Former South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex officially endorsed Sylvia Wright, Democratic Nominee for State Superintendent of Education, citing her “student‑first vision, bipartisan spirit, and deep understanding of what our schools, teachers, and families truly need.”
Rex, who served as State Superintendent from 2007 to 2011, said South Carolina cannot afford to continue on its current path.
“I believe Sylvia Wright will involve educators, parents and our elected leaders in charting a new direction to ensure that South Carolina’s public schools prepare all of our students for a challenging future,” he said.
South Carolina now ranks 43rd in the nation in education. Rex also highlighted several of Wright’s key priorities:
- Recruitment & Retention of High-Quality Teachers
- a Whole Child Approach to Learning
- World‑Class Education for Global Competition
- Local Control & Collaboration
- Transparency & Accountability for Public Funds
Wright criticized the current superintendent’s focus on politics over partnership.
“Education isn’t a competition; it’s a collaborative effort,” Wright said. “The current administration’s emphasis on centralizing power and playing politics has fractured communication and trust. Our students are paying the price. As Superintendent, I will bring together parents, teachers, local school boards, business leaders, and community partners so we’re rowing in the same direction, regardless of party.”
Wright also emphasized the need for honest stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
“Public funds belong in public schools,” she said. “Ninety percent of South Carolina’s students attend public schools. We must fully fund them, demand transparency, and hold everyone, myself included, accountable for results. That is how we move from 43rd in the nation toward the top, and that’s a goal every South Carolinian can share.”
Wright also issued an invitation to all voters - calling for unity.
“This campaign is about hope for our children, our teachers, our schools, our districts, and our state,” Wright said. “We are 43rd in the nation today, but we do not have to stay there. If we put students first and work together, South Carolina can do better and will do better. I’m asking every voter, regardless of party, to join us in building an education system worthy of our kids.”
For more information about Sylvia Wright and her campaign for State Superintendent of Education, visit wright2026sc.com