Bluffton, South Carolina, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Bluffton High School has secured a top 20 position in South Carolina’s public high school rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. This recognition highlights the school’s dedication to academic excellence. In contrast, the Jasper County School District is facing state intervention due to severe mismanagement and potential fraud, affecting around 2,600 students. The takeover, effective in 2025, aims to restore governance and financial stability within the district, which has been under fiscal watch since 2023.
Bluffton, South Carolina — U.S. News & World Report has released its annual rankings of public high schools, evaluating over 230 high schools in South Carolina while assessing nearly 18,000 nationwide. In this latest ranking, Bluffton High School emerged as the highest-ranked institution among Beaufort and Jasper County high schools, securing a spot in South Carolina’s top 20, emphasizing the school’s commitment to academic excellence.
Schools were evaluated based on six key performance measures, with each measure weighted and transformed into a percentage score ranging from zero to 100, where the top performers scored a perfect 100. This report arrives at a critical time as the back-to-school season begins, providing insight into school performance for students and parents preparing for the upcoming academic year.
Amid this academic landscape, the Jasper County School District is facing a takeover by the state Board of Education scheduled for August 5, 2025. This decision comes despite pleas from local board members to retain leadership. The takeover is a response to ongoing financial turmoil and a report detailing potential fraud, conflicts of interest, and management missteps within the district.
Approximately 2,600 students in the Jasper County School District are affected by this takeover, which coincides with the start of their academic year. The local school board has a window of 10 days to appeal the decision, although there is uncertainty regarding whether such an appeal will occur.
State Superintendent Ellen Weaver stated that this action is necessary to ensure responsible governance and accountable leadership for students and taxpayers. To oversee the district during this transition, Weaver appointed Laura Hickson, the former superintendent of Florence District 3, as the interim superintendent.
The state’s administrative takeover is expected to last a minimum of six years, in accordance with legislation enacted in July 2022, which requires total dissolution of the local board. Throughout the takeover period, the South Carolina Department of Education will set specific performance goals that the district must meet before it can revert back to local control.
Rita Allison, chairwoman of the State Board of Education, emphasized that the focus of the takeover is to provide assistance rather than punishment. This action follows the Jasper County School District being placed under fiscal watch since 2023 due to escalating financial difficulties.
Previous investigations, including a report from the inspector general, outlined significant failures on the part of the local board, including the failure to report misconduct by the former superintendent, Rechel Anderson. Anderson faced allegations of violating district policies and there are ongoing criminal investigations into her actions led by the State Law Enforcement Division.
State Senator Tom Davis, along with local councils, has expressed support for the state’s intervention due to evident governance and accountability issues within the district. The anticipated changes and oversight aim not only to stabilize the district but also to ensure a better educational environment for its students.
Key Rankings and Insights
- Overall Rankings: Bluffton High School ranks in South Carolina’s top 20 public high schools.
- State Board of Education Takeover: Effective August 5, 2025, due to mismanagement in Jasper County School District.
- Interim Leadership: Laura Hickson appointed as interim superintendent.
- Takeover Duration: Expected to last at least six years following new state legislation.
Background Context
The Jasper County School District has been under fiscal oversight since being placed on fiscal watch amid ongoing financial concerns. Complaints in prior assessments have indicated a lack of effective governance and accountability, leading to the extreme measure of state intervention. This takeover is a significant step towards addressing longstanding issues that have affected educational quality and financial integrity in the district.
FAQ
What are the key rankings of South Carolina high schools according to U.S. News & World Report?
Bluffton High School ranked among the top 20 high schools in South Carolina.
Why is the Jasper County School District facing a state takeover?
The district is under scrutiny due to financial mismanagement, potential fraud, and conflicts of interest as outlined in an inspector general’s report.
How many students are impacted by the state takeover of Jasper County School District?
Approximately 2,600 students are affected by the takeover.
Who has been appointed interim superintendent during the takeover?
Laura Hickson, former superintendent of Florence District 3, has been appointed as interim superintendent.
What is the expected duration of the state takeover?
The takeover is anticipated to last at least six years.
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Additional Resources
- SC Daily Gazette: Jasper County Schools Under State Control
- Wikipedia: Jasper County, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Jasper County School District State Takeover
- Google Search: Jasper County School District
- Island Packet: Jasper County Schools Under Takeover
- Google Scholar: Jasper County School District Takeover
- Bluffton Today: South Carolina Lowcountry Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
