LCSD56 Legislative Dinner Celebrates Collaboration, Community Spirit, and Future Initiatives

On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Laurens County School District 56 (LCSD56) held its annual Legislative Dinner at the District Conference Center. The event, a key part of the district’s outreach efforts, brought together school administrators, county and city officials, School Board members, and community leaders alongside featured guests from the county’s legislative delegation, including Senator Danny Verdin, Representative Doug Gilliam, Representative Mark Willis, and Representative-Elect Luke Rankin. The meal was prepared by Cindy Jacobs, Director of Child Nutrition, and her dedicated team.

In his opening remarks, Dr. David O’Shields, Superintendent of LCSD56, expressed deep appreciation for the legislative delegation’s ongoing support, which has been pivotal in the district’s progress. “We are fortunate to have a delegation that is committed to working alongside us to improve educational opportunities for our students,” O’Shields said. “The success of our schools is a direct result of our spirit of collaboration and a shared vision for excellence.”

Reflecting on the spirit of thankfulness, O’Shields highlighted several initiatives that showcase the district’s dedication to community service and support:

• Following Hurricane Helene, LCSD56 faculty and staff stepped up, preparing bag lunches and personally delivering them to residents in need throughout the community.
• The Clinton High School Cross Country Team continued its annual tradition of the ‘Running of the Cans,’ a community outreach effort supporting Geraldine’s Soup Kitchen.
• Across the district, schools hosted Veterans Day programs to honor local service members. One standout event included a performance by Clinton Middle School students of “Land of Freedom,” a song written by a faculty member that paid tribute to veterans.

In a significant announcement, O’Shields proudly shared that LCSD56 is among just 26 districts in South Carolina where no schools received unsatisfactory or below-average ratings. “This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our educators, the support of our community, and the shared commitment to student success,” he said.

Security and safety have been a top priority for the district, and O’Shields reported that all schools now have secure entrances. In addition, the district has installed Bidirectional Amplifiers (BDAs) across all campuses. These emergency radio communication systems ensure reliable transmissions between first responders inside buildings and personnel outside, addressing communication gaps, particularly in older facilities. “We are constantly evaluating ways to enhance the safety of our students and staff,” O’Shields remarked. “The installation of BDAs is a significant step in ensuring our schools are secure learning environments.”

Looking ahead, O’Shields shared the district’s vision for continued advancements in safety and technology. The LCSD56 School Board recently approved up to $300,000 for the implementation of CrisisAlert badge systems by Centegix. This innovative system provides a wearable panic button for staff, allowing immediate assistance anywhere on campus. “We are excited to be one of the first districts in South Carolina to adopt this system,” O’Shields said. “It’s a game-changer for school safety, empowering our staff with a direct line to help when it’s needed most.”

O’Shields also emphasized the importance of expanding career readiness opportunities for students. He continues to advocate for and work to secure a county-wide career center that would equip students with the skills necessary for various career paths, acknowledging that not all graduates will pursue a four-year college degree. “The options for our students are endless, and it’s our responsibility to prepare them for whatever path they choose,” O’Shields stated, expressing gratitude for the support and collaborative efforts of the legislative team in advancing this important initiative.

In his closing remarks, O’Shields reiterated the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration with the legislative delegation, expressing gratitude for their partnership in shaping the future of the district. “Together, we have achieved so much, and together, we will continue to move forward,” he concluded. “Where there is no vision, we perish—but I can assure you, there is no shortage of vision in District 56.”