Festive decorations greeted members of the Laurens County Legislative Delegation, Laurens County Council and the Clinton City Council last Tuesday evening in the School District 56 Conference Center, which is the former American Legion Hut in Clinton. for the annual legislative dinner.
Normally held around Thanksgiving, the event was even more appropriate at Christmas, Superintendent Dr. David O’Shields said, as a reflection of the past year’s blessings and a look-ahead to next year’s opportunities. He thanked all those who choose to serve, including members of the District 56 Board of Trustees, and said “their hearts are with their communities.”
O’Shields said the school district seeks “a close relationships with people we can call on a moment’s notice in time of trouble.”
The lawmakers and council members heard that the District’s finances are on track and, in fact, have added some to their reserves despite being “punched in the mouth” by Hurricane Helene, September, 2024; a statewide PowerSchool breach, December, 2024; and a ransom-ware attack on District 56, February, 2025. The district has recovered almost all of those costs, and is now “faster, stronger, better,” according to the financial report.
District 56 has put into place $3 Million in security improvements, has developed a Transportation Office, built new bleachers and restrooms for the visitors’ side of Wilder Stadium and added fan-experience enhancements, upgraded athletic lockers, resurfaced and upgraded the red tennis courts at Clinton Middle School, and built batting cages for baseball and softball. The District used a financing option to upgrade its Chromebooks to the tune of $2 Million.
District officials celebrated the successes of the MS Bailey Child Development Center, described a re-branding of Clinton Elementary School, recognized the Leader in Me program at Eastside Elementary (which any day is expecting a visit from Palmetto’s Finest judges), and highlighted Joanna Woodson Elementary as “a light in the community.” Students at all 3 elementaries on Dec. 7 had the opportunity to perform in a Presbyterian College Christmas musical program.
Clinton Middle School is OFF a list at the State Department of Education for comprehensive school improvements-needed. Clinton High School has 30 students in its inaugural Early College program, through USC-Union, and has identified its second cohort of 32 students. Also, CHS will host the Be Proud Be Pro Workforce van in mid-January.
