Gov. Sanford's proposal to close the John de la Howe School in McCormick County is just as persuasive as that for two regional University of South Carolina campuses. Unfortunately, there apparently is also legislative sentiment for keeping the de la Howe School open, as there is for the USC-Union and Salkehatchie campuses. At some point, legislators are going to have to make some hard decisions based on a rational measurement of need and of available state resources.
No one has questioned that the de la Howe School serves a laudable function, as a residential group child-care agency. Unfortunately, enrollment has reportedly dwindled, and the expense of operating the school is too great for the state to sustain, particularly since its students can be cared for elsewhere at less cost. According to the governor's budget, the school's annual cost is $4.5 million and its enrollment, 65 students. Indeed, the school has more employees than students, the governor's budget notes. In addition to a staff of 98, there are 41 buildings on 1,200 acres. The average per pupil expense is something near $70,000 a year, high by any standard.
The governor has recommended closing the de la Howe campus and providing vouchers of up to $12,000 for each of the students at the school. The voucher fund would be administered by the state's Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School in Columbia, which serves 335 high school students.
Legislators, however, already are expressing reservations about the governor's proposal.
"I think the prevailing opinion in the General Assembly right now is probably to keep the school," Sen. Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, said in comments quoted by The Associated Press.
Refreshingly, this is at least one instance in which the affected agency isn't lobbying to stay in existence. The board decided last week not to fight the governor's proposal, although trustee Chairman Mickey Lindler said she hoped the school could remain open. But trustee Cordes Seabrook offered support for the governor's plan because of the large per pupil expense.
As trustees of the public purse, the Legislature should recognize that paying $4.5 million a year for 65 students isn't an expense the state can legitimately maintain, particularly since the governor's plan would accommodate the students elsewhere.
Legislators should make a fiscally responsible decision on continued state support for the de la Howe School.
Click here to return to story:
http://www.charleston.net/stories/012504/edi_25edit1.shtml