Orangeburg County School District holds dedication ceremony for brand new Lake Marion Middle School
SANTEE, S.C. (WIS) ― Orangeburg County School District has officially opened Lake Marion Middle School just in time for the new academic year. The opening was marked by a dedication ceremony attended by district officials, elected leaders, and community .
The school is located on the campus of Lake Marion High School in Santee. District officials said Lake Marion Middle School was built with funds from the $190 million bond referendum approved by county voters in 2022.
On Thursday, Orangeburg County School District officials and staff ed together to open their fourth middle school.
Sharkia Thompson was at the event with her son Caleb Thompson, a rising eight grader. They walked away very impressed with the construction of the school.
“I was just in awe like aww this is pretty — this looks good. This is something new from the old school he was at and we just liked to see the new stuff,” said Thompson.
The 20,000-square foot building will feature 12 state of the art classrooms that are designed to enhance educational opportunities for students. The school will serve students from Holly Hill Roberts Middle School and Elloree School.
Orangeburg County School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Foster said that merging both schools into one school was necessary.
“During a time of teacher shortages and you’re spreading yourself thin, it made sense to bring those common grades together where now we’re able to increase teacher staffing and lower our vacancy rate. But also have a high utilization in one facility on oppose to operationally funding and operating two,” said Foster.
Felisha Williams, the new principal at Lake Marion Middle School, says that all teaching positions have already been filled.
“This ensures that the school is fully staffed and ready to provide a quality educational experience for students. It’s a wonderful opportunity to have the middle school on the campus of the high school because it opens up doors for our middle school students as they transition into high school,” said Williams.
The school opens for students on August 5. That date serves as the first day of school for the Orangeburg County School District.
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