We are excited to announce that Lancaster County School District has been removed from Fiscal Watch by the SC State Department of Education (SCDE).
Chief Financial Officer, Jantana Norris received an emailed copy of the notification letter from SCDE on Monday, January 29.
The letter in part states “On February 3, 2023, a declaration of fiscal watch continuation was sent to Lancaster County School District (the District) pursuant to Section 59-20-90(C)(l)(a)(v). The District appealed the declaration which was heard by the State Board of Education on May 9, 2023. At the subject hearing, the State Board of Education affirmed the declaration of fiscal watch continuation.
The Fiscal Year 2022-23 District audit showed there were no material weakness audit findings. The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) recognizes the District's efforts and steps taken to implement the items identified in your approved recovery plan and to reduce the occurrence of the material audit findings. Please take this notice as the District's official release from fiscal watch designation under Section 59-20-90.”
After diligent financial stewardship and strategic planning, the finance department and Lancaster County School District have overcome the challenges that led to the fiscal watch designation. This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of the district's leadership, administrative team, teachers, staff, parents, and the community at large.
Superintendent Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick expressed gratitude for the commitment to fiscal responsibility, saying, "We are thrilled to share this positive news with our community. Emerging from fiscal watch is a result of our unwavering dedication to financial accountability, transparency, and responsible decision-making. We have worked tirelessly to address the challenges that led to this designation, and we are now well-positioned to continue providing a high-quality education to our students."
Moving forward, Lancaster County School District is committed to maintaining the fiscal discipline that has led to this positive outcome. The district remains focused on providing an exceptional educational experience for all students, cultivating a supportive learning environment and fostering a sense of community pride.