Richmond explores board training options amid education concerns

The Family and Veterans' Services Committee's Veterans Affairs Subcommittee convened on May 6, 2025, at 10:15 am to discuss various educational initiatives and the role of school boards in South Carolina. The meeting began with a focus on the training of school boards, led by Philip, who indicated that they are piloting training programs with charter schools. However, he noted that participation in these training sessions is not mandatory, which raises concerns about equitable access for all school board members.

Committee member Alexander expressed his concerns regarding the impact of non-mandatory training on local educational decisions, suggesting that it affects student outcomes and overall educational standards. He mentioned that he is researching school boards nationwide to explore alternative governance models, particularly highlighting the involvement of local governments in school boards in Richmond, Virginia.

Following this discussion, Mr. Terabeel reflected on his past experiences serving on the State Board of Education. He acknowledged the extensive public engagement surrounding the cell phone policy, noting that community feedback was robust throughout the previous year. He then inquired whether the Palmetto Math project would be the primary focus for 2025, given that the science of reading had been a priority in the previous year. The response confirmed that the Palmetto Math project is indeed one of the significant budget priorities for the current year.

In summary, the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance school board training and the importance of community involvement in educational policies. The subcommittee's discussions underscored the need for equitable access to training and the prioritization of educational initiatives that directly impact student achievement. Further research and exploration of alternative governance models for school boards were also emphasized as potential avenues for improvement.