State Takeover of 2 Schools is Only 2nd Attempt

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – The state Department of Education’s takeover of two long-failing schools in tiny Timmonsville represents only the second time in 18 years the agency has used its authority under South Carolina’s accountability law.

Authorities say they welcome state intervention at rural Florence District 4’s elementary and middle schools but caution it won’t bring a quick turnaround.

Last month, the State Board of Education voted unanimously to approve Superintendent Molly Spearman’s request to declare a state of emergency at the schools. The declaration allows the state to remove principals and assume control.

It’s a tactic Spearman’s predecessors have avoided since state control of Allendale County schools ended in 2007 with little improvement in student scores.

Spearman says that, unlike in Allendale, she has the support of Florence 4’s school board members.