State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver helped welcome students back to school Thursday during a visit to Lake City Early Childhood Center as Florence School District 3 kicked off the 2026-2027 school year.
Superintendent Weaver joined LCECC Principal Melanie Dukes McKnight, FSD3 Superintendent Dr. Shawn Suber, FSD3 Board of Trustees members Paula Morris and Rutha Frieson, Lake City Mayor Yamekia Robinson for tour the school and visited kindergarten and first-grade classrooms, where she observed students actively engaged in learning and interacted with students, teachers and staff.
"The start of a new school year is so exciting, brimming with hope and endless potential for our students. It's a joy to encourage the students, teachers, and staff of Florence 3 as they begin another year of learning and growth,” Superintendent Weaver said. “Fueled by high expectations, strong support, and exceptional educators, students can achieve more than they ever imagined. I can’t wait to see what this year brings!”
During the tour, Superintendent Weaver also saw how Florence School District 3 has invested a portion of the $1 million in capital improvement funds provided by the South Carolina Department of Education in 2024. At Lake City Early Childhood Center, the funding was used to repair walls and repaint the school's entire interior, creating an enhanced learning environment for students and staff. In addition, FSD3 is using school safety grant funds to replace fire alarms at LCECC and other schools in the district.
Before concluding her visit, Superintendent Weaver joined students in the school's outdoor courtyard, where she helped feed the chickens that are housed in the student-maintained chicken coop. The unique learning experience gave students an opportunity to share one of the school's hands-on educational activities while showcasing another aspect of the engaging learning environment at Lake City Early Childhood Center.
“We were honored to welcome Superintendent Weaver to Florence School District 3 on such an exciting day for our students and staff,” said Dr. Shawn Suber, superintendent of Florence School District 3. “The enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed in our classrooms today reflect the dedication of our outstanding teachers and the excitement our students bring to learning. I want to thank Superintendent Weaver for taking the time to visit our district and see firsthand the incredible work taking place in our schools. We appreciate her continued support of public education and look forward to an outstanding school year together.”
