News Summary
The Laurens County School District 55 is appealing the termination of the $13.5M LEARNS grant, crucial for educational programs. The grant’s cancellation has led to a significant funding shortfall as the district files an appeal to recover previously allocated funds. Community leaders express concerns over the impact on education funding.
Laurens, South Carolina – The Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD55) is appealing the termination of a significant $13.5 million grant, known as the Laurens Educators Achieving Results to Net Success (LEARNS) grant, which has been cut as part of federal budget reductions aimed at Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The termination notification has been set to take effect on February 18, 2025.
The LEARNS grant was designed to support various educational programs over a three-year period, focusing on enhancing classroom instruction, teacher retention, and professional development. With the grant now cut, LCSD55 faces a funding shortfall of nearly $800,000 necessary to sustain the LEARNS program through the remainder of the 2024-2025 academic year.
In response to the termination, the district has already filed an appeal with the U.S. Department of Education. Officials have stipulated a 30-day period to contest the decision and hope to recover funds amounting to approximately $200,000 that have already been spent since the grant’s termination and $550,000 owed for performance-based compensation to teachers.
District Officials Respond
LCSD55’s Board of Trustees emphasized the range of student achievements, such as success in academics and robotics, during their recent school board meeting on Monday evening. Despite facing these funding challenges, district officials are advocating for the importance of teacher support and training in improving student outcomes.
Amanda Lecaroz, the Director of Accountability, Federal Programs, and Professional Development, pointed out that the LEARNS grant was not allocated for DEI initiatives. Instead, it was directed towards addressing individual student needs without unlawful discrimination. This assertion is central to the district’s appeal against the termination of the grant.
Facility Improvements Underway
In addition to budget concerns, the district is actively involved in improving its facilities. Updates were provided regarding ongoing construction projects at Sanders Middle School. The completion of a new wing, which includes three classrooms, a larger science/lab room, a resource room, and necessary storage for eighth-grade students, is expected by the end of May, allowing for a smooth transition into summer programs.
Community Concerns
The termination of the LEARNS grant has sparked concern among local leaders, with Congresswoman Sheri Biggs stating that her team is gathering information to address the issue. The situation in Laurens reflects broader challenges faced across South Carolina regarding education funding and the sustainability of DEI initiatives. Sherry East from the South Carolina Education Association has highlighted that these funding cuts pose significant challenges to local educational programs.
Next Steps for the District
As part of their appeal, LCSD55 plans to meet with Congresswoman Biggs to discuss the matter further. The district remains committed to advocating for the importance of educational funding to enhance the learning experience for their students and to support the dedicated teachers who play a critical role in their success.
As the situation develops, the Laurens County School District 55 is prioritizing its appeal efforts to secure the funding needed for its educational programs, underscoring the impact that federal budget decisions have on local schools.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Laurens District 55 Receives Termination Notice of $13.5 Million Grant
- Google Search: Laurens District 55 termination grant
- WSPA: Laurens Co. School District Grant Terminated Over DEI Claims
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- WYFF: Laurens County School District 56 Reports Computer Network Security Breach
- Google News: Laurens County School District
- GoLaurens: District 55 Notified of Termination of $13.5 Million Federal Grant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education Funding
- Fox Carolina: First Black Woman Superintendent Laurens County Sues District
- Google Scholar: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Funding
