The position of South Carolina superintendent of education was created after the ratification of the Constitution of 1868 established the first public school system in the state.

[10] Also in the 1900s, superintendents Swearanger and Hope advocated for increased taxes to fund education, especially regarding teacher professional development and certification.

In the late 1950s and 1960s, Anderson advocated for an increase in funding for math and science programs after the Space Race spawned fears regarding the American academic competition with the Soviet Union.

In 1977, Superintendent Cyril Busbee argued that modern schools required so much money was because they no longer are limited to only teaching factual information.

Busbee argued: Schools are required to operate recreation and cultural centers in the form of athletic contests, movies, dances, drama, band concerts, and art exhibits.

Into the modern era and the 21st century, superintendents have managed greater funding than ever before, and have fought against issues like teacher shortages, low pay, large class sizes, and curriculum disagreements (e.g., Critical race theory).

"[12] That year the General Assembly passed a law requiring all candidates for the office of superintendent to hold a master's degree in education or financial management.

[15] In 2022, Spearman announced that local school districts in Florence, South Carolina would be consolidated after concerns over financial instability.