South Carolina Supreme Court Declares Education Scholarship Fund Unconstitutional, Leaving Families in Limbo

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A New Challenge for South Carolina Families

In a surprising turn of events, the South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled that the recently established Education Scholarship Trust Fund program is unconstitutional. For many parents who were counting on this program to help finance their children’s education, this ruling has left a cloud of uncertainty hanging over their heads.

A Shocking Decision

Holly Curtiss, a single mother of two, expressed her devastation after the ruling. “I was thinking, ‘Oh, my God, are they even going to allow the children to finish this year?'” she said, her voice filled with concern. Holly’s son, who has ADHD, was not receiving the necessary support in public school, prompting her to move him to a private school. “The vouchers were a blessing, an absolute blessing to have that ability,” she added.

Every day, Holly makes a 30-mile drive so her children can attend a school that better fits their needs. “I take care of them solely, and they rely on me — physically, financially,” she explained, emphasizing how crucial those vouchers had been for her family.

What Was the Program?

The Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF), signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster in 2023, allowed qualifying parents to apply for scholarships worth up to $6,000 per student. This funding was intended to help families transition to private schools, particularly those who felt public schools were not meeting their children’s needs.

Opposition to the Ruling

However, the ESTF has faced significant opposition. Critics, including education advocates like Sherry East, the president of the South Carolina Education Association, argue that public money should not earmarked for private education. “I don’t think this fight will be over. I think they will try to come back to the table and figure out another way to take our public dollars and give them to private schools,” she said. East believes that funds should instead be directed toward public education, especially in rural counties that are struggling.

“Let’s put some of these tax dollars into the corridor of shame. Let’s support areas like Abbeville, Marlboro County, Dillon County, and Jasper County,” she suggested, highlighting the urgent need for equitable funding across all educational institutions.

Governor’s Response

Governor McMaster took to social media to express his frustration with the ruling, stating that the decision presents significant challenges for families who were already benefiting from the scholarships. “That’s one of the difficulties of this opinion — that it seems to be pulling the rug out from under them,” he acknowledged.

He underscored the importance of providing every student with the opportunity for a quality education, remarking, “We have to allow all of our people to have an opportunity to get educated just to start climbing that ladder of success.” According to the governor, if families lack the financial means to pay for schooling, it becomes a significant roadblock to education.

Looking Ahead

The ruling has already affected many families. According to the South Carolina Department of Education, approximately 2,800 students had received scholarships through this program. Now, as they brace for the implications of this decision, parents are left to wonder what the future holds for their children’s education.

With emotions running high and opinions divided, it appears that the conversation surrounding education funding in South Carolina is far from over. As the dust settles from this ruling, many will undoubtedly be looking for solutions that ensure all students, regardless of their circumstances, have access to a quality education.