Spa. Dist. 7 Stands Behind Partnership with Country Club; Taxpayers Voice Outrage

Parents and angry taxpayers packed Spartanburg County School Board headquarters Tuesday night, wanting their voice to be heard over a controversial plan to pay a local country club to host the district's golf teams.

In tough economic times, many said this was not the time to make such a deal, and others voiced concern that the deal would not benefit many students.

Backlash came from parents and voters in Spartanburg County after District 7 announced a partnership with the Country Club of Spartanburg which allows the district’s four golf teams to use the club’s facilities starting this spring.

News Channel 7 heard from many of you who are outraged about the $200,000 initial investment on the deal which could extend up to 25 years and cost $325,000.

The yearly cost of the contract is $5,000.

Superintendent Dr. Thomas White says he stands behind the partnership; but he and Board of Trustees Chairman Chip Hurst have heard from people who do not.

"I will tell you that based on my conversations with fellow board members, that there have been more negative comments than positive; but for whatever reason, I’ve gotten more positive than negative,” says Hurst."

According to White, "I wished everyone liked every decision that we made, and I wish we could please all the people, all the time, and unfortunately in this particular situation it's obviously not the case. That doesn't make it right, wrong or indifferent however."

There have been questions raised about whether the way the Board of Trustees voted on the decision was wrong.

Both Hurst and White say it was done by the books, but attorney Jay Bender tells News Channel 7 he believes the procedure violated the Freedom of Information Act.

Bender says, “I think the school board has violated the law by adding an item to the agenda and then acting upon it without first giving 24 hours notice."

At Tuesday night's meeting, the board accused the media of not telling "whole story" and agreed to let the state Attorney General's office to look into how the process played out, including whether the board violated the Freedom of Information Act. They will also present the plan to the state ethics committee for review.

Another issue is rubbing some viewers the wrong way. White and three other school board members, who voted in favor of the partnership, are members of the country club.

White says, “Any examination of the conflict of interest issue, which is really an extension of the law on ethics, will bear out that there is not a financial gain there for myself or any other member of the board who happens to be associated with that club."

Superintendent White has sent a letter to District 7 employees telling them he'll schedule meetings with principals to brief them on the golf contract issue principals will in turn brief staff and public forums will be scheduled.

White also says in the letter:
"Please know, as well, that the Board and administration continues to be committed to excellence in academics, arts, activities and athletics. While we are not immune to the impact of the economy, District 7 if fortunate to be in a position to continue and enhance educational opportunities for our students."

News Channel 7 contacted the Attorney General's Office. They say the Attorney General wasn't planning on commenting on the case unless there was a huge public outcry or the case was really significant.

The District 7 board is asking the state Ethics Commission whether there's been a conflict of interest in the decision.