South Dakota opt-out vote: A sociological analysis

This secondary data study examines school district election behavior in the State of South Dakota, using aspects found in a community, or school district. This study uses the community capital theory to identify which of several factors are most associated with a successful opt-out vote. The factors identified by the theory and the independent variables in this research are: Human Capital; Financial Capital; Cultural Capital/Legacy; Natural Resource Capital. Political Capital which may be measured by the outcome of the opt-out vote is the dependent variable. Statistical testing indicated the following: (1) Cultural Capita/Legacy, as measured, was most closely associated with a successful opt-out vote; (2) Educational level of a community does have an impact on voter behavior in a South Dakota school district opt-out election; and (3) Housing value does have a positive impact on South Dakota school district opt-out election results. This research serves as a starting point in how to understand the multiple types of community capital that impact one social institution, in this case the local school district. This study points out the significant scarcity in research looking at rural educational funding, community impact, and resources utilized to support education in South Dakota. The researcher concludes that further research into this area is needed.