About Ellen Weaver

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Superintendent-Ellen Weaver saw first-hand the power of a great education. Ellen began her education in a small private school, before completing sixth to tenth grades as a homeschooled student and graduating from a great public high school. Growing up, she had the opportunity to work with her father in his small business, working on construction sites, instilling in her integrity, tenacity, and a strong work ethic.

Throughout her education, Ellen witnessed the power a single great teacher can have on a student's life.

She earned a B.A. from Bob Jones University in Political Science and later returned to her alma mater to earn her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership.

After receiving her undergraduate degree, Ellen worked for U.S. Senator Jim DeMint. Over the next 12 years, she saw the value of standing strong for common-sense principles: saying what you mean and meaning what you say. 

She worked in a wide variety of roles in Senator DeMint's Washington and South Carolina offices. Her final assignment as State Director included managing all South Carolina staff and offices.

In 2013, alongside Senator DeMint, Ellen launched Palmetto Promise Institute, South Carolina's premier free-market public policy research and solutions organization. Over the next nine years, she worked every day to improve the lives of South Carolinians by fighting for smaller government, less regulation, and policies that enhance our freedoms.

Through her work with Palmetto Promise Institute and her volunteer service on the S.C. Education Oversight Committee, Ellen honed her K-12 education policy skills. She served as the first female chair of the Committee from 2019 to 2021 and built strong relationships with education innovators and policy leaders across the state.

Ellen is a woman of deep faith who serves as a chorister and deacon in her church - working with children and adults in her church's special needs program. 

As Superintendent, Ellen will focus on delivering an excellent education for every child. She understands that South Carolina needs to laser-focus on literacy and mathematical skills, increase school safety, and celebrate what's currently working well in classrooms.

Ellen knows that an excellent education begins with a high-quality teacher in every classroom. She is fighting to support educators by reducing red tape, increasing school discipline, and raising teacher pay to the national average. 

She knows that increased transparency and the availability of educational options are paramount in ensuring an education that best fits each child. Ellen works every day to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their God-given potential.