Cherokee BOE Swaps Land With Holly Springs

The Cherokee County School Board on Thursday approved transferring some property to the city of Holly Springs for park improvements.

The board unanimously approved transferring 2.2 acres behind ACE Academy to the city, which part of city-operated J.C. Mullins Park. The transfer allows the city to make improvements, which will benefit the district and community use of the property. 

“This is a good opportunity to do what government should do: work together to benefit the community,” Board Vice Chair Robert Wofford said.     

In other business, the board also tabled the proposed fiscal year 2015 budget for the Cherokee County School District. 

The proposed budget calls for no increase in the operating millage rate and elimination of the debt service millage rate, which currently is set at .4 mills.  

It also allows for: continuation of the full 180-day school calendar for students; hiring of: additional teachers to reduce class size for kindergarten through fifth grade, half-time graduation coaches for all high schools and additional police officers and bus drivers; elimination of the remaining three furlough days for all employees; new initiatives to enhance communication with parents and school safety; increases in budget reserves; and other improvements to services. 

“I really appreciate the staff’s effort on the budget,” Board Chair Janet Read said.  “I’m especially excited that we’re looking at no furlough days… and how many teachers we’re able to hire. Everyone here is a taxpayer – thank you for everything you to do support us. The governor and legislature also didn’t have as much of a State ‘austerity budget cut’ for next year – and we really appreciate that.”