Zais’ school request seeks new SC textbooks, buses

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina schools chief Mick Zais wants to resume buying textbooks and enough school buses to comply with the state’s 15-year replacement cycle.

Zais’ budget request to Gov. Nikki Haley for the 2012-13 school year asks for an additional 2 percent in state spending on schools.

Zais notes the state has adopted new standards in math, reading and social studies, and will soon do so in science. The state stopped buying new textbooks during the economic downturn.

The proposal also includes an additional $9 million to keep school buses fueled and running.

Zais recommends closing the incentive program for teachers earning national certification, which provides an annual bonus of up to $7,500 for 10 years.

He also suggests exempting money awarded to “teachers of the year” from state income taxes.