The Post and Courier Education Lab Forum Charter Schools on the Rise in S.C.: Opportunities and Challenges brought together experts on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, to examine the evolving landscape of charter schools in South Carolina. This engaging panel discussion was presented by the South Carolina Children’s Fund and hosted by the College of Education University of South Carolina. Moderated by Education Lab Reporter Ian Grenier and Editor Adam Parker, the panel featured Chris Neeley, Superintendent S.C. Public Charter School District, Trevor Ivey, Executive Director Liberty STEAM Charter School, Derek Black, Constitutional Law Professor University of South Carolina and Meka Childs, Director of Education Choice and Family Engagement South Carolina Department of Education.
The conversation about the relatively new sector in the educational environment in South Carolina included the status of charter schools in our state, the way the system works: authorizers, funding and business structures, oversight and accountability, and failures and successes, followed by a lively Q&A. The event was the second in a series of panel discussions the Education Lab has planned around South Carolina to explore and discuss important educational topics in conversation with experts and the public.