The Education and Public Works Committee of the South Carolina Legislature convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss key initiatives and budget requests from the Department of Education. The meeting, led by the director of governmental affairs, focused on the department's mission, strategic goals, and funding needs aimed at enhancing educational outcomes across the state.

The director outlined the newly established mission of the South Carolina Department of Education, which emphasizes serving students, supporting teachers, empowering parents, and engaging the community to ensure every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential. This mission is supported by a strategic plan known as "one-four-one-four," which includes a long-term goal of having at least 75% of students at or above grade level by February 2030.

Key strategies discussed included advancing evidence-based instruction, particularly through the Science of Reading and the Palmetto Math Project. The director highlighted a significant investment of nearly $40 million from the legislature to provide professional development for K-3 teachers in reading instruction, with a goal of training all K-3 teachers by the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, the meeting addressed the importance of high-quality instructional materials for both English Language Arts and math, with a budget request for further funding to support these initiatives.

The committee also reviewed the Read to Succeed 2 program, which aims to improve reading proficiency among third graders. The program's implementation is expected to affect over 16,000 students who may face retention due to reading challenges. The director emphasized the critical nature of reading skills developed in early grades, as they are foundational for future learning.

Another significant topic was the newly implemented cell phone policy, branded as "Free to Focus." This policy requires local school boards to adopt a model policy regarding cell phone use during school hours. The director noted that initial feedback from teachers has been positive, with many reporting improved classroom environments and reduced distractions.

The meeting concluded with discussions on budget requests, including a proposed $200 million increase in starting teacher salaries to $50,000, as well as funding for summer reading camps and school safety initiatives. The director reiterated the importance of strong school leadership and the need for resources to support safe and effective learning environments.

Overall, the committee's discussions highlighted a commitment to improving educational outcomes in South Carolina through strategic planning, targeted funding, and community engagement. The next steps will involve further deliberations on the budget requests and continued implementation of the discussed initiatives.