H.3036 is a companion to H.3146 (the constitutional amendment) and would amend the relevant sections of state code to change the Superintendent of Education from an elected position to a cabinet position with advice and consent of the Senate. A candidate must have some extent of school experience, whether as a teacher, on a school board, as a district official, and so on, or he or she must have experience in operational and financial management.

In order for this to change, the Constitutional amendment (H.3146) must be ratified after approval from voters.

Update: An amendment was passed that eliminated “extensive,” in reference to a candidate’s experience, and added “public,” so as to require a candidate to have a background in public education.

Similar: S.137, H.3146

By South Carolina Policy Council

Since 1986 the South Carolina Policy Council Education Foundation has advocated innovative policy ideas that advance the principles of limited government and free enterprise. The Policy Council is the state’s meeting place for business leaders, policymakers, and academics – as well as engaged citizens – who want to see South Carolina become the most free state in the nation. For questions or comments on the articles on this website, please email Research Director Jamie Murguia.