News Releases

The Education Freedom Tax Credit Study Committee will meet on October 30 at 10:00 a.m.

A new report released today by the University of South Carolina’s Moore School of Business and the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) highlights the far-reaching benefits of rising student success, finding that stronger academic performance could expand opportunity and generate billions in economic growth over the next 35 years.

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), in partnership with Dominion Energy and South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce, announced Macedonia Middle School’s Don Walton as the recipient of the 2026 Principal of Excellence Award.

Hundreds of educators, law enforcement officers, and school safety professionals are gathering today for the first statewide School Safety and Security Symposium, a training event focused on threat assessment, prevention, and school safety. State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver, FBI Columbia Field Office Special Agent in Charge Anish Shukla, and U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling are joining participants to highlight the collaboration and coordination required to keep South Carolina schools safe.

South Carolina’s education and public safety leaders are joining forces to deliver a critical message to drivers: safe rides for our everyday heroes. One careless decision can change lives forever — and there are no second chances.

The 2026 South Carolina School Report Cards show historic progress across the state, with more schools earning Excellent and Good ratings and fewer schools rated Below Average and Unsatisfactory.  

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is requesting a waiver under Section 8401 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to extend the period of availability for FY24 funds through December 31, 2027. The waiver would apply to the following ESEA grants: Title I, Part A; Title II, Part A; Title III; and Title IV, Part A.

The South Carolina Surge continues as students achieved their strongest performance ever on SC READY, earning the highest percentage of Meets and Exceeds scores in the assessment's history and moving the state closer to its goal of having 75% of students performing at or above grade level by 2030.

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is seeking public comment on its application to the U.S. Department of Education for participation in the Educational Flexibility (Ed-Flex) Program. The Ed-Flex Program, authorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), allows eligible state educational agencies to approve certain waivers of federal education requirements for local educational agencies (LEAs), schools, and educational service agencies while maintaining accountability for student achievement.   

In a unanimous vote this afternoon, the State Board of Education approved State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver’s request for the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) to assume full management of the Marlboro County School District (MCSD). 

Five high school students from across the Palmetto State were honored today at the South Carolina Department of Education for their winning essays on the impact of African American leaders from South Carolina on their educational journeys. The students were also recognized before the State Board of Education.

For the first time since the 2018–19 school year, the Marlboro County School District Board of Trustees has been presented with a balanced general fund budget that does not rely on drawing down the district’s already depleted fund balance and projects an operating surplus.

High school seniors across South Carolina who have committed to military service after graduation were honored today by the South Carolina Department of Education during the Military Honor Cord Ceremony at Fort Jackson.

Dr. Christie Palladino has been named the 2027 South Carolina State Teacher of the Year. State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver made the exciting announcement this afternoon during the South Carolina Teacher of the Year celebration held on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion in Columbia. Dr. Palladino teaches at Aiken County Career and Technology Center where she leads the biomedical science program.

Educational excellence is being celebrated statewide as 378 South Carolina schools earn Palmetto Gold and Silver honors. The South Carolina Department of Education announced the awards for the 2024-2025 school year, recognizing schools for strong academic performance.

With more than 30 years of dedicated service in public education, Alex Wharton stands as a South Carolina Teacher of the Year finalist whose passion began with a simple but life‑shaping moment—watching a high school classmate struggle despite giving everything they had. That experience ignited in her a lifelong commitment to ensuring every student, especially those with disabilities, has equitable access to meaningful learning.