Rock Hill, S.C., January 13, 2026
State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver has proposed a cap on separation agreements, or ‘golden parachutes,’ for superintendents in South Carolina. The initiative aims to limit payouts to a maximum of one year’s salary or remaining contract value, whichever is lower. This measure seeks to redirect funds away from excessive payouts towards educational resources and student services. Support for the proposal has surfaced among legislators, emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility and safeguarding taxpayer money.
Rock Hill, S.C. – Cap on Superintendent ‘Golden Parachutes’ Proposed
Columbia, S.C. – State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver has introduced a proposal to cap the value of separation agreements, or “golden parachutes,” between superintendents and school districts. This initiative is designed to curtail excessive payouts to departing superintendents, ensuring that taxpayer funds are utilized directly for educational resources and student services.
Weaver’s proposal intends to limit these settlement payouts to no more than one year’s salary or the remaining value of the superintendent’s contract, whichever amount is less. This move aims to address a concerning trend of significant financial settlements, even in cases where superintendents are dismissed for cause. Over the past four years, four superintendents in the Midlands received a combined total of over $1.3 million in such settlements. A notable example includes the former superintendent of Richland School District 2, who received a $615,000 payout that exceeded his annual salary by approximately $360,000. Additionally, the former superintendent of Jasper County School District, dismissed for cause and currently under investigation for alleged misconduct, received a payout equivalent to 18 months of her salary, totaling over $300,000.
Weaver has stressed the importance of focusing on educational improvements rather than substantial severance packages. She has pointedly stated the need to redirect these funds to support teachers and enhance student resources. The proposal calls for the South Carolina General Assembly to include a specific proviso in the upcoming state budget. Should it be adopted, this provision is set to take effect on July 1, 2026. Support for Weaver’s proposal has emerged from within the legislative body, including Senator Greg Hembree, chair of the Senate Education Committee, who describes the current payouts as “troubling” and emphasizes the necessity to safeguard taxpayer money. He underscored the context, noting that these are public dollars that should not be spent carelessly.
The initiative stands as a part of broader efforts aimed at encouraging fiscal responsibility within South Carolina’s educational system, prioritizing the allocation of resources that directly benefit students and educators over lavish payouts for departing superintendents.
Key Features of the Proposal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cap on Separation Agreements | Limits payouts to departing superintendents to no more than one year’s salary or the remaining value of the superintendent’s contract, whichever is less. |
| Implementation Timeline | The provision is proposed to take effect on July 1, 2026, pending approval by the South Carolina General Assembly. |
| Legislative Support | Senator Greg Hembree, chair of the Senate Education Committee, has expressed support for the proposal, emphasizing the need to protect taxpayer money. |
| Broader Fiscal Responsibility | The proposal is part of a broader effort to ensure fiscal responsibility within South Carolina’s educational system, aiming to prioritize resources that directly benefit students and educators. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the proposed cap on superintendent ‘golden parachutes’?
The proposal seeks to limit separation agreements between superintendents and school districts to no more than one year’s salary or the remaining value of the superintendent’s contract, whichever is less. This measure aims to prevent excessive payouts to departing superintendents and ensure that taxpayer funds are allocated directly to educational resources and student services.
Why is this proposal being considered?
The proposal is in response to instances where superintendents received substantial payouts, even when dismissed for cause. For example, in the past four years, four superintendents in the Midlands received over $1.3 million combined in settlements. The initiative aims to reallocate these funds to support teachers and enhance student resources.
How will this proposal be implemented?
State Superintendent Ellen Weaver has requested that the South Carolina General Assembly include a proviso in the upcoming state budget to implement this change. If adopted, the provision would take effect on July 1, 2026. The General Assembly is expected to review and vote on this proposal in the coming legislative session.
Who supports this proposal?
Senator Greg Hembree, chair of the Senate Education Committee, has expressed support for Weaver’s proposal, describing such payouts as “troubling” and emphasizing the need to protect taxpayer money. He noted, “This is public service. You have to remember the context. These are public dollars that are being sort of thrown around, it feels like — I don’t want to say recklessly, but generously.” The General Assembly is expected to review and vote on this proposal in the coming legislative session.
What is the broader context of this proposal?
The initiative reflects a broader effort to ensure fiscal responsibility within South Carolina’s educational system, aiming to prioritize resources that directly benefit students and educators. It addresses concerns about the allocation of funds and seeks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of educational expenditures.
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