For Immediate Release
October 21, 2023
From the Office of Communications
Phone: 803.435.4435
Inspector General Investigation Finds No Support of Potential Financial Irregularities Allegations
On April 10, 2023, the State Inspector General’s Office, at the direction of Governor HenryMcMaster, commenced their investigation and review of the allegations of potential financial
irregularities in the District. The investigation concluded, and the report was released on October
20, 2023, with no findings of fraud, theft, or misapplication of funds.
The Office of the Inspector General came to the District less than two (2) years into the
consolidation of three school districts into one county-wide District. We are pleased that the Inspector General commended our finance department on being selected to provide technical
assistance to Clarendon Four during its fiscal watch and fiscal emergency. While we are working
to complete the correction of items from Clarendon Four that resulted in the fiscal emergency, we
are working against the clock to avoid a similar fate because of the condition of Clarendon Four.
The investigation provides recommendations to help the District further refine its
consolidation.
Overall, the District has 4,200 students and over $45 Million in annual funding. Each year
since consolidation, the District has operated with less than ten (10) teacher vacancies. The District will continue to look for areas of improvement as we address the recommendations of the Inspector General.
In short, the nine-person appointed Board selected a superintendent, implemented
consolidation, and is working to provide a quality educational experience to every student in
Clarendon County. We appreciate the State Inspector General’s Office's professionalism in conducting the investigation and their Review of Potential Financial Irregularities in the District.
The District is committed to continuing to do the work to build a strong school District and
enhancing the educational opportunities for every student in Clarendon County.