S.51 would mandate the General Assembly appropriate funds to provide wifi (wireless internet) in all public schools. Once all public schools have access to wifi the bill would mandate funds be appropriated to provide wifi in public schools buses; and would further require these buses be made available to students on non-school days. This is a low priority expenditure. Students have long received an education without access to wireless internet, and there’s no reason to believe it is vital to receive an education today. If school districts wish to have access to wireless internet, its installation and maintenance should be funded at the local level. On the state level there are many other items that should take funding priority over the installation of wifi in schools and buses.
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.