PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -
Democratic legislative leaders say Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard's plan to give bonuses to top teachers is flawed because it does not increase state financial aid to help school districts with their basic operating budgets.
But Republican lawmakers say they support Daugaard's plan because it focuses on boosting student achievement.
Daugaard's plan would give annual bonuses of $5,000 to the top 20 percent of each school district's teachers. Lawmakers have revised the plan to let school districts follow the governor's plan, create their own teacher reward plans on not take part at all.
House Democratic Leader Bernie Hunhoff of Yankton says the state should replace money cut from school aid last year. Republicans say school aid will increase in the budget that will be passed in the next two weeks.
