DILLON -- South Carolina State Superintendent Mick Zais visited three schools in Dillon School District Four Monday.
The district has struggled financially for many years and was featured in a national documentary highlighting schools along the Corridor of Shame http://www.corridorofshame.com/.
Dr. Zais met with principals at Gordon Elementary, East Elementary and Dillon High Schools. The schools have a poverty rate of 95%.
The principals told Zais the poverty level is one of their biggest challenges, but they're working to meet that challenge.
Gordon Elementary School principal Shawn Johnson says they've increased their parental involvement.
"That's made a big difference in students test scores and overall abilities to learn," says Johnson.
Johnson adds they have buddy lunches at the school where parents and grandparents can eat with the students and get to know school staff. Zais praised the school for its efforts to overcome its challenges.
District Four Superintendent Ray Rogers says the teachers are a big reason why the schools have made great gains in recent years.
Zais says he will use his resources to help the district in their efforts to beat the odds.
