Several educators with Florence School District Four , which encompasses Timmonsville schools, say their district has a stigma attached to it that's hurting the district.
"I think we are perceived in a negative way outside of our district. When we look at the stigma that's tied to what happened at Timmonsville, it's always negative," said Dr. William McCall, the principal of Timmonsville High School.
In recent years, the district has made headlines for its financial problems.
In 2011, the district made midyear cuts that resulted in the elimination of 19 jobs, including those of teachers and principals.
The school board cut 25 jobs in 2010. Twelve of those were teachers and administrators. And, the district has cut several programs, including the career center.
Those issues have hurt the district's enrollment, according to Dr. McCall.
About five years ago, there were 1,300 students enrolled in Timmonsville schools. This year there are fewer than 800.
"It's a big vicious circle because the worst our reputation gets out in the community and in other communities, the harder it is for us to get good teachers to come in. If we don't get the good teachers, then we have a hard time doing what we're suppose to do which is educating the children," said Buster McDonald, a Timmonsville teacher.
Educators say good things are happening at Timmonsville schools, but people aren't talking about them. The high school ranks 81 out of 189 high schools in the state and educators say that's a big deal for the district.
McCall says it's made a huge impact on how the district is perceived in the immediate community.
"It's looking better," McCall explained. "It's looking better. We have, we have spoken with several business owners and they're interested in coming to be a part of us. We spoke with Honda and Honda is interested in coming back to partnership with us and we're excited about that."
The district has started after-school programs for students in grades 6-12 to help them better prepare for standardized tests.
The programs are three days a week and offer students one-on-one tutoring for two hours.
"If you practice free throws for two hours a day for three days when it comes time for you to play a game you should be able to make a free throw. It's the same thing for academics," said Poiette McGill-Bromell, the after-school coordinator.
Educators say they must first change the district's image and that starts with more parental and community involvement.
"We have nothing to hide. And I think sometimes, at one point, parents kind of felt that you know they couldn't get in, but our doors are open," said teacher Pansy Ezekiel.
"We need our community involved with our school," Dr. McCall added. "We need our parents involved with our children learning."
District administrators say they've revamped the Schools Improvement Council, and they have more parents involved this year than in the past 15 years.
Educators say they're committed to doing whatever it takes to changing the way people look at the Timmonsville School District, but they know it will take time.
