It’s not every day that the Superintendent of the South Carolina Department of Education visits your school district, and it’s certainly not every day that they present your district with a $16 million check. But today, Dorchester School District 4 (DD4) experienced both of these rare moments.
Mrs. Ellen Weaver, Superintendent for the South Carolina Department of Education, made a special visit to Harleyville Elementary School to deliver a $16 million capital funds check to DD4. The district’s leadership, faculty, and students gathered to celebrate this monumental occasion, a moment that signifies hope for improved infrastructure and better learning environments across the district.
The program began with Harleyville Elementary School student Royal Green giving an official welcome to Superintendent Weaver, setting the tone for a day of celebration and gratitude.
Superintendent Jeff Beckwith expressed his appreciation to the students, teachers, and staff for their attendance, stating that the students’ energy was galvanizing. He emphasized the importance of excellent school facilities, noting that the quality of a school directly impacts student performance by making them feel safe, comfortable, and part of a family environment. Beckwith thanked Superintendent Weaver for the generous gift and invited her to the microphone.
Superintendent Weaver, clearly impressed by the Harleyville Elementary students who were dressed for picture day, spoke warmly about the community. She noted that on her way to the event, she encountered traffic, which to her signaled growth in the area. She shared three key points with the audience:
1. Pride of Community – Weaver highlighted the pride shown in ensuring every child receives the best education, which is critical as the community continues to grow.
2. Power of Persistence – She shared how she became aware of DD4's facility needs when Board Members Mrs. Phyllis Hughes and Mr. Tony Folk met with her about a year and a half ago to discuss the district’s facility challenges. Their persistence motivated her to advocate for the district in front of the General Assembly.
3. Potential of Partnerships – Weaver praised the taxpayers of South Carolina and the General Assembly for appropriating the funds, stressing that partnerships between communities and the state are vital for future growth.
Weaver then brought a large ceremonial check and presented it to the leadership of DD4, signifying the district's next steps toward renovation and improvement.
Afterward, DD4 Board Chair Phyllis Hughes addressed the audience, thanking everyone for attending and offering special gratitude to Weaver and her team for presenting the check. Hughes reflected on the tremendous impact these funds would have on the district and took the opportunity to thank the district’s teachers for their dedication to their students, acknowledging the challenges of the profession.
The program concluded with Harleyville Elementary student Ruby Carlin delivering closing remarks and once again expressing thanks to everyone for their participation.
The $16 million in capital funds will be used to renovate and upgrade instructional buildings throughout the district. Planned projects include new roofing, new flooring, structural repairs, and improved playgrounds. These upgrades will enhance both the safety and functionality of the schools while creating inspiring learning spaces for students.
Superintendent Weaver’s visit and the generous contribution mark a pivotal moment for Dorchester School District 4 as it moves forward in its mission to provide safe, modernized facilities for all its students.