The Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs Committee convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss key issues affecting South Carolina's agricultural and environmental sectors. The meeting focused on several critical agenda items, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership and infrastructure in schools, particularly in rural areas.

The session began with a presentation highlighting the significance of effective school administration. The superintendent noted that strong leadership is crucial for teacher retention and positively impacts student test scores. This discussion underscored the need for ongoing support for educational institutions.

A major point of discussion was the proposed budget for safe schools, with a request for $100 million in recurring funds. This funding aims to establish a rural infrastructure bank to assist both rural and charter schools, which often lack the tax base necessary for new construction and renovations. The budget also includes $20 million for school facilities upgrades, which will cover essential safety measures such as bulletproof glass, window films, door locks, and metal detectors. Additionally, the committee approved cell phone storage as an eligible expense for funding this year.

The superintendent also addressed the need for a bus lease purchase program to maintain a 15-year replacement cycle for school buses. Furthermore, the discussion included the necessity of securing funds for a new building that the legislature requested the school to occupy this summer.

The meeting concluded with a reflection on South Carolina's state mottos, emphasizing the themes of hope and preparedness as foundational elements of the state's identity. Overall, the committee's discussions highlighted the critical need for investment in educational infrastructure and safety to support the state's schools, particularly in underserved areas.