Legislature investing in our public schools

By JOHN COURSON

Guest columnist

School bells will begin ringing next week for 800,000 young South Carolinians in public, private, religious and home schools.

A top priority for state senators is funding for K-12 and higher education. With more than half of South Carolina’s annual budget appropriated for education, we rank No. 3 in K-12 per-pupil expenditures in the South.

That commitment continued during the 116th General Assembly, along with a number of important reforms that will improve the education available to our children:

• The Charter School Act is perhaps this General Assembly’s major reform initiative. Parents now have choices for their children within the public school structure. This model legislation, which establishes the S.C. Public Charter School District, uniquely accommodates the diverse learning styles of our students.

• A $66 million appropriation is dedicated for the immediate purchase of new school buses, and a replacement cycle has begun that will significantly reduce the number of older buses.

• Resources are now a reality for an expanded preschool program for “at-risk” 4-year-old children.

• The Legislature increased compensation for our more than 50,000 dedicated teachers to $300 above the Southeastern average.

• South Carolina proudly ranks third in the nation in the number of National Board-certified teachers, with 4,444. The Legislature fully funded the $7,500 annual bonus for these outstanding educators.

• Reading proficiency continues to be a concern; therefore, the Reading Initiative program has been expanded to include high school students.

• The Education and Economic Development Act, which prepares students for college or career paths, was fully funded.

• Tough standards and goals were maintained and funded for the Education Accountability Act, the modern cornerstone of our state’s educational system.

• Recognizing that a child’s health affects his or her ability to learn, we adopted the Student Health and Fitness Act. This will help address the rise in obesity among our youth and promote good health and safety practices.

• The dropout rate has been the focus of much discussion. The Young Adult Program serves an overwhelming number of people ages 17 to 21 who have dropped out of the traditional K-12 system and enrolled in an adult education program to complete their high school credentials.

• The Safe Schools Climate Act, which addresses bullying in our schools, was passed.

• The uniform school start law mandates that, beginning in 2007-2008, the earliest school-start date in any district would be the third Monday in August. This much-debated law received tremendous support from parents, educators and the business community.

It’s also important to note that we have appropriated more than $3 billion for college scholarships over the past decade. The General Assembly’s commitment to higher education is an enormous plus for our colleges and universities and the students they serve.

I believe public education in general — and particularly the children our educational system is designed to serve — will benefit immensely from the actions of this General Assembly.

While we accomplished much, there is more that we can do to ensure equitable educational opportunities for the Palmetto State’s youngest citizens — regardless of where a child resides. I have appointed two bipartisan committees to meet between now and January to help us in that regard.

Sen. Nikki Setzler chairs the Select Committee on Early Childhood Education, which is charged with identifying ways to enhance our children’s educational foundation in order to help guarantee their success.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Hugh Leatherman and I asked Sen. Wes Hayes to chair the Joint Education Funding Study Committee. This panel will methodically and comprehensively study our funding structure to ensure that taxpayers are receiving the maximum return on their investment in public education.

My wife, Lisa, a former public school teacher, and I are looking forward to our son, Harris, entering the fifth grade at Rosewood Elementary. On a personal note, the Courson family especially appreciates Ted Wachter, principal of Rosewood Elementary School, and his fine team of educators.

I wish especially to thank all who are involved in education in the Palmetto State. When you see a teacher, enthusiastically acknowledge his or her commitment to our students. A special expression of appreciation is extended to Inez M. Tenenbaum, our outgoing superintendent of education, for her exemplary service and commitment.

When you see Inez, remember to thank her. Better yet, give her a big hug.

Sen. Courson, a Columbia Republican, chairs the Senate Education Committee.