It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Old Greenville County Courthouse Building gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Greenville, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Working for Always Best Care was a blast! The schedule coordinator is only a phone”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is the best health care place to work at! It was”
“I was looking for 24 hr home care for my mother who was living alone”
“Always best care is a great company to work with! Holly is great at getting”
“Excellent company and employees. They always go above and beyond to make sure clients and”
“The company is amazing, in my whole heartedly honest opinion. I've been working there for”
“Always Best Care really lives up to its name! Bruce and Holly were incredible and”
“When my father fell and broke his arm, we needed help quickly as my mother”
“So I have known Bruce Meyer for quite some time now. He came at a”
“I’ve work for this company for about a month now. We are a family with”
“My wife is a recent former client of Always Best Care. The only reason we”
“I was recently in a motor vehicle accident and found myself needing 24 hour care.”
“Always Best Care has always been close to home, so to speak, and this was”
“Caring, compassionate and thorough. Professional and they listen to best meet your needs.”
“Wonderful caring people who go out of their way to ensure your loved ones are”
“What a journey we experienced with Always Best Care! They were with us every step”
“Bruce and his team at Always Best Care have been a tremendous help to many”
“I have been a client of Always Best Care (ABC) in Greenville, SC for nearly”
“Staff is well screened and trained. Company is very professional and caring, they will find”
“When our mother needed in home care we researched other options before selecting Always Best”
“Bruce and his special team were with us every step of the way. A very”
“excellent owner and management staff. great caregivers. responsible, dedicated, trustworthy, dependable.”
“Always Best Care are the absolute BEST home care agency I have EVER worked for”
“We have been with ABC for about six months and could not be more pleased.”
“I have only been working for Always Best Care for about two months. And it”
“Working for Always Best Care was a blast! The schedule coordinator is only a phone call day or night. The learning environment is wonderful I never felt stupid asking questions. This is the best care company anyone could work for! It’s great to know that the company has your back. 10/10 recommend!”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is the best health care place to work at! It was never just a job for me, it was so much more than that! You become so close to each other like family! The employees work as a team which makes it so much enjoyable! Thank you for all you’ve done for me ABC!!!”
“I was looking for 24 hr home care for my mother who was living alone after my Dad's passing. My mother also had Dementia. ABC was recommended by her PCP. I was immediately impressed with my 1st meeting with their Senior Program Coordinator. She took detailed notes about the daily routine. My mind was set at ease when she explained their COVID protocols which included wiping down surfaces, mask requirements and unannounced periodic supervisor check-ins on caregivers. Daily each caregiver maintained meticulous documentation on my mother's daily routines - when she got up - what she ate. They also handled mail sorting and other sensitive confidential information. I was particularly impressed with the professional and caring demeanor of the caregivers. Shift changes overlapped allowing caregivers time to share pertinent information and there was often training from senior caregivers to junior team members about handling transfers and safety. ABC is a first class well run home care providing company.”
“Always best care is a great company to work with! Holly is great at getting back to you and changing hours for the caregivers as needed, Bruce constantly is checking in to make sure the family has a support they need, and the caregivers go over and beyond!”
“Excellent company and employees. They always go above and beyond to make sure clients and coworkers needs are met.I have worked for this company for 23 years and I recommend this company for anyone looking for extra help for their loved ones.”
“The company is amazing, in my whole heartedly honest opinion. I've been working there for over a year and the office has always been there when I needed them. Bruce Meyer and Holly Jones are top notch in the office and work to help us caregivers/CNA's as well as our clients.”
“Always Best Care really lives up to its name! Bruce and Holly were incredible and gave consistent and professional care for our family member and went above and beyond on many occasions. I would recommend them heartily!!”
“When my father fell and broke his arm, we needed help quickly as my mother has Alzheimers. We meet with Bruce on Monday and by Wednesday, we had caregivers in the home 7/24. I've been a recruiter for 22 years and I know that finding good people is hard work. ABC has some fantastic employees and they have been a welcome addition to the home during this transition to Assisted Living. Bruce and his team answered our call day and night and responded quickly and professionally. There are always bumps when you are starting a new project, but it's how you handle them that is important. I have the utmost respect for Bruce and his team and I recommend them if you need care for a family member.”
