This is the fourth of a series of comprehensive State school financing studies conducted by the National Educational Finance Project. The report provides a summary of study findings and recommendations, a brief overview of the existing State school support program in South Dakota, a complete report and summary of the findings of each of seven special studies, and recommendations for improving the South Dakota State school finance program. Special studies included in the report include a study and analysis of the sparsity factor in the apportionment of South Dakota State school support funds, an examination of the economic status of teaching personnel, a comparison of fiscal ability and fiscal effort among districts, cost indices for educational programs in South Dakota, an analysis of school district organization, an examination of the financing of public school construction, and an analysis and assessment of South Dakota's public transportation program. (Author/DN)