Education
Every child deserves a high quality public education, no matter their ZIP code. Strong public schools are the foundation of thriving communities, and they require stable funding, supported educators, modern facilities, and environments where students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.
What I'll Fight For
- Fully funded public schools that serve every child, not voucher schemes that drain resources
- Competitive teacher pay, strong retention policies, and safe, respectful working conditions
- Modern school facilities, broadband access, and transportation systems that meet rural needs
- Mental health supports, safe learning environments, and inclusive school climates
- A curriculum grounded in evidence, not politics, that prepares students for real opportunities
Why this Matters in South Carolina
South Carolina’s public schools face deep inequities. From rural districts struggling with outdated buildings and long bus routes, to teacher shortages that leave classrooms without consistent instruction. Voucher programs threaten to pull even more resources away from the schools that serve the vast majority of students. Without structural investment, these gaps will continue to widen, especially in rural and low income communities.
Key Policies and Priorities
Fully Funded Public Schools & Opposition to Vouchers
Public dollars belong in public classrooms. I support stable, predictable funding that allows districts to maintain staffing, invest in programs, and meet the needs of all students. Voucher programs divert resources away from the schools that serve the majority of children, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Teacher Pay, Retention & Working Conditions
Teachers are the backbone of our schools. I support competitive salaries, reliable benefits, manageable workloads, and adequate planning time. Schools must be staffed with counselors, paraprofessionals, and support personnel so teachers can focus on instruction and students receive the attention they deserve.
Rural & Underserved District Equity
Students in rural communities face barriers created by decades of underinvestment. I support funding that addresses real needs including transportation costs, aging buildings, and higher poverty rates. Every student deserves access to modern facilities, broadband, and high-quality programs.
Safe, Supportive Learning Environments
Students learn best when they feel safe and supported. I support expanding mental-health services, universal school meals, reliable transportation, and inclusive school climates. I also support common sense gun safety laws that many communities advocate for to reduce the risk of firearms entering schools and to keep students and staff safe.
Curriculum, Standards & Academic Excellence
Curriculum should be guided by evidence, not politics. I support strong literacy instruction, robust STEM programs, career and technical education, apprenticeships, and dual-enrollment opportunities. High standards must be paired with the resources students and teachers need to meet them.
Every child deserves a safe, well funded public school that prepares them for a strong future, and I’m committed to making that a reality.