News
Legislative roundup: The 4th week of the legislative session
TEACHER SALARIES: South Carolina would scrap incentive pay for teachers earning a prestigious national certification under a cost-cutting measure given initial approval by legislators. A House Ways and Means subcommittee voted Tuesday to halt the $7,500 annual stipend for teachers
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Senate still at odds over proposal
Some senators expressed concern about the impact on schools during Thursday's floor debate.
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Sanford seeking stimulus funds for education
Gov. Mark Sanford flew to Washington on Thursday to tell the Obama administration that South Carolina wants $300 million in federal stimulus money.
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S.C. legislators may halt teacher stipend program
South Carolina would scrap incentive pay for teachers earning a prestigious national certification under a cost-cutting measure given initial approval by legislators.
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S.C. legislative action for the 3rd week of the Legislative Session
Budget-schools: South Carolina teachers would take a pay cut, and students would take fewer tests under cost-cutting measures that won initial legislative approval Tuesday. A House panel crafting the education budget for the next fiscal year voted unanimously to require that teachers statewide take a five-day furlough and that administrators take 10 days, saving roughly $100 million in salaries. The subcommittee also voted unanimously to suspend all tests not required under federal law, ...
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Cigarette tax plan would benefit schools
Lawmakers are trying to figure out how to fill a more than $500 million hole in the state's budget for its next fiscal year, which starts July 1. Public education makes up 38 percent of that budget and is a likely target for cuts.
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S.C. teachers object to furlough proposal
A proposal to furlough teachers for five days to help make up a $563 million state budget shortfall would likely hurt morale but not have a big impact on students, some educators say.
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SC legislators consider inter-district transfers
Students attending schools with chronically low test scores could transfer to a better-performing school in another district under a proposal being considered by South Carolina legislators.
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Budget cuts could mean major changes in schools
House budget writers are considering shortening the school year by five days, reducing the number of credits needed for graduation and cutting the amount of money
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Bill would make some political officers appointed by gov.
A bill lawmakers will discuss soon proposes a referendum that would make the superintendent of education a gubernatorial appointee.
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Sanford's last address is tonight
Embattled governor focusing on 3 objectives in final year in office
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SC lawmakers return for session's second week
In the House, legislators are scheduled to discuss a bill that would allow the governor to appoint the state education superintendent, instead of having voters pick who they want.
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SC testing, education programs could be cut
South Carolina's schools chief said Thursday he'll ask legislators to suspend some mandates, such as testing, to help schools deal with shrinking budgets.
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National report card ranks S.C. No. 11
South Carolina gets top scores for academic standards, school accountability and teacher support in a national report card issued this week.
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State’s long-term revenue outlook gloomy
State government faces a “long-term revenue deterioration,” in part because of an increasing reliance on sales and income tax, according to the state’s chief economist.
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Pre-filed bills to watch in the General Assembly
More than 100 bills were pre-filed by members of the State House and Senate for consideration during the regular session of the 118th South Carolina General Assembly between Nov. 17 and Dec. 15.
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S.C. Chamber wants state ‘work force czar,' more effort to improve schools, port
Chamber officials said there has been discussion about re-directing some state lottery money to benefit education from kindergarten through the 12th grade, but no specific plan has emerged.
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Legislators face critical budget year in new session.
Amid efforts to raise South Carolina’s cigarette tax, change the unemployment-benefits system and prod the economy to life, lawmakers will face another critical budget year.
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State works to attract new teachers
Up to half of South Carolina's teachers will be eligible for retirement in the next decade. Hardest hit will be the state's rural school districts, already struggling to attract teachers.
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Budget cuts: State to trim spending
New revenue estimates say South Carolina will take in less than was expected when lawmakers passed the state's $5.3 billion spending plan in June. The cut, expected to take an equal percentage from all state agencies, will be at least $120 million.
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Bonuses for best teachers in S.C. lose vote
Panel urges end to program but legislators could still save it
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Governor Opens Door After Four
Governor Sanford held another of his "Open Door After Four" meetings Monday - the first since a house subcommittee voted against an impeachment resolution.
