If Rick Adkins’ leadership in thwarting the backdoor increase wasn’t enough for his debut on the State Board of Education, he also helped a majority of board members overturn the denial of an application by a charter school in Greenville County. Greenville County School District denied the application of Greenville Science Charter School on the grounds that it didn’t have enough community support and that its financial plan was unsound. Never mind that it’s director, Ali Ozer, is not only a former Clemson physics professor but also has started two successful charter schools in the Atlanta area, one of which has won national awards.

According to Rick and other state board members, the Greenville board simply argued that this charter school didn’t plan to do things the way Greenville County does, so therefore it couldn’t work. For instance, Greenville School District argued that since they couldn’t find science teachers for $42,000 a year then the charter surely couldn’t find them for $30,000. This merely reflects the institutional arrogance that plagues our schools today.

What Greenville School District failed to mention, but what other board members have confirmed, is that the district plans to open a couple of science magnet schools on its own. While this is admirable on the district’s part, it also likely reflects the major concern the district had about this charter, competition.

The vote on this charter application was really a test vote for the fate of charters statewide. The fact that the board sided with choice and innovation bodes well not just for the folks of Greenville County but across South Carolina. I’m proud Rick Adkins stood up for choice against the defenders of the status quo.

Today, we unanimously passed a resolution honoring Sen. Scott Richardson as he was confirmed to head the Department of Insurance. I’d like to share a personal experience I had with Sen. Richardson. Last year I took the floor to offer the amendment to add capital punishment to Jessica’s Law. I was obviously nervous and intimidated. This was my first time in the well and the topic as you know is rather sensitive. The debate took a brief recess and Sen. Richardson whispered in my ear “I’m with you, you’re doing great job”. I will never forget his encouragement. Scott, many thanks and congratulations on your knew role of service to the state. We look forward to the great job you’ll do!

S. 0454
TO EXTEND THE WARMEST CONGRATULATIONS OF THE SENATE TO OUR FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE, THE HONORABLE SCOTT H. RICHARDSON, FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN THE SENATE AND IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, UPON HIS NOMINATION BY GOVERNOR MARK SANFORD TO BE DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, AND TO WISH HIM THE VERY BEST IN HIS NEW ENDEAVOR.

Click here for the full text of S. 0454

Rick Adkins made an excellent debut today in his first official appearance on the State Board of Education. E.I.A. funding is money that flows from Columbia to school districts specifically mandated on how it can be spent. Half is to go to capitol improvements and half must be applied to millage reduction (property tax relief). A waiver was requested by an Anderson School district to spend all of the money. This action would remove the millage reduction, therefore, result in a property tax increase. Best of all, the blood would be on the hands of the state board instead of the local school board.

Rick made 2 arguments:
1-I won’t vote for a tax increase. “I was appointed by delegation members that have never voted for a tax increase, therefore, I will not vote for a tax increase.”
2-An unelected body has no right to raise taxes. The elected school board has the ability to raise taxes, but an appointed board should not. This even raised constitutional questions. I’d like to see if the AG has ever made an opinion on this.

Subsequently, the waiver application failed. Many thanks to Mr. Adkins and the other conservative school board members!

Thousands gather in Columbia to show their support for school choice Tuesday. I plan to cosponsor a bill shortly that gives families this right.

I firmly believe that parents are the primary educators of their children, and government should help, not hinder, parents from fulfilling their role. Unfortunately, most parents do not have the ability to make the most important decision regarding their child’s education the decision of where their child attends school.

Parents are aware of the educational needs of their children more than anyone else, and I am committed to working in the S.C. Senate to give parents more education options, including the ability to decide whether their child attends a public, public charter, private or home school. Giving parents a full range of school options will not only help their children, it will also create greater competition in the education marketplace, thus improving all the schools in the area.

I am also committed to release teachers from overly burdensome regulations in our education system. Teachers deserve the freedom to teach in a disciplined classroom. Reducing regulation and administration costs will free up funds and get them where they are needed the classroom.

Rick Adkins made an excellent debut today in his first official appearance on the State Board of Education. E.I.A. funding is money that flows from Columbia to school districts specifically mandated on how it can be spent. Half is to go to capitol improvements and half must be applied to millage reduction (property tax relief). A waiver was requested by an Anderson School district to spend all of the money. This action would remove the millage reduction, therefore, result in a property tax increase. Best of all, the blood would be on the hands of the state board instead of the local school board.

Rick made 2 arguments:
1-I won’t vote for a tax increase. “I was appointed by delegation members that have never voted for a tax increase, therefore, I will not vote for a tax increase.”
2-An unelected body has no right to raise taxes. The elected school board has the ability to raise taxes, but an appointed board should not. This even raised constitutional questions. I’d like to see if the AG has ever made an opinion on this.

Subsequently, the waiver application failed. Many thanks to Mr. Adkins and the other conservative school board members!