South Carolina launches Palmetto Math project and statewide community engagement program

The Government Efficiency and Legislative Oversight Committee's Healthcare and Regulatory Subcommittee convened on May 27, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes and school safety in South Carolina.

A significant focus of the meeting was the expansion of the Palmetto Math Project, which aims to provide additional resources to underperforming schools, similar to the previously successful Palmetto Literacy Project. The initiative is supported by funds allocated by the General Assembly for the current budget year. The project is built on four main strategies, including enhancing access to employment through career pathways and apprenticeships, deploying care initiatives to support school culture, and launching a statewide community engagement program.

The subcommittee also addressed the implementation of a new cell phone policy in schools, which mandates that local school boards adopt a model policy regarding student cell phone use. This policy aims to reduce distractions in classrooms and improve student focus. The committee noted that while initial concerns were raised by parents, feedback from teachers has been largely positive, with reports of improved classroom discipline since the policy's implementation.

Budget requests were another critical topic, with the superintendent outlining a proposal for an additional $200 million to increase starting teacher salaries to $50,000. This request is part of a broader budget strategy that includes funding for student success initiatives, teacher support, and safe school environments. The superintendent emphasized the importance of strong school leadership in improving educational outcomes and highlighted the need for ongoing investment in school safety measures.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the challenges of hiring school resource officers (SROs) and the need for effective communication regarding the new cell phone policy. The subcommittee acknowledged the importance of addressing these issues to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students across the state.