The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has been granted formal approval by the State Board of Education to take over the financial management of the Marlboro County School District (MCSD). This decision, effective immediately, follows a presentation by SCDE staff and a detailed review of the district's fiscal practices.
All schools within MCSD will remain open for the 2025-26 school year. Registration is set to reopen, with Chairman Coachman and MCSD Superintendent Tillar coordinating with parents to ensure student enrollment by July 28. The SCDE will deploy an experienced finance and operations team to evaluate expenditures, district operations, and implement corrective measures as needed. A comprehensive financial recovery plan will be developed in collaboration with MCSD administration for board approval. Future financial transactions will require SCDE review and approval.
State Superintendent Ellen Weaver expressed her gratitude for the State Board's quick response: "I appreciate the State Board of Education’s swift action to answer my call for state intervention in Marlboro County," she stated. "Every child in MCSD—and across our state—deserves a high-quality education."
The takeover was prompted by the district's inability to meet fiscal responsibilities or provide a stable operational plan for the upcoming school year. This move comes after prolonged technical assistance efforts, budget delays, and reports of fiscal mismanagement.
Superintendent Weaver had previously requested an investigation by the State Inspector General into past procurement practices on July 10th, which remains pending.
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