Pamplico voters to elect 2 to school board, review budget

Florence School District 2 will hold its annual citizens’ meeting at 8 p.m. Thursday where two school board members will be elected and the proposed 2009-10 operating budget will be presented.

From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, residents in the Pamplico-based school district will have the opportunity to vote for Seats 6 and 7 in the gymnasium of Hannah-Pamplico High School.

Incumbent Johnny Jenkins is running unopposed for Seat 6.

Running for Seat 7 is former school board member Elleveen Poston and Melvin Lewis, an employee of Morris Lumber in Pamplico.

Board member James Jones is retiring and not seeking re-election.

Poston served as a school board member for 18 years before retiring in 2007. She is the owner of Smith Fuel Co. Inc. and Quality Transport Inc. in Lake City.

Poston said she has a wealth of experience and would be beneficial to the board, especially during a difficult financial climate.

“I see a lot of challenges out there especially with the budget problems that they’re facing,” Poston said. “In my entire 18 years that I’ve served, I tried to make the decisions that were best for the school district and the children, and that’s the same way I would go back in should I be fortunate to be elected again.

“I only want what’s best for the children of Florence School District 2.”

Lewis, who would be a first-time board member, said Jones’ retirement from Seat 7 was an opportunity for him to help the schools in any way he could.

Lewis said he would be a board member for all people, is honest and a strong advocate of education.

From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., the votes will be tallied and board members will be announced before the presentation of the proposed 2009-10 operating budget at 8 p.m.

The budget totals $7,578,358, but has a deficit of $729,466.

Superintendent Robert Sullivan said district officials estimated revenue totals to be $6,848,892, so next year’s budget would have a shortfall.

Sullivan said district officials are looking at other ways to balanced the budget including the potential of stimulus funds.

IF YOU’RE GOING

WHAT: Florence School District 2 annual citizens’ meeting

WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursday

WHERE: Hannah-Pamplico High School, 2055 S. Pamplico Highway, Pamplico

INFO: Call the district office at (843) 493-2502

On the Web

Florence School District 2, http://www.flo2.k12.sc.us