The Family and Veterans' Services Committee's Child Welfare Subcommittee convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss pressing issues in South Carolina's education system, particularly focusing on chronic absenteeism and graduation rates.

During the meeting, it was revealed that in the 2022-2023 school year, 20% of students were classified as chronically absent, meaning they missed at least 10% of the school year. This absenteeism is believed to significantly impact academic performance. Committee members expressed concern over the state's graduation statistics, noting an 85% on-time graduation rate, but only 30% of those graduates were deemed college and career ready. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the current educational framework and the value of a high school diploma.

Committee member Mr. Bridal highlighted the alarming statistic that only 24% of students are graduating with credentials that prepare them for future success. He questioned the committee's approach and sought solutions to improve educational outcomes. In response, Ms. Yao, a committee representative, emphasized the need for a more rigorous curriculum that aligns with the demands of post-secondary education and the workforce. She acknowledged feedback from higher education institutions indicating that many incoming students are unprepared for college-level work, particularly in mathematics.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions on these critical issues, with members encouraged to review a detailed dashboard of educational data shared during the session. This dashboard is expected to provide valuable insights into the current state of education in South Carolina, highlighting both successes and areas needing improvement. The committee plans to reconvene to explore these topics in greater depth and develop actionable strategies for enhancing student readiness and reducing absenteeism.