University presidential searches are growing more secretive despite disclosure laws

Education
Blog · June 8, 2026

In this article originally posted in the Post and Courier, Dr. Oran Smith  comments on legislation concerning the transparency of University president headhunting. By Anna B. Mitchell amitchell@postandcourier.com   CLEMSON — After decades of giving the public a chance to vet candidates for some of the state’s top positions in academia, South Carolina’s leading universities

Two Debates, a Broadcast and a Forum!

Blog · June 8, 2026

Over the next several weeks, Palmetto Promise Institute will have a part in four key public events all over the state of South Carolina. On Tuesday night June 9, Senior Fellow Dr. Oran Smith will serve as political analyst for election night team coverage on WORD radio in the Upstate. You can stream the show

How Jasper County could lead SC charter school funding change

Education
Blog · June 4, 2026

In this op-ed, originally published in The Post and Courier, I discuss the potential for groundbreaking statewide public charter school funding reform that hinges on a decision resting with the Jasper County Council.  They are currently considering giving some local funding to some of their charter schools, which could serve as an important test case

New South Carolina law bans grade floors to boost transparency in student performance

Education
Blog · May 29, 2026

I recently joined Stephen Biddix from WIS10 to discuss the passage of H.5073, which bans grade floors in traditional and public charter schools and reforms credit and content recovery programs.  Check out the story below, or head to the original story to watch my video interview! Columbia, S.C. (WIS10) – Parents across South Carolina could

Lowcountry education leaders weigh opinions of proposed grade floor ban

Education
Blog · May 20, 2026

I was fortunate enough to join ABC 4 News (Charleston) to offer some commentary on H.5073, Rep. Fawn Pedalino’s (R – Clarendon) ban on grade floors in public schools.  The bill has since been signed by Governor McMaster and will be in effect for the 2026-27 school year. COLUMBIA, S.C (WCIV) — South Carolina lawmakers have

Qualified to lead, barred from investing. The SEC’s accredited investor rule is costing South Carolina

Tax & Budget
Blog · April 15, 2026

In this OpEd originally published in the South Carolina Daily Gazette, Palmetto Promise CEO Wendy Damron and Investor Choice Advocates Network Founder and President, Nicolas Morgan discuss the strict regulations concerning investing in South Carolina and nationwide. Emily Kapszukiewicz has spent her career in health care — earning a master’s degree in applied economics and

South Carolina considers joining interstate compact to address teacher vacancies

Education
Blog · April 7, 2026

Palmetto Promise Director of Education Policy Ryan Dellinger recently joined WIS10 reporter Stephen Biddix virtually to discuss a bill that would opt South Carolina in to the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact.  To watch their video coverage, check out the original article here. Columbia, S.C. (WIS10): As school districts across South Carolina continue to grapple with

To fill teacher vacancies, SC could accept certificates from other states

Education
Blog · April 3, 2026

Palmetto Promise Director of Education Policy Ryan Dellinger is quoted in this article, originally published in the South Carolina Daily Gazette, discussing a bill that would opt South Carolina in to the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact. We submitted written testimony on this bill as well, which you can read here. Columbia, S.C. (South Carolina Daily

South Carolina Lawmakers Must Protect Parent Rights. Here’s What Families Need to Know.

Education
Blog · March 26, 2026

In this OpEd, originally published in The Daily Signal, Jonathan Butcher discusses the ongoing battle over parental rights in South Carolina. It happened again: A parent, this one in South Carolina, has accused teachers at her child’s school of hiding information about him from his family. Fortunately, state lawmakers are considering a proposal to protect parents from educators who