September 4, 2025

Florence School District Three Celebrates Academic Success

News Summary

Florence School District Three has achieved remarkable success in state academic assessments, particularly in ELA and mathematics, with J.C. Lynch Elementary leading the scores. The impressive results reflect the hard work of educators and students. Meanwhile, Jasper County faces state intervention due to significant educational challenges and governance issues. The contrasting situations highlight the varied educational landscape within South Carolina.

Florence, SC – Florence School District Three (FSD3) has proudly celebrated significant success in its academic assessments as State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver visited J.C. Lynch Elementary School to announce the 2025 South Carolina Ready statewide assessment results. This visit highlighted the achievements of FSD3’s schools, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics.

J.C. Lynch Elementary, recognized for its strong testing performance, reported an impressive 76.6% of its third graders meeting or exceeding expectations in ELA. This result marks a substantial 36% increase compared to the previous year, far surpassing the statewide average of 61.7%. In mathematics, the school achieved an even more remarkable score, with 80.9% of students reaching a proficient level, illustrating a 22% rise from 2024’s figures. The state average for math proficiency stood at 56.3%.

The accomplishments at J.C. Lynch Elementary reflect the dedication and hard work of its educators and students. The school’s principal noted the commitment of the teachers and the determination of the third graders, which has contributed to these outstanding results. In addition, Scranton Elementary STEAM Academy also demonstrated valuable progress, with 64.2% of its third graders meeting or exceeding expectations in ELA, slightly above the state average of 62.7%. In sixth-grade ELA, Scranton achieved a 73.1% proficiency rate, again outpacing the state average of 62.5%.

Diving deeper into the district’s overall performance, FSD3 has seen notable gains across various grade levels, particularly in grades three and five. These improvements have led Kasey Feagin, the Interim Superintendent of FSD3, to emphasize the collaborative success achieved through the support of teachers, students, and families. The district plans to maintain this upward trend by enhancing instructional practices, facilitating professional development opportunities for teachers, and actively engaging families in promoting literacy.

While FSD3’s triumphs were unveiled, nearby Jasper County has encountered significant educational challenges leading to state intervention. The Jasper County school board recently opposed state control following severe mismanagement, which led the state Board of Education to vote unanimously for a takeover. Ellen Weaver cited financial issues, studies hinting at potential fraud, and overarching mismanagement as the primary reasons for this unprecedented state action. The takeover disbands local school governance and commences new classes under direct state control.

As a part of the intervention, Laura Hickson, a former superintendent of FSD3, has been appointed as the interim superintendent for Jasper County. Local boards now have a 10-day period to appeal this decision, although the likelihood of a successful appeal remains uncertain.

There is growing concern over the impact of the state takeover on the educational landscape in Jasper County. Local board members have expressed apprehension regarding potential disruptions to students’ learning environments, while community councils and lawmakers largely support the intervention in light of the governance issues stemming from former superintendent Rechel Anderson, who is under investigation for alleged ethical violations and mismanagement.

In summary, as Florence School District Three celebrates its substantial assessment results and looks forward to continued improvement, Jasper County faces a challenging transition following state control necessitated by governance failures. Both districts reflect contrasting narratives within South Carolina’s educational system as they navigate their respective paths towards academic success and stability.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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