WMBF News reports that MARLBORO COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - The South Carolina Board of Education voted unanimously on Tuesday to declare the Marlboro County School District in a state of education emergency, effective immediately.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: State takes over Marlboro County School District after scathing Inspector General report The vote came a day after the state’s inspector general released a report into the district’s finances, which stated the district failed at fiscal management, financial oversight and implementing its own fiscal emergency plan.
The report showed over $7 million in financial exceptions.
The findings include IRS debt, unpaid employment benefits, payment for former Superintendent Helena Tillar, secret board member pay raises and school board bonuses.
The report included proof of over $38,000 being used for board member bonuses between 2022 and 2024.
The report also shows former Superintendent Helena Tillar was paid over $326,000 while she didn’t live in Marlboro County, which was a violation of her contract.