“So I have known Bruce Meyer for quite some time now. He came at a time where I was struggling to find a job. God sure does work in amazing ways. He was the reason I said yes to the job. It wasn’t just another interview where they just hired anybody. It was a place where I could feel comfortable and not nervous and leave the “interview” knowing I had found a wonderful place to work for. I’ll never forget that day when I agreed to take it because of the words he spoke to me. He said “God is calling you to walk through the doors. “ That alone will tell you how wonderful he is and the care that he gives to those he believes is a good fit for the job. I have been working for Always Best Care since September of 2020. Ever since I started I knew I was in the right hands with the best company I could have ever asked for. They go above and beyond to give exceptional care/ support to the clients, families, and staff.I have heard nothing but positive feedback from anyone I come In contact to that receive their services. I am truly blessed to call this not only my job but my family.”
“I’ve work for this company for about a month now. We are a family with our client’s as our main priority!! The name doesn’t lie we Always give the Best Care, you won’t regret your decision with ABC.”
“My wife is a recent former client of Always Best Care. The only reason we are no longer using their services is she was approved for Medicaid. Bruce was great during his initial visit to find out my wife's needs. They were able to provide an aide very quickly. Cortney, the supervisor nurse, is awesome and went above and beyond. When an aide couldn't make it, they had someone else ready. All of the aides have been fantastic and will be missed.”
“I was recently in a motor vehicle accident and found myself needing 24 hour care. Always best care provided services for me for about 2 months. I feel like all the caretakers we’re capable and caring they certainly were a great help to me from cooking, to light cleaning, walking my dog, and helping with various needs I had. I would definitely recommend ABC for caretaking services!”
“Always Best Care has always been close to home, so to speak, and this was no different! Bruce & the team helped us out so much! They cared for my loved one just as if she was their own. And they even help with the transitions in life for when the need may arise. They are like family. If you ever have concerns, voice them, because they are willing to go the extra mile for you! ????”
“Caring, compassionate and thorough. Professional and they listen to best meet your needs.”
“Wonderful caring people who go out of their way to ensure your loved ones are treated right and cared for - would highly recommend!!”
“What a journey we experienced with Always Best Care! They were with us every step of the way. Professional, loving, and truly part of the family! We are forever grateful to their special team!”
“Bruce and his team at Always Best Care have been a tremendous help to many of my clients over the years. They provide services to seniors with the utmost in care and professionalism. I highly recommend Always Best Care!”
“I have been a client of Always Best Care (ABC) in Greenville, SC for nearly 5 months. The responsiveness and value added provided by their service has been outstanding, always going the extra mile in terms of advice on how to deal with the complexities of medicare, and health insurance for the elderly, and in particular the difficulties of handling dementia in the case of a loved one. The ownership and staff provide great individualized attention to the specific needs of every single client. They will search for the right caregiver to provide the required level of care for you and your loved ones. I wholeheartedly endorse them. I would rate my experience with them a perfect 10.”
“Staff is well screened and trained. Company is very professional and caring, they will find the right fit to meet your needs.”
“When our mother needed in home care we researched other options before selecting Always Best Care. Bruce Meyer and his team of caregivers gave us the level of care and attention we were looking for. The ladies who attended to our mom were always on time and were always extremely loving and gentle. Our mom looked forward to the daily visits. We choose a non-fri schd of 8am - 12pm. When she later moved to more 24 hr nursing home requirements, her caregivers continued to stay in touch and became part of our extended family. Always Best Care will Always be our first option! Thanks again to this wonderful team.”
“Bruce and his special team were with us every step of the way. A very difficult journey and they carried us through it!”
“excellent owner and management staff. great caregivers. responsible, dedicated, trustworthy, dependable.”
“Always Best Care are the absolute BEST home care agency I have EVER worked for ! They truly appreciate and care about there caregivers and clients ! Bruce , Ashley and Jessica are truly one of a kind and I couldn’t have asked for a better home care agency to work for ! I 100% recommend them to care for your loved ones !”
