News Summary
The South Carolina General Assembly aims for a minimum teacher salary of $50,000 by 2026, with recent proposals to boost starting salaries to improve retention.
Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina General Assembly has proposed an increase in starting teacher salaries as part of the 2025-2026 budget, aiming to reach a minimum salary of $50,000 by 2026. The proposed budget includes approximately $112 million allocated to enhance teacher salaries, and it has been ratified, now awaiting the governor’s approval.
State Representative Bruce Bannister from Greenville County has announced a $1,500 boost to the starting teacher salary, which will increase from $47,000 to $48,500. Bannister highlighted the issue of low salaries historically driving talented educators away from South Carolina as they seek better-paying opportunities elsewhere. This increase is part of an effort to improve teacher retention and attract new educators to the state.
The proposal aligns with the goals set by Governor Henry McMaster, who aims for a minimum teacher salary of $50,000 by the 2026 academic year. While proposing this increase, Bannister acknowledged funding obstacles that have hindered achieving this goal within the current budget cycle, due to late-certified additional revenue impacting planning.
Clifford Lee, the vice president of the Greenville County Education Association, emphasized the importance of the salary bump, noting that low pay has made it challenging to retain early career educators. The competitive landscape for teachers has shifted, with South Carolina now vying for talent not only with neighboring states but also with countries across the globe.
The proposed budget also includes a $200 million request from the Department of Education, aimed at realizing the $50,000 starting salary ambition by July 2025. Legislative leaders have expressed commitment to further advancing teacher salaries in the coming years to bolster recruitment and retention efforts. Other budget priorities feature investments of $100 million for construction in rural districts, $35 million for school buses, $31 million dedicated to summer reading camps, and $20 million aimed at improving school security.
During the current academic year, the minimum starting salary for teachers sits at $47,000. While past increases in teacher pay have improved recruitment and retention rates, over 870 teaching positions remain unfilled across the state. This marks a significant concern, especially as there has been a recent decline in teacher vacancies for the first time since 2019.
Advocates for teacher pay adjustments stress that ongoing salary increases are crucial for attracting and retaining quality educators in South Carolina. In addition to proposed salary hikes, legislation that would permit professional experience from related fields to count towards teacher salaries is also under consideration, aimed at bolstering hiring practices.
Furthermore, ongoing discussions regarding legislative changes pertain to teaching certificates and contract flexibility for current teachers, which aim to enhance retention and recruitment in the educational workforce. As South Carolina navigates these developments, the focus remains on establishing a more competitive and sustainable teaching environment to provide quality education for its students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville County Schools Faces $8 Million Budget Shortfall
Greenville County School District Budget Plans Without Tax Increase
Greenville County Board Opposes School Funding Redirection
GCSD Urges County Council to Reject Budget Diverting School Funds
Greenville School District Rejects County Budget Proposal
Greenville School District Fights Budget Cuts
Concerns Rise Over Proposed Funding Cuts to Greenville Schools
Greenville Schools Raise Concerns Over Funding Disparities
Funding Disparity Between Public and Charter Schools in South Carolina
Greenville School Board Proposes Balanced Budget
Additional Resources
- WYFF4
- SC Daily Gazette
- WLTX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: teacher salary
- Google Search: South Carolina teacher pay
