SDPC to close Holly Springs and A.R. Lewis Elementary Schools

The Board of Trustees for the School District of Pickens County voted 4-2 last night to close Holly Springs and A.R. Lewis elementary schools. Students from A.R. Lewis go to Hagood, and students at Holly Springs split between Hagood and Ambler Elementary schools beginning in August of 2016. Both Hagood and Ambler will remain K4-5 grades. Parents and teachers packed last night’s meeting and after the decision was announced, many left in tears. The School Board said they had to close the two elementary schools, which are under capacity, because of financial reasons, and doing so would save the district around $8 million over five years.