Strong Schools, Free from Politics
THE PEOPLE’S AGENDA
We the People know public schools are the backbone of our communities — and the American Dream.
Every child deserves a great education, no matter their zip code. That means investing in public schools, supporting teachers, modernizing classrooms, and making sure students have what they need to succeed — academically and emotionally.
South Carolina’s public education system consistently ranks in the bottom 10 nationally. This is widely due to inadequate state funding and a state legislature more focused on culture wars than reading scores. As a result, our kids are falling behind in math (#41), reading (#39), and college admissions testing (#47 in median ACT scores). I’ll fight to fully fund our public schools, support educators, and keep political culture wars out of the classroom.
Priorities:
Protect funding for public education and special education by ensuring public, taxpayer funds stay within the public school system
Expand access to early education / pre-k to reduce achievement gaps and improve kindergarten readiness, and increase high school graduation rates
Introduce tax incentives for teachers to improve recruitment and retention
De-politicize public education by centering rights and needs of all students
Re-establish and revitalize the Department of Education at the federal level to ensure programs for special needs and low income students are properly funded
Set all students up for success by ensuring they are fed, safe, supported, and career-ready based on various post-graduation paths
Lower costs for college, technical school, and workforce training