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WIS Class Act school supply drive
Teachers all over the state spend hundreds of dollars of their own money to buy school supplies for their classroom. Many can't afford it. Last year dozens of very generous people donated time, money and school supplies to area teachers.
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HARD TIMES: School budgets dip, class sizes grow
Like a seesaw on the school playground, falling state budgets are pushing class sizes higher. The recession is forcing districts to lay off teachers even as the economic stimulus pumps billions of dollars into schools. As a result, classrooms across the country will be more crowded when school starts in the fall.
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Obama offers 'Race to the Top' contest for schools
Using money as bait, President Barack Obama challenged states and school districts Friday to raise their academic standards, improve teacher quality and allow more innovation if they want a chance at roughly $5 billion in new grants.
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Supplies needed to give kids fresh start this school year
“Something as small as a book bag,” she said. “They have to have that new book bag to start the new year off. Without it, they feel like they're not starting on the same level as their classmates.”
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More state jobs at risk
State agencies have had to slash $1.4 billion from their budgets, with public schools among the hardest hit. State-supported colleges, health care and prisons also have had to cope with less money, and forecasters said they see no end in sight.
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GOP Leaving 'No Child' Behind
As the Obama administration considers new legislation to fix schools, House Republicans have chosen an education policy leader who is eager to turn the page on the No Child Left Behind era and roll back federal mandates for testing students.
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Rex supports national standards, Sanford blocks S.C.'s participation
For the first time since a wave of high-stakes tests swept the country during the past two decades, there is a serious effort to get one national set of academic standards instead of a different set for every state. But South Carolina is one of four states that have not signed on to the effort
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Study finds vouchers don't make difference
Students using vouchers to attend private schools in Florida are doing no better and no worse than similar students in public schools, says a study ordered by the state Legislature. "If the kids aren't doing better, then we really ought to reconsider why we're doing it,"
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Rex says stimulus will help fix some school problems
Instead of giving a customary speech, state Superintendent of Education Jim Rex fielded questions from a TV reporter and the public at his annual State of Our Schools address.
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SC education leader: Get ready for funding
Rex urged school leaders to begin planning for the funds, which will save about 500 teaching jobs and 100 nonteaching jobs across the state.
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Charter school planner is confident
It will likely be another two weeks before organizers of a Richland 2 charter school learn whether they will gain state approval to proceed with the proposed elementary school.
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'State of Our Schools' to be simulcast on Internet
State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex’s annual “State of Our Schools” address won’t be a traditional speech this year. In its place will be an extended, interactive interview simulcast online Wednesday by television stations across the state.
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Rex says stimulus funds will save jobs
Within the next two weeks, South Carolina public schools will receive $184 million in federal stimulus money that Superintendent of Education Jim Rex said will save jobs.
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Newsweek praises 22 S.C. schools
Twenty-two S.C. public schools have been recognized by Newsweek magazine for challenging their students through Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate programs and more.
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Rainy day fund likely to be used - Income tax collections have fallen dramatically
The state likely will empty its rainy day account after high unemployment rates shot another hole through the state's budget forecasts Thursday.
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Report: State had best improvement in nation
South Carolina had the nation’s best improvement in high school graduation rates between 1996 and 2006, according to a new report released today by Education Week.
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SC officials creating 2020 education goals
South Carolina education officials are setting new accountability goals that public schools and students should meet over the next decade.
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Court rules Sanford must apply for stimulus funds
Gov. Mark Sanford must seek the $700 million in stimulus money he has tried to refuse, the S.C. Supreme Court said today.
In a ruling issued this afternoon, the Supreme Court wrote that Sanford is not the sole arbiter
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Rex says federal funds will be available in time to help students next school year
State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex said that today’s South Carolina Supreme Court ruling paves the way for federal stabilization funds to be drawn down quickly and sent to local school districts in time to help students next year.