“We have been with ABC for about six months and could not be more pleased. Ashley and Jessica make every effort to be sure our needs are meet. Bruce and Helen have been invaluable in helping with our long term care insurance. Our caregiver , Cat Sellers , has been a godsend. She has become a member of our family. She has a unique ablity to be both personal and professional. We look forward to her cheerful spirit each day. Thank you , ABC. Rev. and Mrs. Todd Walter.”
“I have only been working for Always Best Care for about two months. And it has been such a great experience. I been in healthcare for ten years. Have worked in nursing homes, assisted living, and home health. But this is by far the best company yet. They are truly some loving, gentle, and caring people to work for. Bruce, Jessica, and Ashley are awesome. I love that they don't mind getting in there and getting their hands dirty. But most of all, if I had a loved one that needed care, I would most definatley use Always Best Care. Why? Because I know they would be well taken care of. They show love for their workers. We are family at Always Best Care.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Legacy Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Rick Erwin's West End Grille or visit The Wyche, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Greenville, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Greenville, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Greenville, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
GREENVILLE, S.C. —Some severe weather moves through overnight bringing strong winds and hail to our area.Storms have been severe in the mountains since Thursday afternoon with large hail in many areas.New models show storms trying to move into the Upstate between 9 p.m. and midnight.Severe weather will be possible in that time frame. Rain and possible thunder will linger past midnight but the strongest winds and hail threat will be earlier.Storm Threat TodayAround 5:20 p.m., Ch...
GREENVILLE, S.C. —
Some severe weather moves through overnight bringing strong winds and hail to our area.
Storms have been severe in the mountains since Thursday afternoon with large hail in many areas.
New models show storms trying to move into the Upstate between 9 p.m. and midnight.
Severe weather will be possible in that time frame. Rain and possible thunder will linger past midnight but the strongest winds and hail threat will be earlier.
Storm Threat Today
Around 5:20 p.m., Chris Justus reported lime-sized hail in areas of Rutherford County.
This content is imported from Facebook. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted our region with a rare “hatched” risk zone, meaning hail over 2 inches in diameter is possible.
That’s golf ball to even tennis ball size — more than enough to dent cars, crack windows, or cause serious injury.
WYFF 4
“This isn’t your typical spring storm. This is the kind of hail that gets your attention,” Chris said. “It’s the largest threat we’ve seen in quite some time, and it could do real damage.”
The greatest threat for large hail and strong winds comes later this evening from Western North Carolina — east of I-85 and into the foothills of the Carolinas.
While the tornado risk remains low, it’s not zero.
The video above is a future look at radar for Thursday afternoon and evening as storms are expected to move through.
What you should do:
An isolated thunderstorm or shower cannot be ruled out on Friday, but overall it will not be as wet Friday and into the weekend.
Additional widespread rain arrives Sunday late through Monday and Tuesday.
wyff4
GREENVILLE, S.C. —Greenville County Schools officials are raising concerns regarding the formula being used to determine funding for public school districts compared to charter schools in South Carolina.District officials said the majority of new state funding -- about $112 million -- will be going to charter schools under the current funding formula for its state aid to classrooms."A disproportionate amount of money has been allocated for charter schools, and it's nothing against charter scho...
GREENVILLE, S.C. —
Greenville County Schools officials are raising concerns regarding the formula being used to determine funding for public school districts compared to charter schools in South Carolina.
District officials said the majority of new state funding -- about $112 million -- will be going to charter schools under the current funding formula for its state aid to classrooms.
"A disproportionate amount of money has been allocated for charter schools, and it's nothing against charter schools. They need funding as well," spokesperson Tim Waller said. "It has everything with what we think the intent of state aid to classrooms was supposed to be. That is to provide a fair amount of money to public school districts and really all public school districts in the state to deliver the best education possible."
Waller said all charter schools under the current formula would receive about $90 million in state funding, with the remaining $22 million to be split among public school districts.
He said there are about 57,000 students enrolled in charter schools in South Carolina. By comparison, he said Greenville County Schools has about 78,000 students enrolled.
