South Carolina teachers may get a belated Christmas present in 2020.

Gov. Henry McMaster has proposed at $3,000 pay raise for 52,733 public school teachers.

The $211 million budget item would mean an average 7% increase in teacher salaries.

Current SC School Report Card data shows SC teachers make far less than the national average - $53,677 compared to the nationwide average of $60,483 in 2018.

Lexington County teachers average even less.

Between the 5 districts, teachers average $44,213.

That’s $16,252 less than the national average.

The increase would boost the state into the top 25 national ranking for teacher pay and above southeastern average. SC is currently ranked 41st for teacher pay.

“By continuing to invest in our classroom teachers, we are sending a strong message about South Carolina across the nation and the globe,” said Gov. Henry McMaster.

“We are taking bold steps in education reform to produce the next generation’s workforce and to maintain our state’s competitive advantage for new jobs and investment.”

Districts reported 555.5 teaching positions in SC public school classrooms were vacant at the beginning of the 2019-20 school year.

The Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement shows this number represents an 11% decrease compared to vacancies reported at the beginning of the 2018-19 school year.

River Bluff High School visual arts teacher Carlee Myers welcomes the increase, but says its a 1st step.

“I am happy that this is being proposed, but it is a small step towards getting things to where they need to be. The education system is failing and students are more disrespectful than ever.”

Sen. Majority Leader Shane Massey proposed an amendment to the budget item to have teachers work an additional 5 days throughout the school year.

Massey said the paid days would allow teachers to complete required paperwork, most of it federal. They would not have students on those days.

The amendment passed on the condition a 2.6% pay increase is approved to cover the additional days, The State newspaper reported.

The education bill passed out of committee and will go to the full Senate when legislators return in January.