Twins Prepare to Change Schools Due to District Error

By: Connie LeGrand/News Channel 7 | News Channel 7
Published: November 01, 2007

The parents of six year old twin girls in Spartanburg County will likely spend the weekend preparing to change school districts on Monday due to an error made by the District in which they attend school. Senator John Hawkins calls it an example of bureaucracy at its worst.
The Jackson family lives on Lyman Lake road in Lyman in Spartanburg County. They say they found out a few weeks ago that one half of the road is in District 5. The other half is in District 1. Mark and Dabney Jackson say they were originally told by District 5 officials that Peyton and Presley should attend Wellford Elementary; so that's where they went to kindergarten last year and started first grade this year.
They say a few weeks ago they were notified that a computer error meant the girls would have to move to Holly Springs-Motlow in District 1 or pay $3500 dollars tuition to finish out school the year. After meeting with District officials who they say won't budge, they contacted senator Hawkins who says his correspondence and phone calls have not been returned. Hawkins says, “Who are they accountable to? If they won't call me back as a State Senator to talk about this constituent matter, how can an average citizen expect to get a call back?"
The Jacksons say they told the girls about the possibility of attending a new school yesterday. Mark Jackson says “…So many questions. They just don't understand. They are aware that people make mistakes; but when you make a mistake, you're supposed to make it right."
In an e-mail to News Channel 7, District 7 spokesman Barry Reese issued this statement: “School districts must consider what is fair and equitable for allfamilies that they serve. The District Five Superintendent and Board of Trustees feel that they must remain consistent with regard to out of district attendance and payment of tuition. The District has offered to allow the students to continue attending Wellford Elementary if the family makes arrangements to pay tuition, as other families from outside the District are required to do.

Barry Reese
Director of Public Relations & Fine Arts
District Five Schools
Spartanburg County