"[A total of] $90 million for charter schools, $3.7 million for one district that has more students than all of the charter schools in South Carolina," Waller said. "We've seen this increase year after year, and what we're asking lawmakers is to take another look at the weighting."
State Rep. Bruce Bannister, R-Greenville, said he is working on a temporary fix to the funding formula.
However, he told WYFF News 4 that adjustments to the formula face pushback from the Senate and virtual charter schools.
"We're under enormous financial pressures, both from state mandates and all of the costs associated with education," Waller said. "We fight our best not to ever cut staff or raise millage, but the pressures are very, very real."
Chris Neeley, the superintendent for the South Carolina Public Charter School District, responded in a LinkedIn article posted on Wednesday:
"Charter schools must stretch every state dollar further than traditional districts because they receive no local property tax revenue.
"Charter schools must pay for their facilities, student transportation, capital expenses, and employee benefits entirely out of state revenue.
"So, charter schools are delivering the value proposition on which they were founded: providing innovation, serving vulnerable students, and being held to higher accountability standards, for fewer tax dollars."
Late Tuesday afternoon, the South Carolina House approved to reduction in the virtual charter school weighting from 0.65 to 0.36.
The House also approved the creation of a study committee, proviso that, according to the South Carolina School Boards Association, "establishes that the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office (RFA) will review the student weightings used in the State Aid to Classrooms funding formula. The RFA will explore ways to better align funding with student enrollment and ensure more consistent distributions to districts and charter authorizers. The agency must consult with policymakers and relevant stakeholders as determined by the RFA."
The SCSBA said, "Recommendations for any changes must be submitted to the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Governor, and Superintendent of Education by December 1, 2025."
The changes to the proviso are not final, however, as the House and Senate must meet in a conference committee to iron out the two versions of the state budget in their respective chambers.
Waller said reduced funding to public schools could impact proposed raises for teachers.
He said under the current funding, teachers could expect a raise of more than $1,000 next school year. However, if the temporary change is approved, he said teachers could expect an additional $200 increase.
"When the weighting doesn't provide the funding that we need to hire those quality teachers, it directly impacts the kind of education we can provide to students," Waller said. "This is not fair to the taxpayers who expect a certain level of quality."
District officials said right now, all three of their budget proposals for next school year do not include a millage increase.
Officials also said, as of now, they do not see themselves cutting or laying off staff due to reduced funding.
The South Carolina legislature is moving closer to passing a bill to reduce distracted driving.On Wednesday, the bill ? titled the "SC Hands-Free Driving Act" ? gained the approval of the Senate. It is now on its way to the SC House of Representatives with amendments. Afterward, it would be sent to the governor's desk for his signature."I've (worked) several distracted driv...
The South Carolina legislature is moving closer to passing a bill to reduce distracted driving.
On Wednesday, the bill ? titled the "SC Hands-Free Driving Act" ? gained the approval of the Senate. It is now on its way to the SC House of Representatives with amendments. Afterward, it would be sent to the governor's desk for his signature.
"I've (worked) several distracted driving collisions where somebody was distracted on a cellphone and ended up causing a fatality, typically, a total stranger that was affected in this," Master Trooper Michael Ridgeway with the South Carolina Highway Patrol told WYFF4. "It takes your eyes off the road. It distracts you manually. So it takes your hands off the road, sometimes both hands, and in some cases it distracts you mentally."
Another reason the bill has regained momentum is the $50 million loss in federal funding that will occur if S.C. does not enact a ban on handheld cellphone use while driving. Per News19, "the federal government is requiring the state to update its statute to qualify for the transportation safety funding."
Here's what you need to know about fines for violating the new law and what hands-free technology will still be permitted.
The first offense for using a cellphone while driving would cost $100 under the bill. Every violation after that would cost $200.
"You could actually be on a cellphone and still be within the parameters of the law. But this, this will get it to where ? 'Hey, you cannot be on your cellphone, have your cellphone in your hand at all.' and that's really what we need," Ridgeway said.
