BENNETTSVILLE, S.C. (WPDE) -- "We've got to keep fighting': Dozens marched against school closing in Marlboro County Saturday.
More than 50 people marched around Clio Elementary School in the scorching weather to take a stand against the school's closing.
Clio Elementary and Bennettsville Intermediate Schools are closing due to budget cuts.
Bennettsville Primary will serve students in kindergarten through second grade.
Blenheim Elementary will expand to include grades three through eight.
Clio community leader Eva McRae helped to organize the march and said they can't just sit back and do nothing.
"God said it's not over. We've got to think about our kids. Packing them up and sending them. Didn't give them a warning. So, God is saying it's not over. And we've got to keep marching. And we've got to keep fighting," said McRae.
People of all ages joined in the march, including Clio councilman Chris McArthur and Clio Mayor Adam Pate.
"Showing our support, our pride for the Clio Elementary School, the Cavaliers. We want to send a message to our county, our district, that this school matters to the Town of Clio," said Mayor Pate.
Marlboro County School Board Members Leevander McRae, Jr., and Nikki Pruitt were on hand for the event.
Pruitt marched around the school with the community.
"My heart goes out to the Clio community. My personal opinion is that this closure is completely unnecessary and does not ultimately save the district any money other than the light bill and the water bill. This consolidation is far too close to the opening of school and will cause chaos. I stand with Clio. My thoughts and prayers are with the community of Clio," said Pruitt.
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) announced Thursday that it had initiated a takeover of the finances for the Marlboro County School District (MCSD).
The announcement came after the District missed the deadline to pass its budget back in June.
The district missed its budget deadline back on June 30, prompting intervention from SCDE.
The District finally passed its budget for the upcoming year Wednesday night, with less than three weeks until the first day of school.
"SCDE is seeking to take over the financial operations of MCSD, citing the district's failure to meet its fiscal responsibilities and provide a stable operational plan for the 2025-26 school year," SCDE said in a release Thursday. "This decision comes after months of technical assistance, a delayed budget, and reports of fiscal mismanagement."
SCDE said that after its initial review of the District, it found declining enrollment rates and increasing staffing trends.
The Department said the findings underscored "the urgent need to evaluate staffing levels and ensure alignment with current enrollment and financial capacity."
Officials clarified that the financial takeover would not be all-encompassing and is permissible within the Fiscal Emergency it declared back Feb. 18, 2025.
If SCDE is approved by the State Board of Education, SCDE staff will immediately take authority over financial planning for the MCSD.
At that point, the MCSD Board would also have to submit all financial transactions, contracts, and hiring decisions to the SCDE for approval.
The school board meets on Monday for its regular scheduled meeting.
The agenda mentions a financial update as of June 30.
Many community members in Clio said they plan to attend the meeting to voice their concerns about the school closing.