The Education and Cultural Affairs Subcommittee of the Legislative Oversight Committee convened on April 29, 2025, to address pressing issues in South Carolina's education system, particularly focusing on teacher turnover and chronic absenteeism among students.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the high turnover rate of teachers, especially within the first five years of their careers. Committee members discussed the need for data on turnover rates in rural schools, indicating that this issue may be more pronounced in those areas. While specific numbers were not available during the meeting, members expressed a commitment to gather this information for future discussions.

Chronic absenteeism was another critical topic. Committee members highlighted the importance of understanding the factors contributing to students' attendance issues. Initial discussions with high school students revealed that some students feel they can make up missed work online, which may diminish their motivation to attend school regularly. The committee is currently analyzing feedback from parents, as they play a crucial role in ensuring their children attend school, particularly in elementary grades.

To combat absenteeism, the committee is exploring a public awareness campaign aimed at making students feel valued when they return to school after absences. Simple gestures, such as acknowledging a student's absence and expressing that they were missed, were suggested as potential strategies to enhance student engagement.

Additionally, the committee discussed the implications of promoting students who are not meeting academic standards. Concerns were raised about the long-term effects of this practice on students' readiness for future academic challenges. One member shared a personal experience regarding the decision to hold back their child, emphasizing that retaining students could ultimately lead to better academic outcomes, even if it temporarily affects graduation rates.

The discussions highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to address both teacher retention and student attendance, as these factors are critical to improving educational outcomes in South Carolina. The committee plans to continue its work on these issues, with further data collection and analysis expected in the coming months.