Representative Leon Stavrinakis introduces legislation to reform education funding and to protect South Carolina’s teachers. 

Columbia:  State Representative Leon Stavrinakis of District 119 in Charleston County today took steps to fulfill major campaign promises made in the November elections.  Rep. Stavrinakis introduced House Bill 3348, the South Carolina Classroom Priority Act,  to require that all school districts in South Carolina spend 65% of their operating budget on “in classroom” expenditures and House Bill 3347, the Teacher Protection Act,  to protect teachers who are the victims of crimes committed by students. 

“Our citizens are demanding reform in our education funding system, the cutting of waste and directing tax dollars directly to our teachers and students in the classrooms of South Carolina.  The Classroom Priority Act (H.3348) would make all of that a reality.  This will allow us to give our students the classroom equipment and supplies they need and our teachers the raises they deserve without raising taxes” commented Mr. Stavrinakis.  “We need to end forever the days of our dedicated teachers reaching into their pockets to pay for basic classroom supplies.”

“As for the Teacher Protection Act (H.3347), it is important to protect our teachers and at the same time send a message that discipline in our classrooms is not optional” stated Stavrinakis.  “This bill sets penalties for those who would physically attack our teachers and makes teachers whole for any damages done” added the Charleston lawmaker.

“I want to thank all of my co-sponsors in the House of Representatives and Senator Glenn McConnell who previously introduced the Teacher Protection Act in the Senate.  I encourage all South Carolinians to contact their legislators and ask them to support these common sense reforms” he concluded.

http://www.scstatehouse.net/sess117_2007-2008/bills/3347.htm

http://www.scstatehouse.net/sess117_2007-2008/bills/3348.htm