EDUCATION REFORM STUDENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE—On Friday, September 16, House Education and Public Works Committee Chairwoman Rita Allison (District 36-Spartanburg) met for the second time with the Education Reform Student Advisory Council (ERSAC) at Francis Marion University in Florence.  Chairwoman Allison formed the ERSAC earlier this year with the purpose of gaining students’ perspectives as the House of Representatives continues to reform public education. The inaugural meeting for the ERSAC was held in March in Columbia at the State House. Representatives Jay Jordan (District 63-Florence) and Roger Kirby (District 61-Florence) were also in attendance. The South Carolina House of Representatives is committed to reform our state’s education delivery system so that every child can receive the best possible education in every part of our state. Last session, the House passed seven pieces of reform legislation (four of which became law) and budgeted millions of additional dollars in revenue to assist struggling, rural school districts. Giving our teachers and administrators the guidance necessary to provide our students with a 21st century education is one of our top priorities. To stay connected with those in the classroom, Chairwoman Rita Allison believes our students need a direct line of communication with lawmakers. The ERSAC is comprised of over thirty student representatives from each of the Abbeville lawsuit plaintiffs’ school districts. The respective school district superintendents are responsible for selecting one representative from the 9-12 grade level. The ERSAC meets on a quarterly basis to give young people the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns with elected officials. Pictured with Chairwoman Rita Allison in no particular order – Jerome Polite (Allendale), ZaTaveya Williams (Bamberg 2), Eddie Ramize McKenzie (Chesterfield), Quadri Bell (Clarendon 2), Tyler Baker (Clarendon 3), Marnija Lewis (Dillon 4), Zateashma Blue (Florence 2), Amber Keefe (Florence 3), Titus Echols (Florence 4), Tonatzi Noriego (Jasper), “Jami” Reese Darling (Laurens 55), Kennedy Corley (Lee), Leah Knight (Lexington 4), Leah Anthony (McCormick), Erikqua Dash (Orangeburg 5), Mary Grace Lake (Saluda), and Kerry Singleton, Jr. (Williamsburg). (Contributed Photo)