COLUMBIA, S.C. — State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman issued the following statement in response to Governor Henry McMaster’s veto of $20.5 million in funding that was part of an overall allocation of $28.9 million for new school bus leases and purchases. The $28.9 million would pay for the agency to purchase and/or lease approximately 414 new school buses.
“By vetoing funding for the purchase of new school buses, the Governor is putting the safety of our students at risk. Our school bus fleet incorporates more than 1500 buses that are over 20 years old and not only are these old buses twice as expensive to operate and maintain, but they are also experiencing structural and mechanical issues. I am deeply disappointed in the decision to veto this essential funding and remain committed to working with the General Assembly to override it and ensure South Carolina’s students have a safe means of transportation to and from school.”
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