"I think there has been lip service and there has been a lot of discussion but until our lawmakers decide that our schools our deserving we will continue to be 51st in the nation," says Lois Walpole, President of the Aberdeen Teachers Association.

South dakota ranks last in the nation for teacher salary and educators continue to voice their concerns about the quality of education children will receive because of it.

"We are going to hit a real crisis in finding teachers, good quality teachers to teach our children in specific areas.>

Some lawmakers say that paying teachers more for teaching in certain areas may be a solution. But many say that is a band aid for a big problem and that pay needs to increase across the board.

"I am afraid that there are teachers in our area who do move out of state. There are teachers in our area who leave the profession. there are teachers in our area who maintain a second job to be able to support their families. By and large I do believe we will have an exodus of teachers out of South Dakota."

And many school districts have taken drastic measures to prevent that exodus by suing the state.

"I would hope that in south dakota we could reach a settlement out of court much like north dakota did."

And with testimony about inadequate funding already underway, educators are hoping lawmakers will get the message.