State Education Board requests $200M to enhance teacher salaries and instructional materials

In a pivotal meeting on May 6, 2025, the South Carolina Government Efficiency and Legislative Oversight Committee focused on enhancing educational standards and teacher support across the state. A key highlight was the discussion surrounding the implementation of high-quality instructional materials, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, as part of a broader strategy to improve student outcomes.

Currently, 20,000 teachers are either in training or have completed their training, which is incentivized through stipends. The committee emphasized the importance of aligning new educational standards with effective instructional resources to ensure fidelity in classroom implementation. A budget request for funding high-quality math materials is set to be reviewed, underscoring the commitment to educational excellence.

The meeting also addressed the "Read to Succeed 2" initiative, which aims to bolster reading proficiency among third graders. With the new policy, over 16,000 students may face retention if they do not meet reading benchmarks by the end of third grade. This initiative highlights the critical transition from learning to read in early grades to reading to learn in higher grades.

Additionally, the committee discussed the Palmetto Math Project, which seeks to replicate the success of the Palmetto Literacy Project by providing targeted support to underperforming schools. This initiative aims to enhance math scores through strategic resource allocation.

Another significant topic was the introduction of a cell phone policy framework aimed at addressing behavioral and mental health needs in schools. The policy mandates local school boards to adopt guidelines regulating cell phone use during school hours, with the goal of fostering a focused learning environment.

The meeting concluded with a budget request for an additional $200 million to raise starting teacher salaries to $50,000, reflecting a commitment to attract and retain quality educators. This funding is part of a broader investment strategy that has seen $1.6 billion in new state funding since the 2018-2019 school year.

As South Carolina continues to prioritize educational reform, the outcomes of these initiatives and budget requests will be closely monitored, with the potential to significantly impact the state's educational landscape.