Greenville, South Carolina, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Ellen Weaver has announced her re-election campaign for the position of South Carolina’s Superintendent of Education. Weaver, who took office in 2023, highlights significant reforms, including the largest teacher pay raise in the state’s history and initiatives to enhance school safety and literacy training for teachers. With opponents from the Democratic party, Weaver emphasizes her commitment to accountability in education and asks for continued support to advance educational improvements in South Carolina.
Greenville, South Carolina – Ellen Weaver Announces Re-election Bid for Superintendent of Education
Ellen Weaver has officially announced her candidacy for re-election as South Carolina’s Superintendent of Education in a Facebook post dated October 20, 2025. Weaver, who has held the position since her election on November 9, 2022, asserts that she has implemented significant reforms during her tenure, promoting advancements in various educational areas.
Since taking office in 2023, Weaver has touted several accomplishments, including the largest teacher pay raise in state history, increased investments in school safety, the implementation of phone-free classrooms, and comprehensive training for over 20,000 teachers in the Science of Reading. She emphasizes her pledge to uplift South Carolina students, declaring her commitment to educational excellence.
Weaver’s campaign mantra revolves around past promises, emphasizing accountability and a forward-looking agenda. She appeals for continued support to sustain her efforts for the state’s educational improvements, confident that the best results for students are still to come.
Weaver’s Background and Experience
Ellen Weaver was born in Greenville, South Carolina and attended public school before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Bob Jones University. Her professional background includes 12 years of service in Senator Jim DeMint’s office, eventually taking on the role of state director. In 2013, she founded the Palmetto Promise Institute, which has grown into a prominent public policy organization in South Carolina.
Competition in the Upcoming Election
Weaver faces competition from Democratic contenders Lisa Ellis and Sylvia Wright in the upcoming election. Wright has expressed concerns over recent layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education, particularly regarding their potential impact on students with disabilities in South Carolina. Approximately 112,000 students in the state rely on special education services provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
In response to these challenges, Wright has proposed plans to double staffing in the state’s special education office and prioritize grant funding aimed at training for educators and parents. A spokesperson for Weaver has affirmed the state’s commitment to students with disabilities, stating that funding levels remain stable and there are no changes affecting IDEA services.
Weaver’s Campaign Focus
Weaver’s re-election platform emphasizes the ongoing enhancement of educational performance across the state. Key areas of focus include advancing the Palmetto Math Project, expanding career pathways and apprenticeships, improving civics education, and increasing transparency for stakeholders involved in education. Since Weaver took office, starting salaries for teachers have reportedly increased by 20%, with goals set to reach $50,000 by 2026.
Her campaign highlights measurable improvements in student performance in reading and math, initiatives to enhance school safety, expanded paid parental leave for teachers, and efforts to reduce unnecessary administrative regulations. The primaries for the superintendent role are scheduled for next June, with the general election set for November 3, 2026.
Key Features of Ellen Weaver’s Campaign
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Teacher Pay Raise | Largest in state history implemented since 2023. |
| School Safety Investments | Increased funding and initiatives for safer school environments. |
| Phone-Free Classrooms | Leading the nation in phone-free education settings. |
| Science of Reading Training | Over 20,000 teachers trained in effective literacy strategies. |
| Special Education Focus | Addressing challenges faced by students with disabilities. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What date did Ellen Weaver announce her re-election bid?
Ellen Weaver announced her re-election bid on October 20, 2025.
When did Ellen Weaver take office as South Carolina Superintendent of Education?
Ellen Weaver was elected to office on November 9, 2022.
What are some key reforms Ellen Weaver has implemented?
Key reforms include advancing the largest teacher pay raise in state history, investing in school safety, leading with phone-free classrooms, and training over 20,000 teachers in the Science of Reading.
Who are Ellen Weaver’s opponents in the upcoming election?
Weaver’s opponents include Democratic challengers Lisa Ellis and Sylvia Wright.
What concerns did Sylvia Wright raise regarding students with disabilities?
Sylvia Wright expressed concerns about the impact of recent layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education on students with disabilities in South Carolina.
What are the upcoming election dates for the superintendent role?
The primaries are scheduled for next June, with the general election on November 3, 2026.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Librarians Sue Over Educational Censorship
ACLU Sues South Carolina Over Book-Banning Regulations
ACLU Sues Over Book Bans in South Carolina Schools
ACLU Sues South Carolina Over Book-Banning Regulation
ACLU Challenges School Book Ban Regulations in South Carolina
ACLU Challenges South Carolina’s Book Censorship Regulations
ACLU Files Lawsuit Against South Carolina Education Regulations
Progress and Challenges in South Carolina Student Performance
Columbia, South Carolina Faces Cybersecurity Concerns
Charleston Student Data Breach Raises Alarms
Additional Resources
- Greenville Business Magazine
- Post and Courier
- WACH
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Education
- WMBF News
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
