WMBF News reports that MARLBORO COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - The Marlboro County School Board will not challenge the state’s takeover of the district after years of financial mismanagement.
In a Monday letter, Board Chairman Michael Coachman announced the board will not appeal the South Carolina State Board of Education’s decision to declare a state of education emergency within the district and dissolve the elected Board of Trustees.
Coachman wrote that refraining from further legal action will allow district leadership and state-appointed officials to focus on addressing the district’s challenges and improving student outcomes.
“While the Board respectfully disagrees with some aspects of the State Board’s decision, we recognize the importance of maintaining stability and continuity for the students, families, educators, and staff of Marlboro County School District during this transition period,” the letter reads.
“The Board also accepts accountability for areas where stronger oversight and governance could have been exercised to ensure that Board policies, standards, and expectations were consistently met and followed.” The board did not specify which aspects of the State Board’s decision it disagreed with.
The South Carolina Board of Education voted unanimously earlier this month to declare the Marlboro County School District to be in a state of educational emergency, effective immediately.