Public Charter School District reports enrollment growth, wait list and accountability actions

South Carolina Public Charter School District Superintendent Neely told the Senate K‑12 Finance Subcommittee that the district’s enrollment has climbed since 2020, reporting a 45‑day count just over 20,600 students across 44 schools, with roughly 6,000 students on a wait list.

Neely said the district’s pupil poverty and special‑education populations have risen over the last five years and that the district has closed underperforming schools during his tenure. He described a portfolio approach that emphasizes both growth and accountability.

Why it matters: the charter district’s growth and wait list indicate demand for alternative public school options, while the district’s accountability actions (closures and corrective actions) are relevant to state oversight and authorizing practice.

Neely summarized district results and operations: 2,500‑plus staff, roughly 80 percent of teachers certified, a graduation rate slightly above the state average (86.6 percent), and sustained growth from about 15,000 students in 2020 to over 20,000 now. He said the district is financially balanced, maintains a rainy‑day fund, carries zero debt and follows the charter funding formula that the General Assembly updated three years ago.

On applications and oversight, Neely said the district received four applications this year (two denied, one withdrawn, one pending) and that during his tenure the district closed four underperforming schools and prevented four ill‑prepared schools from opening. He told the committee the district currently has five schools rated unsatisfactory and that corrective action letters have been issued as a first, supportive step before potential revocation.

Neely described a mix of programs, including alternative education campuses that serve students with disabilities and students who have dropped out; he cited examples of partnerships with technical colleges that help students earn credentials alongside diplomas. He also laid out internal staffing and budget figures, noting a current FTE headcount of 32 for central staff and that the district has shifted some positions as federal ESSER funds expired.

Committee members asked about enrollment projections, transfer policies and the status of schools on the “bubble.” Neely said growth is market‑driven, emphasized a commitment to quality over quantity and said the district only approves transfers or accepts schools when they meet capacity and quality standards.

Neely concluded by saying the charter district remains focused on serving all students and managing growth while maintaining accountability: “we take our responsibility and statute seriously,” he told the committee. The committee did not take any formal action during the hearing.