FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Contact: Sherry East
(803) 448-6714
seast@thescea.org
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Contact: Sherry East
(803) 448-6714
seast@thescea.org
Supreme Court Sides with The SCEA
in Major School Funding Case
COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina Supreme Court issued a historic opinion late Wednesday, siding with The South Carolina Education Association and affirming that the use of public funds for private schools is unconstitutional in South Carolina. The unanimous 5-0 decision by the court blocked a plan to designate $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds for private school tuition.
SC Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Beaty maintained that the state Constitution was quite clear on the matter of public funding for private schools: “the use of public funds for the direct benefit of private educational institutions within the meaning of, and prohibited by, Article XI, Section 4 of the South Carolina Constitution.”
“We applaud the Supreme Court for upholding the state Constitution” said Sherry East, President of The SCEA. “While South Carolina has many important issues that must be addressed, from the Corridor of Shame to the Abbeville court case, now we must turn our attention to how this $32 million in federal CARES Act funds can best serve the students of South Carolina. Whether it be used for broadband expansion in underserved areas, making schools safer for students and teachers or providing for the overall social and economic support of students, there are many ways that our state can use these critically-needed funds.”
SC Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Beaty maintained that the state Constitution was quite clear on the matter of public funding for private schools: “the use of public funds for the direct benefit of private educational institutions within the meaning of, and prohibited by, Article XI, Section 4 of the South Carolina Constitution.”
“We applaud the Supreme Court for upholding the state Constitution” said Sherry East, President of The SCEA. “While South Carolina has many important issues that must be addressed, from the Corridor of Shame to the Abbeville court case, now we must turn our attention to how this $32 million in federal CARES Act funds can best serve the students of South Carolina. Whether it be used for broadband expansion in underserved areas, making schools safer for students and teachers or providing for the overall social and economic support of students, there are many ways that our state can use these critically-needed funds.”
Join The SCEA!
As a professional educator, you have many opportunities to join a professional association related to your content area. Those associations do not provide professional support for your career. The SCEA does. Listen to this testimony by educator and father John Ross!
The Value of Membership
Reach, teach and inspire. You're never on your own. Your membership gives you access to some of education's most sought after new and innovative programs you can use in your classroom. With resources that cover classroom management and support, to more in-depth professional development provided by your local, state, and national affiliates - you have a team supporting you.
Make your voice heard. As trusted professionals, educators are best equipped to make school and classroom decisions to ensure student success. It's our mission to ensure educators have a seat at the table when education policies are made. As members of the Association, educators have a powerful voice in creating the policies that affect our students, our schools, and our classrooms.
Grow your network. We're a community of experienced professionals. Through a variety of online and off-line tools, you enjoy access to valuable resources on classroom management, lesson planning and a host of other topics. Plus, you'll make connections with the educators at your school, in your state, and among our more than 3 million members.
Enjoy what matters most. Membership means less worrying for you and more action from us. With representation at the Statehouse, liability insurance and so much more, NEA provides advice and professional advocacy on the range of issues you face as an educator: salary, working conditions, evaluation support, contract compliance and enforcement and retirement.
Reach, teach and inspire. You're never on your own. Your membership gives you access to some of education's most sought after new and innovative programs you can use in your classroom. With resources that cover classroom management and support, to more in-depth professional development provided by your local, state, and national affiliates - you have a team supporting you.
Make your voice heard. As trusted professionals, educators are best equipped to make school and classroom decisions to ensure student success. It's our mission to ensure educators have a seat at the table when education policies are made. As members of the Association, educators have a powerful voice in creating the policies that affect our students, our schools, and our classrooms.
Grow your network. We're a community of experienced professionals. Through a variety of online and off-line tools, you enjoy access to valuable resources on classroom management, lesson planning and a host of other topics. Plus, you'll make connections with the educators at your school, in your state, and among our more than 3 million members.
Enjoy what matters most. Membership means less worrying for you and more action from us. With representation at the Statehouse, liability insurance and so much more, NEA provides advice and professional advocacy on the range of issues you face as an educator: salary, working conditions, evaluation support, contract compliance and enforcement and retirement.
To join The SCEA, call 803.551.4141
