• E-Mail
• Print
• Larger
• Smaller

Published: Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012 / Updated: Monday, Aug. 27, 2012 04:32 PM

Time to step down

Time to step down

During the last four years, I have had the pleasure to work with several very special people from our community and in our School District administration to find a solution to an extremely difficult situation. Because of drastic budget cuts, middle school athletics (and several other programs) were eliminated. Rather than just accept the decision, a dedicated group of parents, community members and school administration were able to accomplish something no other community in S.C. has previously attempted.

The Fort Mill School District was the first public school district in S.C. to offer a self-funded athletic program. To my knowledge, we are still the only district that has decided to go this route to fill a funding gap. Currently, our middle school athletic program affects more than 1,100 students ages 12-14 at a time when many need to belong. I am so appreciative that our community made the decision to give these children a positive and healthy option and to let them know that we do care.

While this endeavor has been extremely exciting and rewarding, it is now time that I step down as chairman of the middle school athletic board. While I will continue serving Fort Mill and our school district for many years, it is time that I do so in other ways. There are so many people that have made an impact in this program that I can’t thank them all here, but you are all very dear to me. Thank you all for your words of encouragement and your leap of faith. I wish the middle school athletic program and each of the four middle school booster groups much success with the coming year!

Lisa Eskridge-McCarley

FMSD Athletic Board Chairwoman