Academy of Performing Arts outlines charter plans, partnerships and budget to Cherokee County board

The Academy of Performing Arts (APA) presented its charter application and five‑year budget to the Cherokee County School Board, saying it has secured local partnerships and community backing and plans to enroll up to 300 students.

Pat Hyatt, the lead presenter for APA, described partnerships with local broadcasters and arts organizations and said the group had "submitted a comprehensive 5 year budget plan that prioritizes classroom instruction." Waseena White Fowler, a planning committee member, told the board, "Investing in education is invest is an investment for us all," and asked the board to consider the proposal's potential to lift academic outcomes in Gaffney and Cherokee County.

The presentation stressed partnerships with WCCQ (radio), the Gaffney Little Theater, a Musical Instrument Foundation and an after‑school program with the Kids Club of Cherokee County. APA representatives said they plan staff roles including a principal, a curriculum specialist and a grant writer to run an after‑school tutoring program. Applicants said they are applying for a $100,000 grant to support that after‑school program.

Board members asked multiple operational questions — from curriculum alignment to transportation and facility funding — and APA responded that it intends to use the Core Knowledge curriculum with arts integration and that funding strategies include Building Hope financing, state appropriations and private grants. The board did not vote on the charter in this session; the meeting was adjourned with no final action.