The Clarendon County School District Board of Trustees held its regular monthly meeting on Monday evening, with major highlights including the celebration of student academic achievements, discussion and approval of the second reading of the district’s proposed budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, and public comments raising concerns about property usage and legislative impacts on school funding.
The meeting began with an invocation led by Rev. Johnnie Lawson and proceeded with a series of public comments. Among the speakers were Clarendon County residents Charles L. and George Frierson, both of whom inquired about future plans for the soon-to-be-closed Walker-Gamble Primary School and accessibility concerns related to Rainbow Lake Road.
Frierson also announced upcoming commemorations of the Briggs v. Elliott case, a Clarendon County origin of the historic Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, and shared information on veteran recognition events being planned in Sumter.
Dr. Adrian Frierson, on behalf of the Brilliant Minds of South Carolina program, requested use of Walker-Gamble’s gymnasium for a proposed six- to nine-week summer enrichment program for children ages 5 to 13.
The board then recognized a large group of students for their outstanding academic performance. Eighth graders who qualified as Junior Scholars based on high PSAT scores and high school students with perfect scores on end-of-course exams were honored. “These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of our students, the support of their families and the hard work of our educators,” said Dr. Keisa Carr, Director of Communications and Community Relations. “They also serve as clear evidence that we are making strong academic strides across the Clarendon County School District. Congratulations to each of you. We are proud of your excellence and excited for your future.”
Several overnight field trips were approved, including:
-Scotts Branch High School JROTC’s summer camp at Fort Jackson;
-East Clarendon’s OPD program attending the Special Olympics in Myrtle Beach;
-Manning High FFA’s participation in the state convention;
-Upward Bound enrichment trips to Chicago and Atlanta;
-FFA’s national leadership conference in Orlando; and
-Walker-Gamble fifth graders’ trip to Washington, D.C., planned for March 2026.
Chief Financial Officer Cathy Williams presented the second reading of the 2025–2026 general fund budget, proposing a 5.19 mill increase that would bring the district’s total millage rate to 181.1 mills. Williams explained that while the increase may seem high on paper, the previous year’s revenue had been conservatively estimated. The updated budget reflects a teacher salary increase of $1,500, adjustments for health insurance premiums, employee vacancies, and other cost changes. The second reading of the budget was approved unanimously.
During the public hearing, Clarendon County Auditor Patricia Pringle addressed the board, warning of significant local revenue losses if state bill H.3858—which includes a 50% tax cut on boats and elimination of outboard motor titling—is passed. She also urged the board and public to advocate for the renewal of the 1% school debt-relief sales tax before it sunsets, noting it offsets approximately $5 million annually for the district. “If we lose that one cent, it will increase the tax burden on property owners across the county,” Pringle said.
Following an executive session, the board approved a student transfer request and accepted personnel recommendations from Superintendent Dr. J.W. Johnson.
Board Chair John Bonaparte concluded the meeting with announcements, including a ribbon-cutting for the Briggs Delaine Pearson Foundation on May 24 and the formation of a four-member policy review committee. Bonaparte echoed Pringle’s call to contact legislators regarding the school sales tax.
“We all need to call our representatives and ask them to re-establish that one cent sales tax,” Bonaparte said. “If not, long term, the board will have no option to upkeep our buildings, and it’s going to be detrimental to our taxes. This one cent sales tax is the best thing we can do long term.”
The next CCSD Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for June 2, 2025.
