Ellen Weaver State Superintendent of Education | South Carolina Department of Education
Twenty teachers at Seven Oaks Elementary Global Magnet School in Lexington-Richland School District Five received performance-based bonuses on Monday. The awards were given as part of the South Carolina Department of Education’s (SCDE) Strategic Compensation Pilot Program, which aims to reward educators for measurable student growth.
The Strategic Compensation Pilot Program, launched earlier this year, uses three different models—state assessment or End of Course assessment growth, interim assessment growth, or district-designed plans—to identify and recognize teachers who drive academic progress. In the first round of the program, more than $2.5 million in total awards was allocated to over 400 teachers across 37 schools. The average award amount was $6,300.
Seven Oaks Elementary used the Excellence in Teaching Model for its awards. Teachers there were recognized based on student progress measured by fall-to-spring interim English Language Arts (ELA) or Math assessments. The school serves a population where more than 85% of students are classified as Pupils in Poverty (PIP), yet it exceeded state-projected award averages based on student results. At Seven Oaks Elementary, 86% of eligible teachers received an award—the highest percentage among pilot program schools using the EIT model—with an average award amount exceeding $7,500.
According to State Superintendent Ellen Weaver: “This Strategic Compensation pilot is a small—but concrete—part of our larger plan to recognize the hard work our educators invest in their students every single day. Behind every data point in this program is a teacher who encouraged a struggling student, sparked a love of learning, and refused to let challenges stand in the way of growth. When that kind of dedication closes learning gaps and catapults students forward in their academic journey, it deserves to be celebrated and rewarded. We’re honored to invest this tangible ‘thank you’ back into our teachers.”
Seven Oaks Elementary Principal Dr. Angie Slatton said: “We’ve seen firsthand just how powerful this program can be for our teachers, and most importantly for our students. Our educators pour their hearts into helping every child grow, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that commitment recognized. We hope to be able to continue partnering with SCDE in this program and see it grow to include all educators.”
The SCDE has secured another $5 million in funding for the next school year (2025-26), planning to expand eligibility for both schools and educators involved in the pilot program. Superintendent Weaver also intends to request additional state funds for a third year of the initiative during the upcoming state budget cycle.
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