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Watch the Arguments
Video of Wednesday morning's arguments before the S.C. Supreme Court provided by S.C. ETV
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S.C. will assist common core standards project without governor’s OK, Rex says
State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex said that South Carolina hopes to participate “to whatever extent possible” in a national effort announced today that aims to develop common academic standards in mathematics and English language arts.
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Stimulus battle might end by weekend
South Carolina’s highest court said three months of debate over $700 million in federal stimulus money could be settled by Friday.
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Sanford, Rex respond to stimulus funding lawsuits
Two cases filed Friday with the S.C. Supreme Court seek to require Gov. Mark Sanford to accept federal stimulus money. Sanford's lawyers responded today by filing to remove a suit filed by the S.C. Association of School Administrators from the S.C. Supreme Court to federal court, where they said it belongs. The governor said he would not respond to the other suit, filed by a Chapin High School senior and a University of South Carolina law student. S.C. Education Superintendent Jim Rex ...
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Stimulus showdown in U.S. Court
U.S. District Judge Joe Anderson will hear a motion by Gov. Mark Sanford today asking that a federal court decide the issues in three lawsuits seeking to control $700 million in federal stimulus money. Sanford opposes accepting the money unless an equal amount is used to repay state debt.
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Clyburn says consolidating stimulus lawsuits will lead to quicker resolution
U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn of South Carolina said this morning that he supports the consolidation of three lawsuits over the stimulus issue because he believes it will lead to a quicker resolution.
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Federal judge gets stimulus dispute
A state Supreme Court hearing over a disputed $700 million in federal stimulus money is on hold until a federal judge decides whether the case belongs in state or federal court.
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Rex agrees that governor should adhere to state budget that employs federal funds
State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex today agreed with the key points in a lawsuit that seeks to compel Governor Mark Sanford to accept federal stimulus funds aimed at helping schools and law enforcement agencies hit with massive budget cuts.
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Sanford: Stimulus suit about power, not money
Sanford is inappropriately asking a federal court to decide a state issue, McConnell said, accusing the governor of political theater.
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S.C. Governor Mark Sanford Sues Over $700M in Stimulus Money
The state's top educator said Sanford was obstructing government's fundamental job of educating children.
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How they voted
RISE SC urges public education supporters to thank the members of the General Assembly who had the courage to stand against the Governor and do what's best for South Carolinians. Please follow this link to see the roll call vote and how your House and Senate members voted.
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Governor vetoes $5.7 billion state budget over stimulus cash
Legislators promise an override, possibly coming as early as today...
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Busy closing week for S.C. lawmakers
S.C. lawmakers have three days left to put their stamp on a legislative session that may be remembered solely for the budget crunch and the fight over how to spend federal stimulus aid.
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Sanford suing General Assembly
Gov. Mark Sanford is taking the General Assembly to court after lawmakers required him to accept $350 million in disputed federal money
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S.C. public school teachers in wait-and-see mode regarding state budget
The standoff between Gov. Mark Sanford and legislators is leading to an uneasy weekend for hundreds of South Carolina public school teachers who usually know by this time of year whether they will be employed in the fall.
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Fair funding key to SC school success, says state superintendent
Comprehensive tax reform is essential to adequate,fair funding for public schools, state superintendent Jim Rex told the League of Women Voters of Hilton Head Island on Thursday. "There are a lot of children in South Carolina who don't have a real shot at the American dream...
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SC legislators kill private school choice bill
The latest effort to use taxpayer money to help parents send their children to private schools died Wednesday, though both supporters and opponents expect the issue to return next year.
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Budget ball in Sanford's court
The $700 million question remains. But now Gov. Mark Sanford has a $5.7 billion one on his desk. The issue with which he will wrestle is whether to accept a legislative edict to take the disputed federal stimulus funds, or say no again.
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Senate panel gives key endorsement to public school choice legislation
The Senate Education Committee today unanimously approved and sent to the full Senate a bill aimed at increasing the number and variety of choices available to students and their families.
