February 2019: A Discussion on Education Reform.
 

Guest Speaker: Rep. Rita Allison, Chair of House Education and Public Works Committee

Summary: 
Education and Workforce are two critical issues in the Chamber's 2019 Public Policy Agenda. Education and its impact on our workforce are also a critical topic at the State House this year and has generated intense discussions about the need for substantial educational reform. During the February Issues Forum, Representative Allison, District 36, highlighted her belief that the winds of change are blowing in the same direction and this is the year for substantial reform due to teachers, business leaders and elected officials all working together to improve the quality of work life for our teachers and students.

South Carolina is now on the bottom of the list for educational performance and that is just not acceptable. The need to provide students with a quality education that prepares them to be the employees for the future is critical to foster sustained economic growth in our State. Specific issues that need to be addressed are teacher pay, Act 388, funding formula to specifically review how taxation impacts small business, local district testing, provision for attending local technical schools, and a review of the accountability bill.

Representative Allison made the point that it is critical for all interested individuals to work together to resolve these issues and build a better plan. The members of the House Education and Public Works Committee and all elected officials have an open door policy and want teachers, parents, students and the business community to provide input.

Note: A public meeting of the K-12 Subcommittee | Tues, Feb 12, 2019 | 4:45pm | Room 110 Blatt Building

Throughout the year, you can expect the Columbia Chamber to: 
 

• Support improving educational performance by equipping teachers with the tools to address student needs and drive results in the classroom.