Miranda Williams Thomas is a Legislative Director for ExcelinEd in Action.
South Carolina leaders delivered a powerful slate of education wins this session, ensuring families retain access to education scholarship accounts (ESAs), expanding public school choice, strengthening the teacher pipeline and maintaining support for distraction-free classrooms and math instruction.
These reforms reflect a deep commitment to student-centered learning and educational opportunity. By restoring and expanding access to ESAs, supporting teacher workforce solutions from recruitment to retirement and reinforcing academic standards through high-quality instructional materials, South Carolina is paving the way for student success in every zip code.
We commend Gov. Henry McMaster, Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver, Senate President Thomas Alexander, House Speaker Murrell Smith, Sen. Greg Hembree, Rep. Shannon Erickson and other legislative champions for their continued leadership on behalf of South Carolina students and families.
In response to the South Carolina Supreme Court’s 2024 decision striking down the original ESA law, the legislature passed S 62, re-establishing and expanding the Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program. The new law:
This decisive action ensures families retain access to the educational opportunities that best support their children’s success.
The new law, S 62, also includes provisions expanding public school choice through inter-district open enrollment for students in every district across South Carolina, as long as there is space available. By enabling students to attend public schools outside their assigned zones, the state is removing barriers and giving families the flexibility to find the best public school fit—whether inside or outside their assigned school district.
South Carolina passed a trio of bills aimed at improving teacher recruitment, preparation and flexibility—many of which were informed by the Strategic Talent Acquisition and Retention Taskforce Report, a collaborative blueprint led by the South Carolina Department of Education:
In the state budget (H 4025), the General Assembly allocated nearly $74.5 million to support implementation of South Carolina’s new K–12 math standards. This investment includes $33 million in general funds and $41.5 million in nonrecurring funds to acquire high-quality, standards-aligned instructional materials.
These resources will help teachers deliver strong, consistent instruction that builds critical math skills across grade levels.
The final budget also maintains a provision for cell phone-free schools during the instructional day. While a standalone bill filed by Sen. Hembree didn’t advance this session, legislative leaders opted to retain this policy via budget proviso, with potential for future action in 2026.
South Carolina’s legislative session demonstrates what’s possible when leaders work together to put students and families first. With bold action across school choice, teacher policy, math instruction and the classroom environment, the Palmetto State is delivering on its promise to build a brighter future for every learner.
