COLUMBIA, S.C. — State Superintendent Ellen Weaver is asking for millions of dollars to raise teacher pay and boost school safety.
Weaver presented the Department of Education's budget priorities for the 2024-2025 school year on Tuesday, breaking it down into four main categories: student success, teacher support, workforce readiness, and safe schools.
"We have a lot of hard work to do, but we have hope to propel us to get there,” said Weaver.
One of the highlights is a proposal to raise starting teacher pay by $2,500, aligning with the Governor's goal of reaching a starting pay of $50,000 by 2026.
“We know that a highly paid, effective teacher is the secret sauce to student success," said Weaver.
Another significant allocation includes $20 million for school safety upgrades, such as new door locks and bulletproof windows. Additionally, there's a request for $10 million to provide school bus drivers with a $2,500 retention bonus.
Ellen Weaver underscored the importance of school safety, stating, "We know nothing matters if our students and staff aren't safe."
The budget proposal also includes a substantial request for $30 million to fund Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs).
Superintendent Weaver mentioned that 1,100 students have already applied for these accounts. However, some lawmakers, like Representative Neal Collins, express skepticism about the cost.
"What we're ultimately saying in our Department of Ed budget is we'd rather have ESAs funded than another $5,600 to teachers going closer to that fight for $50,000,” said Collins.
Collins also questioned her proposal to add five days of professional development to teacher’s contracts in exchange for a $1,500 raise.
Weaver argues it would compensate teachers for days already worked off-contract.
The South Carolina Department of Education is seeking funding to establish a program cultivating high-demand skills throughout the state. This initiative would expand programming in rural regions, including additional investments in mobile CTE equipment labs.
The budget proposal also allocates $10 million for new math standards, called the Palmetto Math Project.
"We have reduced the number of standards by 35 but I hasten to add that we have not diminished rigor in any way," said Weaver.
The proposal must navigate the legislative process before receiving final approval in June.