Pickens County schools last to start in SC

PICKENS, S.C. (AP) — Students in Pickens County are starting the school year later than any other district in South Carolina.

Classes begin Tuesday. The start of school was delayed to allow more time for construction.

Five new schools are opening with the school year. That includes two high schools, two elementary schools and a career center.

Other schools have been renovated as part of the district’s $374 million building program.

District spokeswoman Julie Thompson says construction at some schools continues. She says the construction areas are fenced off.

Classes resumed three weeks ago for most South Carolina school districts. Other than Pickens County, Horry County schools were the last to start Aug. 22.

Classes are set to end in Pickens County on June 14, weeks later than most schools.