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District 5 expands magnet offerings to 17 programs; latest federal grant enters year three of five-year funding
Summary
Director Sarah Wheeler told trustees District 5 now runs 17 magnet programs across 12 sites, with recent federal grant funding extending support for new programs including Harbison West Gifted and 7 Oaks Global magnet.
District 5 presented an update on magnet and choice programs during the Oct. 6 meeting, saying enrollment interest and federal grant funding helped expand offerings to 17 magnet programs at 12 sites.
What administrators reported Sarah Wheeler, director of magnet programs, said the district received 1,125 magnet applications for the current school year and highlighted sustained national recognition from Magnet Schools of America. She summarized the themes in the magnet portfolio — STEM, arts, IB, international baccalaureate, Montessori and gifted programs — and outlined two of the newest magnets: Harbison West Elementary's Gifted and Talent Development magnet and 7 Oaks Elementary's global International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program.
Wheeler told trustees the district's magnet work has been supported by recurring federal grants. She said the district won a five-year federal grant in 2023 to help establish Harvest and West and 7 Oaks, and the district received notice that year three of five-year funding was awarded, providing continuity for those programs. Wheeler said capacity and sustainability were priorities in program design, and the district has structured magnets with pathways (Escalars/Gifted pathway into Irmo High) and fairs to encourage family participation.
Why it matters Administrators said the magnets offer choice-based learning and targeted pedagogies (for example, school-wide enrichment models and interest-driven "clusters") designed to raise engagement and provide specialized services that the district believes will support student outcomes and teacher retention. Trustees asked about long-term grant dependency; administration replied that historic grants provided startup funds but emphasized that many programs are now operating sustainably after grant periods ended.
Next steps and outreach The district plans two magnet fairs (secondary on Nov. 20, elementary on Jan. 15), continued outreach at community events, and to release magnet materials and application deadlines on the magnet website. Wheeler asked trustees to publicize the fairs and choice window to families.
Ending: Trustees did not take a vote on magnet policy at the Oct. 6 meeting; administrators said they will continue monitoring enrollment and grant status and report back to the board.
