Molly Spearman

September 20, 2022 — An extended conversation with outgoing State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman about some of the biggest issues currently facing South Carolina schools.

Debate over a memoir that contains explicit illustrations of sexual acts is surfacing in a handful of states where Republican governors are gearing up for reelection next year. It foreshadows a recurring theme for conservative leaders in the coming campaigns. The book in question, Maia Kobabe's "Gender Queer," has been the focus of ire from Republican governors in various states, including in the Virginia governor's race. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Wednesday released a letter calling on Superintendent Molly Spearman to perform a systemic review of "inappropriate" materials in the state's schools. The book in question has become a strategic GOP talking point over the past year.

South Carolina Education Superintendent Molly Spearman says she won't run for a third term. Spearman said Wednesday after 40 years of service as a teacher, lawmaker and education official she wants to devote more time to her family. The 67-year-old superintendent says she plans to keep working to get education out of problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and advocate for students and teachers until her replacement is sworn into office in January 2023. A Republican, Spearman often clashed with lawmakers and others in her party. But she also pushed them toward her key issues — raising teacher pay and their morale, improving education standards, replacing school buses and helping smaller districts get more state support.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 21, 2021, we look at the current COVID-19 situation in the state, including the debate over masks in schools, the latest case numbers, vaccination recommendations for pregnant women, and much more.

South Carolina is spending $24 million from a legal settlement over emissions with Volkswagen on more than 200 new buses that run on propane.

This edition of the South Carolina Lede for March 2, 2021, features: a conversation with State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman about when…

This episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 13, 2021 features: an update from State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman on vaccination…

This episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 2, 2021, features: a look at some of the action that happened last week in the State House of…

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for September 10, 2020, we look at datacasting to help keep students in South Carolina connected remotely to…

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 25, 2020, we hear comments from South Carolina Congressional delegation on the issues facing the…