Colleton County schools to host Boys and Girls Club after‑school and summer programs
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Summary
The district announced a partnership with Boys and Girls Club of the Lowcountry to run on‑site after‑school (3–6 p.m.) and six‑week summer programs, with the district providing space and the club handling staffing, insurance and curriculum; MOA and childcare licensing steps remain.
The Colleton County School District told trustees it will partner with the Boys and Girls Club of the Lowcountry to operate school‑based after‑school and summer programs that start in the 2025–26 school year.
Superintendent Verna Williams announced the partnership during the district’s Committee of the Whole meeting, saying the program will focus on academic and career preparedness, health, and citizenship and character development. "The Colleton County School District is partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of the Lowcountry to provide after school programming for the students of our district," Williams said.
The Boys and Girls Club presenters described a typical after‑school schedule of Monday through Friday, 3 p.m.–6 p.m., and a summer camp model of six weeks from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The club said its staffing ratio is 1 to 20 and its core program areas are STEM, arts, literacy and character development. "It meets family and student needs, it aligns with the district's priority, and it is a proven community partner," Pam Castle, identified as the club’s executive director for school sites, said.
Program logistics presented to the board said the district will provide school space at no cost, while the Boys and Girls Club will cover staffing, supplies, insurance and curriculum. Presenters said they intend to apply for child‑care center licensing and that local steps include zoning review, fire inspections, architectural plans and background checks before programming can begin.
Mandy Parsons, identified as the club’s CEO, thanked Latasha Simmons, who had advocated for a Colleton site, and said the organization was "more than delighted to serve the youth in Colleton County as well." Speakers indicated next steps are finalizing a memorandum of agreement, confirming sites and start dates, and joint onboarding and communications to families.
Board members voiced support and said they expect the program to roll out at the start of the 2025–26 school year pending completion of licensing and MOA signatures.
Next steps and remaining requirements listed by the presenters are: finalize and sign the MOA, confirm specific school sites and start dates, complete licensing and inspections, and begin joint outreach to families.