TIMMONSVILLE -- The financial problems facing Timmonsville schools were brought up by the Florence County legislative delegation.
This year, the district lost $400,000 in federal, state and local money because 270 students transferred out of the district. The students left for a variety of reasons like moving away, dropping out, or transferring to another district.
Senate staff officials say Senator Hugh Leatherman, Senator John Land, Senator Yancey McGill, Representative Robert Williams, Representative Terry Alexander, Representative Phillip Lowe, Representative Kris Crawford and Representative Lester Branham met Wednesday morning in Columbia. Officials say they discussed several issues, including the situation at Florence County School District 4, which is the Timmonsville school district.
The district announced this week its cutting 19 jobs because it's $700,000 in debt. Last year, the district eliminated 25 positions and was $1.3 million in debt.
Senate staff officials say the delegation didn't go into specifics, but did compare the Timmonsville school district to Florence County School District 5, which encompasses Johnsonville schools. Officials say they made the point that both school districts are about the same size and Johnsonsville is doing well with its finances.
Parents of Timmonsville students question whether the district should consolidate with Florence School District One, which includes the Florence city schools. We're told the delegation did not discuss that option.
The parents are holding a community meeting 7 p.m. Thursday at the Timmonsville Boys and Girls Club on 620 North Brockington Street.
