Aiken County School District Considers Consolidation Affecting Jackson, SC

The Aiken County Public School District is considering major changes to its Area 5 schools, which would involve building a middle school addition on the Silver Bluff High School campus. This plan seeks to consolidate Jackson STEM Middle School and New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet School. Additionally, the district is considering repurposing New Ellenton Middle School to serve current Greendale Elementary students. The nearly $60 million plan would be funded through the 2024 1-cent sales tax, and the district has been accepting community feedback via a digital survey.

The district argues that combining schools offers students expanded educational opportunities due to higher population schools and more available programs. However, residents of the Town of Jackson contend that the removal of their only school could have damaging consequences for the town's local economy.