Williamsburg County School District one step closer to gaining governance as school ratings improve
WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The Williamsburg County School District has earned increased governance responsibilities years after a state of emergency declaration in 2018, according to the state Department of Education.
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) will begin transitioning responsibilities to the Williamsburg County School District Board of Trustees after every school in the district earned at least an average rating upon release of statewide report cards.
“I am delighted to announce that this year, every Williamsburg County elementary school improved an entire rating category on the statewide report cards, and every school in the district has received a rating of at least ‘average,’” said the State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver. “With academic success data moving in the right direction, the local Board is ready for more oversight of district operations.”
Below are the ratings for WCSD’s schools for the 2023-2024 school year:
Kingstree High School – Average
Hemingway High School – Average
C.E. Murray Middle School – Good
Hemingway Mb Lee Middle School – Average
Kingstree Middle Magnet School Of The Arts – Excellent
C.E. Murray Elementary School – Average
Hemingway Elementary School – Average
Kenneth Gardner Leadership Academy – Good
Now, the school board will hear reports and votes on agenda items according to statutes, regulations, and board policy. After each meeting during the 2024-2025 school year, the state education department will ratify the board votes or return them for reconsideration.
“This is a pivotal time in our history and a positive impact on the county,” said Board Chair Marva Cannion. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve and to challenge our educational leaders to continue to exceed expectations as we realize and imagine greatness.”
In 2018, Williamsburg County School District was placed under a state of emergency after years of financial mismanagement, systemic program problems, and poor student performance.
After the current school year’s assessment results are released, the school district leadership team and state department will meet to discuss the next steps concerning giving the school board full governance back.
