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State Superintendent of Education

State of SC Superintendent of Education -- The state superintendent serves as secretary and administrative officer to the State Board of Education. The superintendent manages public school funds provided by the state and federal governments. This individual organizes staff and leads the State Department of Education, including all divisions and departments. This is a four-year elected term.NOTE:This candidate’s responses were not available before our publication deadline. Voters are welcome to encourage the candidate to share their views. Updated responses will be posted as they are received.

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    Lisa Ellis
    (Dem)

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    Baba Amin Ojuok
    (UC)

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    Ellen Weaver
    (Rep)

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    Sylvia Wright
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What will be your top priority for action as Superintendent of Education?

What do you see as the most critical issues for public education in SC and how would you address them if you were elected?

What would you do as Superintendent of Education to improve accountability for the Education Scholarship Trust Fund program?

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My top priority for action as Superintendent of Education will be to restore credibility and faith in the office. The Superintendent of Education’s main function is to serve as an advocate for South Carolina’s students, teachers, and families. In recent years, education in South Carolina has become increasingly politicized. As Superintendent, I would ensure that every decision made benefits the students of South Carolina public schools, rather than serving any agenda.
South Carolina’s public schools face three key challenges: teacher retention, curriculum censorship, and school safety. Retaining teachers requires not only better pay but improved working conditions, including protected planning time. When teachers lose that time to cover classes, it increases burnout; they should be compensated for it. Curriculum censorship has also risen, limiting access to books and undermining local expertise. I would repeal Regulation 43-170 and restore decision-making to local librarians. School safety is also critical. I would work with the General Assembly to ensure safety measures are fully funded, and schools remain secure for students and staff.
While I believe public funds belong in public schools, as Superintendent, it is my duty to implement the policies established by our General Assembly. I will continue to push the legislature to establish transparency and accountability measures for any learning space receiving state funds, as long as the ESTF program remains law. This would include, but is not limited to, standards for curriculum, testing regulations, and student achievement measurement.
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