Senators: Erasing debt could recruit more SC teachers

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Senators say forgiving student loans, paying teacher mentors a stipend and boosting some teachers’ salaries could be ways to recruit and keep good teachers in South Carolina.

Those are among recommendations a Senate study panel is forwarding to the Senate Finance Committee.

Its leader, Sen. Wes Hayes of Rock Hill, says the state needs to focus such initiatives in rural districts where’s it’s particularly hard to fill classrooms with high-quality teachers. Panelists noted rural districts pay less than their urban and suburban counterparts while also offering less to do locally.

They discussed expanding loan-forgiveness programs, saying high debt may dissuade some students from a teaching career.

According to the Institute for College Access and Success, South Carolina ranks 10th highest nationwide in college graduates’ average debt.