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The State of South Carolina vs. Education
A group of impassioned legislators, educators and activists ... seek to amend the state’s constitutional language from what a 1999 state Supreme Court decision defined as a “minimally adequate” standard of education to a “high quality” one and renew focus on equitable funding and equal opportunities for all the state’s students.
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Sanford slams budget
Six legislative days remain before the General Assembly's anticipated adjournment and the deadline for the House and Senate to approve the proposed $5.7 billion state budget, which would go into effect July 1.
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Youngsters hunker down to PASS crucial, end-of-year state exam
If the name is any indication, South Carolina educators are optimistic about the new standardized state test.
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Local school budgets still waiting on lawmakers in Columbia
School districts continue to work on budgets for the 2009-2010 school year, despite having no clear picture of how much money the state will send them...
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Showdown on stimulus
(opinion)The $700 million in stimulus money — which South Carolina taxpayers will have to pay for regardless — will help save teaching jobs and inject money into the economy. State lawmakers made the right move in resisting the governor's obstinate
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Group decries tuition credit plan
As promised, Sen. Robert Ford didn't show up Monday night to sit around a table of community leaders and talk with more than 150 local residents about his proposed tax credit legislation.
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S.C. school welcomes furniture donated by Oak Brook firm
But principal sad that state has not met students' needs
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Tax credit plan ignores poor families’ economic realities
(opinion) It’s not about educating poor kids. Regardless of how much supporters pitch their latest pay-to-walk-away school-choice scheme as a way to help poor and black kids escape struggling public schools and find haven in private schools
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Northwestern teacher named best in state
...he challenged teachers statewide to make South Carolina education shine next school year.
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School choice bill given unfavorable grade
Ford's Education Opportunity Act would grant tax credits ranging from more than $2,000 to more than $4,000 to parents of students who move their children from
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Alternate budget rejected
The S.C. Senate stuck to plan Tuesday, rejecting an alternative budget that did not depend on federal aid.
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Group to hold public forum
Charleston education advocates said Sen. Robert Ford hasn't heard what the community has to say about his proposed tuition tax credit legislation, so they will host a public meeting next week to give his constituents a chance to speak their minds.
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The Sanford solution: ‘Just shoot me now’
(opinion) IF YOUR doctor said you had two years to live, would you reply, “Just shoot me now”?
Outlandish question? OK. If your boss told you she would have to lay you off in two years, would you pack up your things and walk out the door?
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S.C. legislative action for week #14
Highlights and summaries of last week's legislative activity.
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Rex speaks to the Senate K-12 Education Subcommittee
Dr. Rex spoke yesterday to the Senate K-12 Education Subcommittee abouttwo bills: the public school choice bill that he supports and the
private school tax credit bill that he opposes. (The full Senate K-12 Education Committee will likely vote on both bills next week.)
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Schools budgets tight without fed funds
If Gov. Mark Sanford releases federal stabilization funds, the Aiken County School District's budget crisis could be eased somewhat. Without it, administrators said Tuesday, the district may have to seriously consider teacher and administrator furloughs...
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It turns out we’re not the big debtor Sanford suggests
(opinion)
Mark Sanford would have loved my parents. They taught me to avoid debt at all costs. I bought my first car with cash. I did take out a college loan, but I paid it all off before interest charges started accruing.
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Lunch tray recycling program announced
State officials say they will start a pilot program to recycle school lunch trays and curb the amount of lunchroom trash.
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S.C. attorney general won’t fight suit going straight to state’s high court
“The buck stops at the Supreme Court,” said Republican Majority Leader Sen. Harvey Peeler, R-Cherokee, who said lawmakers are seeking clarity on what to do next.
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S.C. legislative update
STATE BUDGET: South Carolina legislators moved Wednesday to force Gov. Mark Sanford's hand on taking $350 million in federal stimulus cash that he argues should be used to reduce state debt instead of being put into school budgets.
