By Shannon Erickson
As you may have heard last week, the latest school achievement report from the South Carolina Department of Education brings encouraging news for our state and the Lowcountry.
Statewide, the number of schools rated “excellent” has risen for the fifth consecutive year, reaching 320, up from 259 in 2022. During that same period, “unsatisfactory” schools declined from 74 to 24. Today, 90 percent of South Carolina’s 1,295 public schools are rated “average” or better. Student achievement is improving as well: English scores at grade level have increased from 46.6 percent in 2022 to 61.5 percent, while math scores have risen from 38.9 percent to 47.8 percent.
Here in Beaufort County, nine schools earned “excellent” ratings this year, up from six just two years ago. That progress belongs to our teachers, principals, parents, and students, and I congratulate them for their hard work.
These gains did not happen by accident. They reflect teamwork, persistence, and deliberate decisions by the General Assembly. Around 2020, while serving on the House Ways & Means Committee, I recognized that increased education funding did not always reach teachers. In response, the House and Senate worked together to dedicate funding specifically for teacher salaries.
In 2017, South Carolina’s minimum beginning teacher salary was $30,113. Under this year’s budget, it has risen to $50,500 — an increase of approximately 68 percent. Average teacher pay now exceeds $64,000 and has surpassed the Southeastern average every year since 2021. Our starting salary is higher than Georgia’s or North Carolina’s, and statewide teacher vacancies have declined.
The passage of the South Carolina Educator Assistance Act in 2025 is another important step. As Chairman of the House Education & Public Works Committee, I was proud to sponsor and lead legislation that reduces unnecessary administrative burdens, provides greater professional flexibility, and gives teachers more time to focus on their students. Competitive salaries matter, but so do positive working conditions, professional respect with meaningful support.
These successes have been strengthened by collaboration with Superintendent Ellen Weaver, Senate Education Committee Chairman Greg Hembree, parent organizations, teacher associations, district superintendents, and education leaders across South Carolina. I am also grateful to the members and staff of both budget committees for their diligence and partnership. This shared commitment has helped make South Carolina more competitive in recruiting and retaining quality educators.
There is more work on-going, particularly in improving math achievement and preparing students for college, careers, technical training, and military service. But our progress shows what is possible when sound policy, responsible investment, and strong educators come together.
Our children deserve every opportunity to succeed, and our teachers deserve the tools, resources, and respect to help them get there. It is an honor to serve you and improve the lives of students and educators across our state.
Shannon S. Erickson is the Representative for District 124 in the South Carolina House of Representatives and Chairwoman of the S.C. House Education & Public Works Committee. She is running for re-election.