The Legislative Oversight Subcommittee of the South Carolina Senate convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss key issues affecting education in the state. The meeting focused on chronic absenteeism among students and its impact on academic performance, as well as updates on the accountability system.

The discussion began with a presentation highlighting the concerning rates of chronic absenteeism in schools. In the 2022-2023 school year, it was reported that 20% of students were chronically absent, meaning they missed approximately 10% of the school year. This absenteeism is believed to significantly affect students' academic outcomes, prompting a call for further examination of the issue.

The speaker emphasized the importance of reviewing spending by schools in relation to student performance, suggesting that a deeper analysis could provide insights into how resources are allocated and their effectiveness. The speaker expressed a desire to return to the committee to discuss chronic absenteeism in more detail, indicating it as a pressing concern for the education system.

Additionally, the committee was informed about ongoing projects and the cyclical review of the accountability system, which is scheduled for this year. The speaker noted the small size of their team, consisting of eight full-time employees, but highlighted their commitment to addressing educational challenges and being available for questions from committee members.

As the meeting concluded, members were invited to ask questions, with Mr. Bridal being the first to respond. The session underscored the committee's focus on improving educational outcomes and addressing the factors contributing to student absenteeism. Further discussions and follow-up actions are anticipated as the committee continues its work on these critical issues.