OT: Follow the money. Florence Charter school continues to operate after being closed

[SF Band dad]

Palmetto Youth Academy still using taxpayer money despite being closed
by: Caleb McCusker | WBTW.com | Aug 15, 2023

FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — Florence 1 Schools is alleging that Palmetto Youth Academy Charter School is operating illegally, and the superintendent has sent letters to public officials including South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and Attorney General Alan Wilson.

The charter school, which Florence 1 Schools board members voted not to renew the certification for in May, has “continued to operate utilizing millions of taxpayer dollars under a company called Palmetto Youth Services,” according to a news release from the school district.

Judge denies charter school appeal
CHRISTIAN SMITH | The Morning News | SCNow.com | Aug 21, 2023

COLUMBIA — Palmetto Youth Academy, a former charter school in Florence School District One, cannot remain open under its former charter while appealing the district's decision to close the school, a judge ruled on Friday.

Palmetto Youth Academy's charter was up for its 10-year renewal this year, but district Superintendent Richard O'Malley recommended the Florence One Schools' Board of Trustees deny the charter renewal request and permanently close the school because it was not following its charter and was breaking state and federal law.

After a hearing on April 27 at which both sides argued their case, the board unanimously voted to deny the charter renewal request on May 8, and the charter officially ended on June 30.

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