School leaders seek dismissal of Governor’s federal stimulus case

The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) today asked the federal district court to dismiss Governor Sanford’s federal lawsuit against Attorney General Henry McMaster. 

According to a news release from the SCASA,  the federal suit is a bizarre, unwarranted attempt to prolong the day when the Governor must perform his duties.  The group states, “The Governor’s federal case is, at best, a delaying tactic and appears to show his contempt for the State Constitution he has twice been sworn to uphold and defend.  That the Governor would go to such lengths to harm the schoolchildren of South Carolina, requires SCASA to take a strong stand on their behalf.“ 

Molly Spearman, Executive Director of SCASA and former member of the legislature, stated, “It is hard to believe that our governor would go to such lengths to deny these funds that will go to other states to educate their children and the people of South Carolina will still have to pay it back.  SCASA is pleased that State Superintendent Rex has completed the application and has informed the Governor that it is ready to go to Washington.  If our application is not received in Washington by July 1, 2009, the funds allocated to South Carolina will go and educate children in other states that did apply on time.”

Spearman continued, “The most responsible thing for the Governor to do is to drop his lawsuit voluntarily and perform his duty to sign the application immediately so that South Carolina schools can budget for next school year, including using the funds from the ARRA to protect quality education programs and the jobs of dedicated educators and other school staff all across the State.  Until that occurs, SCASA will have to continue its defense of the school system from the Governor.”