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Florence 1 board OKs submission of Citadel‑partnered leadership high school application
Summary
The Florence 1 Schools board voted to submit an application to the state for a full 9–12 School of Innovation in partnership with The Citadel that would embed leadership instruction, school‑wide JROTC and competency‑based credits; district leaders said the school, financially overseen by Florence 1, is targeted to open fall 2027.
The Florence 1 Schools Board of Trustees voted to approve submission of an application to the State Board of Education for a new full 9–12 School of Innovation that would partner with The Citadel to offer a leadership‑focused diploma track with school‑wide JROTC.
Greg Hall, who presented the plan to trustees, said the proposed Citadel Leadership Academy would enroll roughly 300–500 students and integrate rigorous academics with leadership coursework, physical fitness, service learning and summer encampments modeled on aspects of the Citadel experience. "This school of innovation is built for the college track student and the military track student," Hall said, adding that the curriculum would include leadership practicum, project‑based learning and opportunities for dual enrollment.
Hall told the board the district will request state waivers on seat‑time and seek competency‑based credits that would count toward GPA, and that The Citadel will serve as an advisory and curriculum partner but will not be fiscally responsible for the school. "The financial oversight is solely Florence 1 Schools," Hall said. He said funding would come from district general funds, allowable grants and partner contributions.
The Citadel's Dean of the Zucker School of Education (identified in the presentation as Dr. Nanneta) joined virtually and endorsed the partnership. "Innovation is what we need to be doing," the dean said, adding that The Citadel is supportive of the proposed model and its potential to serve as an example for other districts.
Trustees asked about enrollment contingencies, athletics and how the program would relate to existing ROTC units. Hall said the district could phase in grades if necessary and that the school would be a fully functioning high school with athletics; it would not automatically dissolve existing ROTC programs at other high schools. Board members also noted the proposal's emphasis on leadership and the potential benefit for Timmonsville, a community the board said would be home to the new program.
After discussion, Trustee Miss Bridal moved to approve submission of the application, memorandum of agreement and supporting correspondence from The Citadel; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The application now goes to the state board for review. If approved by the State Board of Education, the district will begin detailed staffing, curriculum and facility preparations aimed at opening in fall 2027.
