News

Education candidates: SC schools face challenges

February 19, 2010

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. Candidates vying to be South Carolina's next education chief said Thursday that the state's schools face challenges ranging from top-heavy administrations to low teacher pay.

"There are too many chiefs and not enough Indians," Elizabeth Moffly, a small business owner who is running for the Republican nomination, said during a debate with five of the seven candidates.

None of the candidates said they supported across-the-board school district consolidation, which would reduce administrative costs, saying each case needs to be examined on its own receive support from local residents.

"In some districts, it makes sense to consolidate," said Newberry College President Mick Zais, who also is running for the Republican nomination.

Many of the candidates oppose merit-based pay for teachers, but agree that teacher salaries should be raised.

"No teacher is paid enough," said former Anderson 4 superintendent Gary Burgess of Pendleton, who said he would support merit-based pay if a method could be developed to determine achievement.

Greenville attorney Frank Holleman, who is running for the Democratic nomination, drew the most applause when he said anyone running for the post should support public education and not programs that give parents vouchers or tax credits to send their children to private schools.

Irmo high school history teacher Kelly Payne, a Republican candidate, said the first goal of any superintendent should be to improve literacy among South Carolina's students.

Candidates Timothy Moultrie and Brent Nelsen did not attend the event sponsored by Winthrop University's Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement.

The candidates are vying to succeed Democrat Jim Rex, who is running for governor. The general election will be held in November.

Published in:
The State
Charlotte Observer