TIMMONSVILLE, S.C. (WBTW) – Earlier this year, the State Department of Education declared a State of Emergency at two schools in Timmonsville.
The State Education Superintendent checked on the district’s progress ahead of the new school year.
As the Timmonsville Education Center prepares for the upcoming school year, Interim Superintendent Dr. Zona Jefferson says she wants to remove all obstacles for students to succeed.
Dr. Jefferson said, “I am very excited we are looking at a lot of opportunities for our students.”
This school year will begin under the South Carolina department of Education.
Back in March, the agency declared a State of Emergency for Brockington Elementary and Johnson Middle School.
State Superintendent of Education, Molly Spearman said the schools did not meet the State’s Expectations for academic achievement.
Today, Spearman welcomed teachers back with an open discussion on how a change in culture starts with leadership.
Spearman said, “A lot of good leadership has been hired, I think the leaders are the ones to set the climate for the school district.”
While three school board seats will expire this year, the two superintendents are positive residents will file.
Dr. Jefferson said, “If they are coming for the right reason because they want to see improvement they want our children to have some of the same opportunities that children have everywhere and even more opportunities. If they want to offer their services. I will be willing to work with them and happy to have that opportunity to work with them.”
“Working with the local legislative legislation and the superintendent here to make sure we have the representation that we need,” Spearman said. “We didn’t get here overnight and it won’t change overnight. But I hope we see some positives.”
The last day to file for the school board seats open is next Monday, August 15th.
To file for Florence School District Four school board: Contact the Florence County Election Commission Office at (843) 665-3094.