SC governor highlights education in ‘State of State’ address

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — During his time in office, Governor Henry McMaster has stated that three things are key to the success of the Palmetto State: the economy, the environment and education.

Wednesday night in his 7th ‘State of the State’ address as governor, McMaster spoke about ways to improve the state’s education system.

Emphasizing pre-K education, Governor McMaster has asked for $21 million for this specific purpose in his executive budget. 

“We know it works. We know it’s vital,” McMaster said. “If they are going to go to the top, we have to start education in those young years.”

He also spoke about progress made in child literacy. 

“For the first time in recent history, at least half of students in grades 3 through 8 exceed or meet grade level standards,” the governor said. “This is good news but it is not nearly enough. We must do more. We must continue to invent in early literacy and professional development in the science of reading. If they cannot read, they cannot thrive.”

McMaster additionally hopes to see math scores improve, with only 41 percent of students learning at grade level in that subject. 

Part of improving education has to do with recruiting and retaining teachers as well.sc s

“We must continue our remarkable progress to raise teacher pay. In school year 2017-18, the minimum starting teacher salary was $30,000. That is not enough,” McMaster said. “Today, it is $42,500. That is not enough. My executive increases the starting salary for teachers to $45,000 for the next school year.”

The governor is also pleased with the increase in school resource officers and mental health counselors.

As far as higher education, he plans to increase technical college scholarships, freeze in-state tuition and have the Education Oversight Committee review South Carolina’s 33 public institutions of higher education.

“This study will provide a systemic review, including an assessment of any advantages from consolidating any school or programs and reevaluating degrees and programs,” McMaster said. “The goal is to make sure we are meeting our future workforce needs.”