Education reform panel hears from Riley, 2 superintendents

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Former South Carolina officials say the solution for fixing South Carolina’s broken education system must include simplifying how schools are funded, staffing them with qualified teachers and improving facilities.

A 17-member committee created to make education reform recommendations heard Monday from former Democratic Gov. Dick Riley, who served as U.S. Secretary of Education under President Bill Clinton. Riley said lawmakers must have a “laser-like focus” on attracting and retaining effective teachers and principals.

House Speaker Jay Lucas created the group to find a way to answer the state Supreme Court’s ruling that the state’s piecemeal funding scheme fails to provide opportunities for students in poor, rural districts.

Former Republican Superintendent Barbara Nielsen and Democratic Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum also testified.

The committee has until next January to make its recommendations.