $105M bond proposal via online survey (Oct. 22, 2026): https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/education/2026/10/22/sfsd-seeks-community-input-on-105m-bond-proposal-via-online-survey/92369307007/

- Argus Leader, SFSD leaders propose $105M bond for May 2027 bond election (Sept. 24, 2026): https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/education/2026/09/24/sioux-falls-school-district-sfsd-may-2027-bond-election/91915045007/

- The Dakota Scout, $105M bond proposed to replace Whittier Middle School, add west-side elementary (Oct. 9, 2026): https://www.thedakotascout.com/p/105m-bond-proposed-to-replace-whittier-middle-school-add-west-side-elementary

- Brookings Register, Oldham-Ramona-Rutland school district survives dissolution vote (Dec. 2025 canvass: 363-363 tie, four provisional ballots against, 49.7% / 50.3%)

- SDPB, Election Day is Nov. 3. But some South Dakota voters will head to the polls throughout November (Oct. 28, 2026): https://www.sdpb.org/podcast/dakota-political-junkies/2026-10-28/election-day-is-nov-3-but-some-south-dakota-voters-will-head-to-the-polls-throughout-november

- Special Education's Shrinking Dollar (Bellwether FY16-FY24 analysis, Oct. 13, 2026): https://educationhotdish.substack.com/p/special-educations-shrinking-dollar

- South Dakota Legislature, 2026 Senate Bill 106 (extraordinary cost fund, SDCL 13-37-40): https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/295887.htm

- U.S. Department of Education, OSEP, 2026 Part B Determination Letter and SPP/APR for South Dakota (June 18, 2026 — Meets Requirements): https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/SD-B-SPP-APR-FFY24.pdf

- Advocacy Institute, How the States Stack Up: 2026 IDEA State Determinations (June 23, 2026): https://www.advocacyinstitute.org/blog/?p=1544

- South Dakota Department of Education, UPDATED 2025-26 Accountability Technical Manual (public report card release Oct. 30, 2026): https://doe.sd.gov/reportcard/documents/26-Accountability-TM.pdf

- KOTA Radio, South Dakota ACT Scores Top National Average for Sixth Straight Year (Oct. 15, 2026; DOE: Class of 2026 composite 21.1 vs national 19.2): https://www.kotaradio.com/2026/10/15/south-dakota-act-scores-top-national-average-for-sixth-straight-year-rapid-city-s-d-south-dakotas-class-of-2026-once-again-outperformed-the-nation-on-the-act-continuing-a-six-year-streak-of-sc/

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