Education: A True American Value

What does it mean to be an American? Our country was founded on the principles of justice, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty. It is un-American to deny current and future generations of a quality public education. As it is unjust, is not in the best interest of the general welfare of society and does not provide an equitable opportunity for current and future generations to secure the blessings of liberty.

We, South Carolinians, are fiercely independent. Even though the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly address education, we do in our State Constitution. We are empowered by the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which bestows rights to and empowers states such as South Carolina to address matters not addressed by the U.S. Constitution.

Article XI of the South Carolina Constitution provides the foundation for a free public school education system. Specifically, Article XI, Section III provides for a system of free public schools, and Section IV prohibits the use of public funds for the direct benefit of any religious or private educational institution (private schools). Moreover, this was upheld by South Carolina's Supreme Court.

In Eidson vs South Carolina Department of Education, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled 3-2 that South Carolina's Education Scholarship Trust Fund voucher program (ESTVP) was unconstitutional, as the scholarship funds originated from the State's Treasury, and thus, were designated as "public funds." Accordingly, the ruling ended the ESTFVP which allowed families to apply for up to $6,000 in taxpayer funds for education expenses, including private school tuition. However, the South Carolina Supreme Court did uphold a portion of the law which allows reimbursements for tutoring and textbooks.

Every student, regardless of their zip code, socioeconomic status, or other descriptive measure, deserves and is entitled to a free, top-tier public school education in South Carolina. Now is the time to lead by example and strengthen our public education school system, not weaken it by diverting public school dollars in an unconstitutional manner to fund private school vouchers. It is time to R.E.N.E.W our focus by-

1) Recruiting and Retaining teachers.

2) Establishing a clear transition plan from the U.S. Department of Education to a South

Carolina plan.

3) Networking within and between schools.

4) Ensuring access to 21st century learning; and fostering a

5) Whole Child Approach. 

I look forward to listening to your needs and working together to ensure every child has access to a high-quality public school education.

Sylvia

Candidate, South Carolina Superintendent of Education