Spartanburg District 7 Stands Behind Country Club Partnership Despite Backlash

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.

On Monday, 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…“

Another issue is rubbing some viewers the wrong way. White and two other school board members, who voted in favor of the partnership, are members of the country club which will receive $200,000 dollars up front and $5,000 annually for up to 25 years.  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.“

There is an opportunity to express your opinion at Tuesday night’s Board of Trustee’s meeting, but you must call the Spartanburg District 7 Office to put your name on the list to speak.
The meeting starts at 6 pm in the board room of the District’s administration building located at 610 Dupre drive in Spartanburg.

What do you think of the deal?
Would love to hear your thoughts…

Connie