Panel favors bill giving schools spending control

COLUMBIA - A bill that would give schools more control over how they spend state dollars passed a Senate education subcommittee Thursday.

The bill consolidates dozens of spending sources into six categories. School districts can shift the money between categories, rather than having the state dictate what funds are used for programs. The bill also allows schools to carry unspent money to the next year's budget.

An amendment that allows grants to be used only for their intended purpose was added after arts supporters said they were worried schools would cut arts programs to cover gaps.

The bill now goes to the full Education Committee. The House has passed a similar bill.

The plan, called Streamlined Management and Accountable Resources for Teaching, or SMART, funding was proposed last year by Gov. Mark Sanford. Letting districts have freedom in deciding where they need money is a factor in boosting student achievement, Sanford's spokesman Will Folks said.

"SMART funding is a way to empower local school districts in difficult budget times," Folks said. Education officials said the bill would not have a major effect on school districts because they were given 100 percent flexibility in last year's budget. But Folks said it's better to give schools flexibility in a law rather than depend on a year-to-year budget proviso.

The subcommittee also passed a bill Thursday that would require schools to instruct students on the state's lynching law. Supporters say the bill is needed so students know that fights at school can result in jail time.