Comments on: Could School Credits Save McClellanville?

By: T.Colleton

T.Colleton — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:37:46 +0000

Daniel,
Sea& Sun asked, "How many children were in McClellanville, the age range and where they go to school now." I do not know the total numbers, so I broke it down by the facts I know. I do not see any politics involved or neither race, Just the bare facts.
I applaud your efforts for teaching an after school class. I think it's a noble thing to do. I will spread the word.

By: danielwbates

danielwbates — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:27:24 +0000

Odd that you mention the race of the students when no asked and it has no bearing on or importance, I guess that's politics as usual. Everyone is welcome at Archibald Rutledge, where the last attendance number that I heard were 70 students…I'm happy to announce that next year, I will be co-teaching an after school program focusing on writing and technology where I will teach blogging basics.

By: T.Colleton

T.Colleton — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:19:01 +0000

All of the black students and a small number of white students go to the three public schools in the district. The majority of the white students and maybe one black student go to the private school. The enrollment for the public schools is about 300. I do not know the enrollment of the private school.

T. Colleton
Chair, District One Constituent Board

By: sea&sun

sea&sun — Sun, 03 May 2009 17:57:46 +0000

So.. how many kids are in McClellanville? Range of ages? Where are the kids going to go to school?

By: Diana Blue

Diana Blue — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:20:39 +0000

Hey Daniel,

I was looking up your office to give you some info in person as we're going to be camping this weekend at Buck Hall- and, your artuicle is on the topic I was going to talk with you about- schools. There is another option- virtual schools. As a school principal, and now, Com. Director for Provost Academy- new SC online high school, I know there are solutions. Provost is a free, public high school that truly creates a fair playing field for all kids in SC- no matter where they live. Laptops are provided- really. You'll be hearing much more about Provost in next few months- check out http://www.carolinalive.com/news/news_story.aspx?... – news clip from WPDE today.

By: danielwbates

danielwbates — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:36:01 +0000

Straight from the horses, errr umm Charleston County School Board's mouth - $20,362 per student at McClellanville Middle. The county average is a $8,015 - http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/aug/17/pricin...

By: SamInTheSouth

SamInTheSouth — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:46:31 +0000

Where do you get this $20,000 per student figure from?

By: danielwbates

danielwbates — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:18:41 +0000

According to Post and Courier data, attendance at ARA has decreased at roughly the same rate as the public schools in the area over the last 10 years. A decline which probably reflects a population shift including more retirees and second home owners. Unless you're on the board for ARA I don't think it is a fair statement that ARA tuition will increase. I'm not aware of any increases and the school is doing everything in its power to keep costs low so that everyone can have access.

You made the statement that "cost is relevant" and I couldn't agree more. I haven't heard of Lincoln's Silver Medal award, but this honestly isn't about the job that they are doing educating students. It's a back and forth argument that leads nowhere. If ARA can do the job for $3500, why are tax payers footing a $20,000 per student per year to send them to public school in the area??? It's about parental and tax payer choice and it seems pretty silly that your and my taxes could either send a child to a public school for one year or send them to an independent for nearly 6 years. I think we're used to seeing it the other way around (much more expensive private schools), but that is how out of whack this whole thing is. It just makes sense to provide alternative choices for parents who have decided that a local school is not performing up to THEIR standards…especially if it saves the taxpayer money.

By: Thomas L Collelton

Thomas L Collelton — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:56:58 +0000

Your comments about McClellanville Middle School resonated with me. I geaduated from the school when it was McClellanville High.

District One Schools do have some problems as other schools in the county. As the chair of District One Constituent Board, I have seen marked improvements in the school. Maybe the Post and Couier will publish the story about Lincoln getting the Silver Medal for their achievements. I fully understand the need to cut cost and to close one the schools, but let's be fair in our assessment. McClellanville Middle was closed primarily for low enrollment. ARA is experiencing low erollment, which means increase in tuition for continued operation. So cost is relevant.