FLORENCE, S.C.
Latisha Evans, a resilient mother, has been involved in ongoing disputes with the Florence 1 School district over her demands to have her 11-year-old daughter’s school transferred. She had initially requested a transfer from Williams Middle School, located in North Florence, to Southside Middle School found in South Florence, but the district has repeatedly denied her request and subsequent appeals.
Reasons Behind the Transfer Request
Evans, a resident of South Florence, expressed her frustration over the hassle she undergoes every morning in driving her daughter to Williams Middle School, which is notably located more than a 15-minute drive from her home. Not only is the distance a concern, but she has also noted her worry over the lack of adult presence at the school during drop-off times. Adding to her predicament, her job in Lake City has forced her to depend on her mother, who travels about 30 miles each day from Marion, just to ensure that her daughter has a ride home from school.
Lack of Response from the District
Evans confided that she had approached the district as early as March with her request. She complied with the stated requirements on Florence 1 Schools’ website, submitting a detailed letter explaining the reason for the transfer, providing two proofs of her South Florence residency, along with her driver’s license. However, the district has stringent policy guidelines that have so far impeded her efforts. “I have been constantly reaching out to them. I have been leaving voicemails. With no return phone calls,” Evans lamented.
Zone Discrepancy Issue
The Superintendent of Florence 1 Schools, Dr. Richard O’Malley, countered Evans’ claims, asserting that her daughter isn’t zoned for Southside Middle School. Evans, on the other hand, has contested this assertion. She noted that her 16-year-old son – who shares the same residence – presently attends South Florence High School. For her son’s registration, she had provided the same proof of residency that she had submitted for her daughter’s transfer request.
An Ongoing Battle
Determined not to back down, Evans has sought help from the S.C. Department of Education and even a legal professional. She remains firm in her conviction that the denial of her transfer request is unjust, considering she is zoned to attend Southside Middle School. “This is a burden to not only myself but, to my mother as well. Having to commute to come pick her up from school. We are zoned, the school that I am requesting her to go ahead. Clearly, I am zoned. So I am not giving up on this situation,” Evans said firmly.
Evans clings to the hope that the district will reconsider and grant the transfer request, basing it on their policy which evidently zones her residence within the South Florence district.
