Student transportation in South Dakota: FAQ for district transportation leaders
Answers to common questions from South Dakota transportation directors, with a link to the official source for every answer. Updated November 2026. State rules change, so confirm details with the South Dakota Department of Education before you act on them.
How does South Dakota fund its schools?
South Dakota pays general state aid as a district's local need minus its local effort, or zero if the result is negative. To figure need, the Department of Education uses fall enrollment, the K-12 students enrolled in the district's schools on the last Friday of September. Clean stop and rider records going into that date give your team a clear picture of who you serve.
Sources: SDCL 13-13-73 and SDCL 13-13-10.1
When does a district qualify for sparsity aid?
State law defines a sparse district using criteria that include a fall enrollment of 500 or fewer and 0.50 or fewer students per sq mi. Qualifying districts receive sparsity aid, and no sparse district can receive more than $137,000 in a fiscal year.
Sources: SDCL 13-13-78 and SDCL 13-13-79
What training do South Dakota school bus drivers need?
Every school bus driver completes training at least once every 5 years and pays any training fees. The training covers first aid, bus safety and managing passengers in the classroom, plus behind-the-wheel practice. Districts report every school bus driver they employ to the Department of Education each year.
Sources: SDCL 13-29-21 and SD Department of Education, transportation
Who inspects school buses in South Dakota?
Buses owned by a district or a nonpublic school, or run under contract, are inspected before each school year by an inspector approved by the South Dakota Highway Patrol. The Highway Patrol also handles school bus enforcement.
Sources: SDCL 13-29-6 and SD Department of Education, transportation
Can districts share or contract bus service?
Yes. A school board may run buses for students from within or outside the district, and it can contract with another school district to provide bus service.
Sources: SDCL 13-29-1 and SDCL 13-29-3
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