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SDPC to partner with Clearview Simpson Heritage Foundation

EASLEY — The School District of Pickens County has announced a new partnership with the Clearview Simpson Heritage Foundation to serve the Easley community.

The district plans to transfer the property at 304 West D Avenue, which is the site of the Pickens County Head Start Program, to the Clearview Simpson Heritage Foundation after a five-year agreement.

“We have two goals in mind for this property — a family life center and an after-school education center,” the executive board of Clearview Simpson Heritage Foundation said in a statement. “We’re eager to start working with local churches and community groups to turn our goals into reality. We also plan to work closely with the school district to monitor the success of the after-school program each year.”

Under the five-year agreement, CSHF will provide 20 mentors, primarily for students at McKissick Elementary in cooperation with the YMCA’s Y Mentor program. The mentors will meet with students for 30 minutes per week for a minimum of 24 weeks.

“This is an exciting partnership and the plans for an after-school center have potential to make a big impact,” said Dr. Danny Merck, SDPC superintendent.

The building on the property is currently owned by the City of Easley and the partnership between the city and Pickens County Head Start is expected continue for the remainder of their lease, which expires in 2022.

The district also gave a small portion of land next to the West D Avenue property to the Dream Center. The land is adjacent to the Dream Center’s current location, which is the site of the former J.T. Simpson Alternative School. The Dream Center purchased the J.T. Simpson Academy property from the district in 2013. The land will be used to provide an additional access point to the Dream Center property.

The properties which currently host Head Start and the Dream Center were once the site of the Simpson School and Clearview High School, which were the schools for black and other minority students in Easley prior to desegregation and which hold an important place in the history of Easley.

SDPC plans to transfer property to the Clearview Simpson Heritage Foundation.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_SDPC.jpgSDPC plans to transfer property to the Clearview Simpson Heritage Foundation.

Staff report

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