After multiple motions and votes, disapproval by one board member about violations of Robert's Rules of Order and the president temporarily stepping down as chairman, the Rapid City school board delayed a final vote Thursday night on joining the coalition that helps fund the lawsuit against the state over adequately funding education.

Members of the board's budget and finance committee last month considered joining the South Dakota Coalition of Schools, and possibly donating $10,000 to the coalition as it moves forward to appeal to the state's Supreme Court. Committee members decided to first look into possible joining with Sioux Falls, which privately contracts with Dick Tieszen for lobbying. A meeting with Sioux Falls officials is planned for Friday.

But administrators unexpectedly brought forward two motions to the board Thursday night: that the board join the coalition for a $600 yearly fee, and/or donate $10,000 to the coalition as it appeals the earlier decision by Circuit Court Judge Lori Wilbur that sided with the state.

Coalition attorney Scott Abdallah, of Sioux Falls, has said the appeals process has already started and he expected the court to hear oral arguments next summer, with a decision to follow.

Almost 100, or about two-thirds, of the state's school districts have supported the lawsuit and 92 have joined the coalition, including Sioux Falls and Aberdeen.

Board member Sheryl Kirkeby said she was confused as to why the addendums were added to the agenda Thursday night, because the committee never made a recommendation about it.

"We were not going to move forward with this," she said.

Board president Wes Storm said he was OK with the board waiting until a board study session Saturday to discuss it, even though a vote could not be taken.

Later in the meeting, board members went back and forth about whether the decision should be made that night, whether it should be discussed at the Saturday meeting or at the next regular board meeting.

Storm handed the presidency over to vice president Bret Swanson so he could make a motion to wait until the next board meeting. That was after Kirkeby had twice made "point of order," declarations, saying that Storm was not following procedures for motions and votes.

"I want it on the record," she said.

Board member Doug Kinniburgh said he was ready to vote right then that the board should not donate money to the coalition.

"The money will go solely to the attorneys for the appeal," he said.

Board member Leah Lutheran said the previous board decided not to support the lawsuit because it would be more beneficial to work with the legislature.

Board member Suzan Nolan said she felt rushed into having to make a decision. She said she could understand both sides, but leaned more toward supporting the coalition because similar lawsuits in other states have been successful in providing more money to education.

"What do we do?" she asked. "The legislature is not coming forward to give us money to fund our schools."

Kirkeby said the board members should hear what Sioux Falls school officials say Friday before making a decision. The coalition advocates for smaller schools, she said, and Rapid City needs its own advocate.

"I'm all for the sparsity factor," she said, "but I'm tired of subsidizing small schools."

Board members approved the motion to continue the discussion at its Oct. 15 board meeting. Lutheran and Kinniburgh voted no, and the other members voted yes.

Contact Kayla Gahagan at 394-8410 or kayla.gahagan@rapidcityjournal.com