Following SCDE takeover and an emergency MCSD vote to halt consolidations, Clio Elem. is safe — for now. (Photo by Demarco Bostic).
MARLBORO COUNTY — In a heartfelt demonstration of unity and resistance, more than 50 residents of Clio, South Carolina, marched around Clio Elementary School to protest its (at the time) impending closure — a decision tied to the Marlboro County School District’s financial emergency.
The closure was part of a broader consolidation plan aimed at addressing a $6.8 million budget shortfall, which has since prompted the state to take over the district’s financial operations.
Community members, including parents, students, and local leaders, voiced deep concern over the potential loss of a school that has long served as a cornerstone of education and identity in Clio. Signs and chants reflected frustration with district leadership and a call for greater accountability. Mayor Adam Pate and retired educator Pam Covington were among those who criticized the district’s spending practices and lack of transparency.
The protest followed months of tense board meetings and budget debates, with residents demanding a more responsible and inclusive approach to decision-making.
On July 10, the state stepped in.
“The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is seeking to take over the financial operations of the Marlboro County School District (MCSD) citing the district’s failure to meet its fiscal responsibilities and provide a stable operational plan for the 2025-26 school year,” SCDE officials said. “This decision comes after months of technical assistance, a delayed budget, and reports of fiscal mismanagement.”
Following an initial review, the SCDE said they identified declining student enrollment alongside increasing staffing trends in Marlboro County, underscoring the urgent need to evaluate staffing levels and ensure alignment with current enrollment and financial capacity.
While not a complete district takeover, it is a remedial measure allowable within the Fiscal Practices declaration of Fiscal Emergency, declared on February 18, 2025, to assist and support the district. The financial operations takeover must be approved by the State Board of Education.
SCDE is also formally requesting the South Carolina Office of the Inspector General (SIG) to investigate alleged procurement irregularities within the district.
“Our highest priority is ensuring students in Marlboro County have access to a safe, stable, and effective educational environment,” State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said. “Unfortunately, the district’s fiscal condition leaves us no choice but to act.”
Local lawmakers also weighed in on the move:
“I have full confidence in the Department to navigate the Marlboro County School District during these difficult times,” said Rep. Jackie “Coach” Hayes (District 55). “The students, teachers, and staff deserve the best and I am glad to partner with the Department to make this happen.”
Sen. JD Chaplin (District 29) echoed Hayes’ statement adding that the intervention, while unfortunate, was “necessary to protect the future of public education in Marlboro County.”
What a financial takeover means
Under state law, a financial operations takeover grants the SCDE the authority to direct the district through the critical financial decisions it has failed to make on its own. This includes approving or revising the district’s budget, managing spending, reviewing personnel financial decisions, and ensuring timely vendor payments. If approved by the State Board of Education, the district will no longer have sole discretion over financial operations; all significant fiscal decisions will be made in consultation with and under the guidance of the SCDE.
Potential for full state takeover
Should conditions in Marlboro County continue to deteriorate, state law provides additional remedies. Per South Carolina Code of Laws Section 59-18-1520, the SCDE may seek the State Board of Education’s approval to declare a state-of-education emergency, which would result in a full state takeover of the district.
Under this provision, the state could assume full control over academic, personnel, and governance matters, leading to dissolution of the locally elected school board.
Next steps
If approved by the State Board of Education:
SCDE financial staff will immediately assume authority over district financial planning and management.
The Marlboro County School Board must submit all financial transactions, contracts, and hiring decisions to the SCDE for approval.
The Department remains committed to working alongside the local board to restore transparency, solvency, and student-centered governance to Marlboro County.
Herald-Advocate Editorial Director Kasie Strickland contributed to this article.