News Summary
The long-standing legal conflict between Palmetto Youth Academy and Florence 1 Schools has concluded with a court ruling mandating PYA to surrender assets and pay nearly $80,000. This decision follows the academy’s charter non-renewal due to staffing and performance issues. Superintendent Dr. Richard O’Malley expressed satisfaction with the ruling, which emphasized accountability in educational governance. Investigations revealed significant financial irregularities linked to PYA’s director. The closure highlights the critical need for compliance with educational standards and sound fiscal practices.
Florence, South Carolina – A legal dispute that has lasted over two years between Palmetto Youth Academy (PYA) and Florence 1 Schools has finally come to a close. The state of South Carolina has ordered Palmetto Youth Academy to surrender its assets and pay a judgment of nearly $80,000 to Florence 1 Schools. This ruling was issued by a judge on September 17, 2025.
Superintendent Dr. Richard O’Malley expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, noting that the district remains committed to integrity and accountability in educational governance. This resolution follows a series of events that unfolded after the Florence 1 Schools voted not to renew PYA’s charter in May 2023, due to concerns regarding the school’s staffing and academic performance.
Palmetto Youth Academy, which was established in 2005 to cater to at-risk students in grades three through six, was initially sponsored by Florence 1 Schools. However, issues arose when the academy reportedly had fewer than 75% of its teachers certified and failed to meet established academic performance goals. A significant concern was also the absence of report cards issued to parents, a factor impacting the decision to close the school.
In response to the charter non-renewal, Palmetto Youth Academy filed an appeal against the district’s decision. However, this appeal was denied by the state, further solidifying the district’s actions. Subsequently, in August 2023, Florence 1 Schools sought an injunction against PYA’s director, Yvonne Brown-Burgess, to prevent any potential misuse of the school’s assets.
The legal proceedings led to a court-appointed receiver, John Haas, being appointed to take custody of PYA’s property and finances. Investigations uncovered that the school owned a 2019 GMC Yukon XL, which was purchased using school funds but was titled in Brown-Burgess’ name. Additionally, a report indicated unusual financial activities, revealing that Brown-Burgess had transferred $314,000 to herself and $294,000 to affiliates of the school. Concerns escalated when it was discovered that bonus payments totaling $94,000 had been issued to employees following the school’s closure.
The court noted that some funds, amounting to $114,000, would be deposited with the Court of Common Pleas due to the questionable financial transactions associated with Brown-Burgess. Florence 1 Schools maintained that the decision to close PYA stemmed from significant violations of trust in governance practices within the educational institution.
Ultimately, the court dismissed PYA’s appeal with prejudice, affirming the school district’s decisions. The court order now mandates that all remaining assets of PYA, with the exception of the aforementioned funds, be transferred to Florence 1 Schools, finalizing the conclusion of this legal dispute.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in educational practices, especially regarding the management of school funds and compliance with teaching standards. The resolution reached by the court highlights Florence 1 Schools’ commitment to safeguarding the interests of the students and the community they serve.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Palmetto Youth Services Withdraws Appeal Amid Ongoing Dispute with Florence 1 Schools
Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Palmetto Youth Academy Florence 1 Schools
- WPDE News
- Google Scholar: Palmetto Youth Academy
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Palmetto Youth Academy
- WBTW News
- Google News: Palmetto Youth Academy Florence
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.
