COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina’s schools chief is hopeful the Senate will go along with plans to consolidate some of the state’s small school districts.
State Education Superintendent Molly Spearman told The Post and Courier of Charleston she thinks lawmakers should focus on nine small school districts that have financial problems, poor test schools and small populations.
Lawmakers have long avoided the subject, fearing voters who don’t want to lose the identity of local school systems.
The South Carolina Supreme Court several has suggested that consolidating smaller school districts would help students in poor, rural areas get a better education.
Spearman says consolidating small districts would cut administrative costs and expand academic offerings. She says smaller schools often cannot afford to offer as many different classes, especially the more challenging Advanced Placement courses.
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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com
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