Under the new law, hands-free technology that is voice-activated, such as Bluetooth, would still be legal.
"You can answer the phone, do anything you want on that, as long as you just don't pick it up and look at it," said Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken told WLTX. "That’s dangerous...They are six times more dangerous than a drunk driver. It's got to stop."
Phones cannot be in the driver's hand or on the lap while operating a vehicle.
There are currently 29 states with hands-free laws, including Georgia, which adopted the law in 2018.
Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at [email protected]
It is estimated that one in seven South Carolinians has unclaimed property.The average property value is usually worth more than $500, with funds originating from sources such as dormant bank accounts, stock certificates, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, and utility deposits made by companies unable to return to their owners.South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis Loftus announced on May 5 that "surprise checks" will arrive in some residents' mailboxes this month. Loftis led this initiative, which is known as ...
It is estimated that one in seven South Carolinians has unclaimed property.
The average property value is usually worth more than $500, with funds originating from sources such as dormant bank accounts, stock certificates, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, and utility deposits made by companies unable to return to their owners.
South Carolina State Treasurer Curtis Loftus announced on May 5 that "surprise checks" will arrive in some residents' mailboxes this month. Loftis led this initiative, which is known as Palmetto Paycheck. It matches qualified unclaimed property to its owner and generates checks without the need for residents to file a claim.
"We want to make it easier for South Carolinians to get their forgotten funds back, putting more money directly into their hands," Loftis said. "This is about efficiency, accuracy, and ultimately, about serving the people of our state."
Here's how soon those who qualify can expect checks to arrive.
The first wave of paychecks ? totaling over $600,000 ? is expected to arrive at homes this week. This initial distribution of checks is only the beginning of the Palmetto Paycheck initiative; millions of dollars in unclaimed property funds are expected to be returned to residents.
Despite Palmetto Paycheck's aim to return unclaimed property funds to residents seamlessly, Loftus has stated that not all unclaimed property can be validated through this special initiative. Everyone, including those who do receive a paycheck, is asked to regularly search the South Carolina State Treasurer's online database at treasurer.sc.gov to locate and claim any additional funds.
Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at [email protected]
On Mother's Day weekend, the Upstate is set to welcome Artisphere 2025, presented by Prisma Health, to downtown Greenville from May 9 to 11.The 21st annual springtime festival expects more than 90,000 visitors to Broad and Main Street for a weekend highlighting local and national mixed-media artists, live music, entertainment performances, and family-friendly events.Artisphere was recently voted fifth in the ...
On Mother's Day weekend, the Upstate is set to welcome Artisphere 2025, presented by Prisma Health, to downtown Greenville from May 9 to 11.
The 21st annual springtime festival expects more than 90,000 visitors to Broad and Main Street for a weekend highlighting local and national mixed-media artists, live music, entertainment performances, and family-friendly events.
Artisphere was recently voted fifth in the USA Today 10 Best Art Festival rankings, among the top art events in the nation.
Arriving at and from festival grounds means knowing the lookouts for parking, carpooling, and ridesharing services near Artisphere 2025.
For everything involving arrivals and departures from Artisphere 2025, here is what to expect and consider:
According to the city of Greenville, the following roads near downtown will remain closed between May 8 and 11:
According to the city of Greenville, all parking garages near downtown will be open and available to enter during Artisphere.
Spaces in the 10 parking garages near the festival grounds are available for $5 for all-day access. If a parking structure user leaves and returns, they are required to pay a re-entry fee.
The online link to view parking openings can be found on the city of Greenville's website.
A complimentary bike valet service will be available during Artisphere 2025 in collaboration with Bike Walk Greenville.
Bicycle operators can find this free to the public service underneath the Main Street Bridge during open event hours from May 9 to 11.
Greenville's Downtown Trolley will offer free transportation to three Artisphere 2025 grounds checkpoints from May 9 to 11.
Trolley stops will take place at the Poinsett Garage at the Greenlink, the River Street Garage, and the Richardson Street Garage, according to their site.
– A.J. Jackson covers business, the food & dining scene and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at [email protected], and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.Sign up today for a digital subscription.
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