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S.C. schools more important than the national limelight
Gov. Mark Sanford this week signed into law a bill that gives school districts greater flexibility in the way they use their money during the current hard times. Now if he would only agree to give the schools more money.
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Sanford signs bill; S.C. schools gain budget freedom
A new law will allow South Carolina schools to suspend programs such as character education and SAT improvement to help keep teachers employed amid budget cuts.
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Recession Stalls State-Financed Pre-Kindergarten, but Federal Money May Help
One of the most drastic expansions of public education in recent American history unfolded quietly in this decade, as dozens of states added free pre-kindergarten classes to their traditional kindergarten to high school offerings.
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SC gov still faces protests, criticism on stimulus
"He is anti-public education. That's all this is," Clyburn, D-S.C., told reporters before a speech at The Citadel. "He will do anything he possibly can to destroy public education."
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‘Sanfordville' set up to protest stimulus stance
A few blocks from the Governor's Mansion, a group of protesters on Tuesday set up tents at a downtown park and dubbed the area "Sanfordville," a throwback to the Depression-era shanty towns named for President Herbert Hoover.
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Sanford will ask for funds, but ...
He won’t release the $700 million until he and Legislature strike deal on debt
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Schools to begin receiving economic stimulus money, but not in SC
"It would be an unfortunate policy outcome if the children of South Carolina were to be deprived of their share of federal stimulus dollars ...
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Rally urges Sanford to 'Take the money'
More than 1,000 teachers, college students and others converged on the State House Wednesday with a message for Gov. Mark Sanford...
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Stimulus standoff shifting - Attorney general backs Governor
South Carolina is poised to become the first state to shrug off federal stimulus money intended to help recession-battered schools, throwing hundreds of teacher jobs into jeopardy because lawmakers doubt Washington can mandate how the state spends money.
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Minority, low-income students in S.C. closing ‘gap’
South Carolina's minority and low-income students are closing the test-score gap with their non-minority and higher-income peers, according to a national report released Tuesday.
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Schools stand to lose more jobs
Education groups will rally at the State House today to urge Gov. Mark Sanford to accept $700 million in stimulus aid, most of which would go to education
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Education job losses could top 5,000 in S.C., officials say
If South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford doesn’t apply for federal economic stimulus money, South Carolina could lose more than 5,000 public school jobs, according to information released Thursday.
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Tuition tax credit foes hold rally to air views
NAACP and other Charleston leaders rallied Monday in opposition to a bill proposed by state Sen. Robert Ford that would offer tuition tax credits to those whose children attend private schools.
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Private schools skeptical of choice bill
Some say they cannot educate some students now in public schools. Others are physically too small to accept an influx of students. Still others fret the taxpayer money would come with strings attached.
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Economic lessons, challenging times for state education says Rex
Challenges, both long-term and immediate, fiscal and physical are facing South Carolina's public education system, according to the state's top education administrator.
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State superintendent: School choice plan 'irresponsible'
The state's budget crisis makes it more important than ever for lawmakers to defeat a voucher bill introduced this week that would "rob" hundreds of millions of dollars from public schools and other state agencies, state Superintendent of Education Jim Rex said Thursday.
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Clyburn asks US Education chief for stimulus funds
U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn said Thursday he's working with the U.S. Education Department to make sure his home state doesn't lose education money that Gov Mark Sanford has refused to seek.
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Schools eager for flex spending
As South Carolina has fallen deeper into recession, public schools have been hit with severe budget cuts that have left administrators desperate for a reprieve from the strings legislators attach to education funding, and Thursday they got one step closer to having that freedom.
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S.C. superintendent of education pushing school choice
Bills now filed in the South Carolina Legislature could provide parents more choices regarding how their children are educated, officials said.
According to the South Carolina Education Department, twin bills filed Tuesday in the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate
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Stimulus questions remain
The state is in a time crunch, and if legislators don't get some key questions resolved ASAP, steep college tuition increases are likely around the corner, teacher layoffs would be imminent and a great number of government services would be shut down.
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