1. Legislative Update
February 28, 2012

2. Budget Request from SCDOE
Superintendent Zais Budget Goals
To find more cost savings
Direct more funds to the classroom
Push for school district flexibility
Would like lawmakers to focus on ensuring recurring dollars are directed at the Education Finance Act (EFA)

3. Budget Request from SCDOE
Superintendent Zais Budget Request
Requested funding to maintain BSC at current level
of $1,880
Requested additional $36M from state’s Capital Reserve Fund to buy new buses to meet state mandated 15-year replacement cycle
Requested additional $5M for transportation costs, including bus fuel and parts
Requested replacement of $56M in one-time funding appropriated to the EFA for current year with recurring general fund dollars

4. Budget Request from SCDOE
2012 Budget Process Timeline
Ways and Means budget subcommittees meet in February
Full Ways and Means Committee started budget debate on February 21st
House budget floor debate scheduled to begin on March 13th

5. 2012 Budget Provisos EFA Formula/BSC Inflation Factor Teacher Salaries
BSC for current year set at $2,012
Teacher Salaries
Statewide minimum teacher salary used in to be used in
Employee Salaries
District shall give at least a two percent increase in staff salaries
School District Furlough
Should there be a midyear reduction in state funding, districts may institute furloughs
National Board Certification
New applications are suspended for Fiscal Year
Teacher Supplies
Teachers and district staff may receive reimbursements up to $275 for supplies

6. South Carolina Public Schools are Succeeding!
Nearly four out of five SC students passed states high school exit exam on their first attempt in 2010
National Council on Teacher Quality rates SC tops in nation for identifying and retaining effective teachers
Education Week Magazine ranks SC Number 1 in Nation for improving teacher quality and Number 7 for academic standards and accountability