Letter: SC must do more for ‘Corridor of Shame’

The decision of the S.C. Supreme Court in Abbeville County School District, et al, v. the State of South Carolina seemed to be a real step forward. It mandated that the state legislature must take steps to provide at least “minimally adequate” education to children in poor districts known as the “Corridor of Shame,” which includes our neighbor, Jasper County.

Congregation Beth Yam recently conducted an excellent forum on turning the Corridor of Shame into the Highway to Hope. The importance of volunteerism was emphasized at the forum. The League of Women Voters totally supports volunteer efforts, but we believe productive action by government is essential too.

The legislature is currently considering several bills to address the problems faced by the school districts and provide remedies mandated by the Supreme Court. In our opinion, the bills under consideration do not include enough substantive solutions.

We hope readers of this letter will join the League in urging the legislature to pass legislation that will provide the kinds of real solutions recommended by its own Education Policy Review and Reform Task Force in December 2015. Its report (see Committee Postings and Reports at www.scstatehouse.gov) calls for the state to play a role not only in providing additional funding but also in increasing efficiencies and expertise, recruiting and retaining effective teachers and funding capital improvements.

Education opens doors to children of poverty. It is time for South Carolina to do the right thing and ensure access to a quality education for all our children.

This story was originally published April 25, 2016 at 2:17 PM with the headline "Letter: SC must do more for ‘Corridor of Shame’."