YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota average teacher pay has again joined Mississippi at the bottom of the national list. That average briefly jumped into the mid-40s following the passage of a half cent sales tax in 2017 to pay for salary increases.

Representative Mike Stevens of Yankton says teacher pay needs constant attention.

Stevens, a member of the Education Committee, says many districts have been able to stay competitive.

The legislature agreed on a two-point four percent increase in state aid to education for the next school year. Stevens says that took some persuasion.

The states average for teacher pay is now just under $49,000 a year.