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Ex-board member and community leaders urge Rapton Creek be converted to an agricultural magnet school
Summary
Speakers at a Sumter County School Board meeting asked the district to transform Rapton Creek Elementary into a hands-on agricultural magnet to expand school-choice options, arguing it would attract families (including those tied to Shaw Air Force Base) and support workforce development.
Dan Blondo, an ex–board member and parent, urged the Sumter County School Board to pursue an agricultural magnet at Rapton Creek Elementary, saying the district should offer “real school choice” to families. “Imagine a school where agriculture is the center of learning,” Blondo said, describing gardens, greenhouses, livestock and agricultural laboratories that would teach science, math and responsibility through hands-on experience.
Dr. Kenny Rose, a retired educator and pastor, told the board a grassroots coalition of educators, business leaders, parents and faith organizations has formed to support the proposal. Rose said the magnet would focus on STEM, advanced manufacturing and world-language exposure, and that it would help prepare students for in-demand careers. “This proposal represents an investment in the future of our students and our community,” he said.
Both speakers said the proposal would be attractive to military families relocating to the area because of Shaw Air Force Base and could help the district retain and attract students. Blondo asked supporters present at the meeting to provide written materials after his time expired.
Why it matters: District officials and community leaders are weighing options to boost enrollment and broaden public-school choice within Sumter County. A successful magnet would require staff planning, grant and partnership pursuit (the board previously created a grant-writer position, according to public remarks) and board direction before design or capital work begins.
What happened next: The chair closed public participation and the meeting proceeded to the superintendent’s report and the FY27 budget presentation; no formal vote or board direction about the Rapton Creek proposal was recorded during the meeting.
