Our Public Schools Making Great Progress

Friends and Neighbors in my District:

For too long, discussions about public education in South Carolina have focused on where our schools fell short. While challenges remain, I believe it's time to recognize something equally important: South Carolina's public schools are making remarkable progress, and the results are increasingly evident.

The recently released 2026 South Carolina School Report Cards offer compelling evidence that our renewed commitment to improving public education across the state is producing measurable results.

As First Vice Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee, and Chairman; K-12 Education Subcommittee, I have been privileged to participate in legislative efforts supporting stronger academic standards, improved instructional resources, teacher development, and expanded opportunities for career preparation.

Under State Superintendent Ellen Weaver's leadership, and working with educators, local school districts, and parents, South Carolina has raised higher education expectations over the past four years, strengthened accountability, and renewed its emphasis on academic achievement and preparing students for life beyond graduation.

The numbers tell a very encouraging story.

South Carolina's on-time high school graduation rate has reached 87.5 percent, its highest level in a decade. Even more encouraging is the fact that more than eight of 10 high schools now earn Good or Excellent ratings for college and career readiness, up from about six out of 10 just two years ago.

This is very meaningful progress. A high school diploma should represent more than completing 12 years of education. It should signify that a young person is prepared to pursue higher education, enter the workforce, acquire technical skills, or serve in our military.

Middle Schools Also Demonstrating Real Improvement.

Since 2024, the percentage of middle schools receiving Good or Excellent ratings for academic progress has more than doubled. Eighth-grade mathematics performance has shown significant gains, which is an especially important development as students prepare for the more demanding academic requirements of high school.

Across grades three through eight, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations in English language arts has increased from 53.5 percent in 2024 to 61.3 percent in 2026. Mathematics proficiency has risen from 42.3 percent to 47.9 percent.

Importantly, some of the biggest gains are happening in schools serving economically disadvantaged communities. That should encourage every South Carolinian who believes educational opportunity must not be determined by family income or ZIP code.

But our work is far from finished. Mathematics proficiency must keep improving, achievement gaps must narrow, and every graduating student should have the knowledge and skills to succeed.

Our Economic Future Depends on Education.

South Carolina’s economic future depends on the quality of education we provide today. The businesses and industries investing in our state need a capable, educated, and adaptable workforce.

The progress of the past few years shows what can happen when educators, families, and policymakers work toward common goals.

Recognizing that great schools begin with great teachers, our legislature this year approved another $2,000 increase in the state’s minimum teacher salary schedule, bringing starting salaries to $50,500 – compared with approximately $30,000 less than a decade ago.

I am excited to work with Superintendent Weaver and our House Education Committee Chairman, Shannon Erickson. We celebrate the accomplishments of our energized educators who make things possible every day, and we remain committed to supporting their work.

Our students deserve nothing less, and I thank you for re-electing me so we can continue this upward journey in South Carolina student education.

Thank you for your vote in this upcoming election!