As census forms begin arriving in mailboxes throughout the state, Tom Thompson, candidate for SC Superintendent of Education, stresses the importance of this data in helping fund our state education system.
“Our public school systems count on census forms for accurate data to inform planning and funding allocations,” said Thompson.
According to the US Department of Education, census data directly affects how approximately $26 billion in annual federal education funding is distributed to local, state and tribal governments over the next 10 years. Census data informs the federal government of the needs and challenges students might face in their communities and is used to create funding formulas for over 30 formula-grant programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education that provide services to: students from low-income families; homeless children; migrant students; students with disabilities; Native American students; and English Language Learners.
“For South Carolina to be fully represented in education funding decisions, we must ensure that every child in our state is counted,” said Thompson. “I encourage all of our state’s citizens to answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. It’s an easy—but crucial—way to make sure South Carolina students get everything they deserve.”
