By Betsy Finklea
Dillon County School Board Chairman Richard Schafer spoke to the Dillon School Board at their last meeting about the administrative consolidation of Districts One (Lake View) and Two (Dillon).
Schafer said this was “not an easy decision” and while it may “look quick or pre-planned,” it was not.
Schafer said he had warned the Dillon County Board of Education about three years ago that this was coming. He said he didn’t know it would hit this year and they needed to make a decision. He said that state and federal cuts had a huge impact on this decision.
Schafer said their fright as to get into next year and have Lake View to be a “debtor district” with liabilities.
The consolidation, Schafer said, was inevitable. “They were frail. They could not have made it another year. My board’s job is to make sure they are sufficiently funded,” said Schafer.
Schafer said Dillon District Two was not receiving a bankrupt district and they were coming without deficit. He said Dillon District Two is very secure financially.
Schafer said after the Lake View Board was presented with their three options, they came and requested to be consolidated with Dillon. “Compatibility had a lot to do with that,” said Schafer, who said they were coming out way ahead of the curve.
“Times are going to be tough next year,” said Schafer. He said this is something that was going on all over the state.
Schafer said he was thankful that Dillon District Two was willing to accept this challenge. He said the people of Lake View should be thankful. “I know we’re going to come out with a real good district,” Schafer said.
The consolidation takes effect on July 1st.