DECEMBER 27, 2018 - JANUARY 2, 2019
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COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
Superintendent reaffirms decision to close Islands Academy
Three days after the Beaufort County Board of Education voted to ask Interim Superintendent Herb Berg to reconsider his closure of a small alternative school, Berg reaffirmed his decision to transition Islands Academy’s 68 students to other district schools in time for the beginning of second semester. Islands Academy was created in 2015 as an optional “school of choice” for students in grades 6-12 who hadn’t fared well academically in the district’s traditional middle and high schools. Despite smaller class sizes, however, academic data showed that student achievement at the school ranked at or near the bottom of other South Carolina schools. State School Report Card re-
sults released three weeks ago showed that during the 2017-18 school year, not a single Islands Academy middle school student met or exceeded state standards on state math and social studies exams, and only one met or exceeded standards in reading and writing and in science. Nine out of 10 Islands Academy high school students failed their end-of-course exams in Algebra 1, and 8 out of 10 failed their English 1 exams. Islands Academy’s on-time high school graduation rate was only 29 percent compared to the district-wide rate of 86 percent and the statewide rate of 81 percent. “Our goal is for every student to make academic progress and move forward, but that simply wasn’t happening
at Islands Academy,” Berg said. “I’m convinced that we can ensure better outcomes through other means, and I certainly didn’t want to wait on those improved outcomes for an additional semester under the current structure.” At a special called meeting of the Board of Education on Tuesday, Dec. 18, Board members voted to have Berg reconsider his decision to close the school. Following that vote, Berg met with key district instructional staff to review the closure decision. “My original decision was informed by district staff who recommended unanimously that transitioning Islands Academy students to their ‘home’ schools would give them better opportunities for
success,” Berg said. “After follow-up meetings this week, our instructional staff remained convinced that this is the best decision for students.” Islands Academy students were enrolled at other district middle and high schools before choosing to take classes at Islands Academy. They could either provide their own transportation or ride the bus to their “home” school, then board a second bus for an additional ride to Islands Academy’s Beaufort campus. Ultimately, said district Chief Instructional Services Officer Bonnie Almond, that second bus ride had a negative effect on student achievement because it meant less classroom instructional time for Academy students.
“Students who are struggling academically need more instructional time, not less,” Almond said. “Even though Islands Academy is closing, we remain convinced that targeted interventions are needed for those students.” Almond said she and her staff would explore other instructional options for struggling students and bring those options to the Board of Education this spring. School counselors from all of the district’s middle and high schools are meeting individually with the 68 students who will transition out of Islands Academy and start classes at their home schools in January. They are reviewing each student’s grades and individual situations before
developing class schedules for that student’s home school that can be discussed in early January with each student and his or her parent. “Every student’s welfare and success is a priority,” said Geri Henderson, the district’s Director of Secondary Education and a veteran school counselor. “We understand that this decision will be unsettling for students and their families, and we’re committed to working with them to make the transition as seamless and successful as possible.” Right Choices, the district’s alternative program for students with disciplinary issues, will be unaffected by the closure of Islands Academy and will remain at its current Beaufort campus.
Cookies with the big guy Local kids were able to enjoy milk and cookies — and of course, photos — with Santa while also helping make the holiday season brighter for other families thanks to the United Way of the Lowcountry’s Cookies With Santa
event on Thursday, Dec. 20. Children and families enjoyed cookies, chocolate milk and pictures with Santa during the event at the United Way of the Lowcountry’s office in Beaufort. Participants also donated dozens of unwrapped
toys for Operation Holiday Heroes, which benefits children in need throughout the community. A number of volunteers and donors helped make the event possible, including United States Marine
Corps Lance Corporal Ryan Zdaniewclz; Richard Norris; Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort; James and Jim Range; Piggly Wiggley; Jane Range; Teri McClelland; Carolynn Beverly; and LaJuana Woelke.
TOP STORIES OF 2018 A lot happens in a year, and 2018 was more eventful than most in Beaufort County. From wild weather phenomena to dysfunctional political bodies to the loss of high-profile Beaufortonians, it was a year to remember. Here’s a look at some of the biggest stories of 2018: Snowmageddon!
Who says it never snows in Beaufort? Mother Nature proved otherwise in January, dumping freezing rain followed by snow that stuck around for several days and basically shut down Beaufort County. School bond fails Beaufort County voters over-
whelmingly opposed a school bond referendum during a special election April 21. The proposed $76 million referendum was soundly defeated with 72 percent voting against it. Superintendent resigns Embattled Beaufort County School District Superintendent Jeff Moss resigned in May, ending a tenure marked by scandal and controversy. Veteran educator Herbert Berg was named interim superintendent in June while the Board of Education searches for a permanent replacement. Former mayor Chambers dies Beaufort lost an icon when former mayor Henry Chambers — namesake of the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park — passed away on July 14 at age 89. A sixth-generation Beaufort County resident, Chambers played on state
ALL ABOARD
hired in October as the third interim administrator to hold the post in just over a year.
championship football and basketball teams at Beaufort High in the 1940s and played a major role in shaping the city’s future after being elected mayor in 1969. County administrator search continues The Beaufort County Council’s search for a permanent county administrator continued throughout the year, bringing with it plenty of controversy and turmoil. The position has remained open since longtime administrator Gary Kubic’s resignation in September 2017. John Weaver was
Whitehall Park a reality Beaufort County finalized the purchase of 9.72 acres of scenic, riverfront land on the Whitehall Tract of Lady’s Island in October with the intention of developing the land into a passive park. The purchase price was $5.45 million, with $4.371 million coming from the Beaufort County Rural and Critical Lands Program. The county reached an agreement for the City of Beaufort to maintain and operate the park. Beaufort bans the bag A ban on single-use plastic bags, aimed at protecting marine life, went into effect Nov. 1 in Beaufort County. While most retailers have switched to using paper bags and encouraging customers to bring their own reusable bags, some
HONORING THE BEST
have begun using thicker reusable plastic bags, which has been met with frustration by activists. Road construction coming Beaufort County voters in November approved a onecent transportation sales and use tax to provide up to $120 million for projects throughout the county, including $30 million for projects along the Lady’s Island corridor. Nearly 58 percent of voters were in favor of the tax increase, which is expected to be effective Jan. 1. Clifford gets his championship After resigning from Beaufort High after 14 years, football coach Mark Clifford took over Beaufort Academy’s program and led the Eagles to their first SCISA 8-Man state championship in November. Clifford’s team avenged a regular-season loss to An-
INSIDE
26th annual model train display by the Beaufort Railroaders entertains all ages.
Top high school stars named to All-Lowco Football Team.
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drew Jackson Academy in the championship game, snapping the Confederates’ 48game winning streak. Beaufort says goodbye to Harvey Beaufort lost another iconic leader when former Lt. Gov. Brantley Harvey died Dec. 12 at age 88. A lifelong Beaufortonian, Harvey served in the South Carolina House of Representatives and later as Lt. Gov. before an unsuccessful bid for Governor in 1978. He is remembered as a tireless public servant who left a lasting legacy in Beaufort County.