PYA withdraws appeal of charter renewal denial

On September 13, 2024, Palmetto Youth Services and Palmetto Youth Academy filed a motion seeking to withdraw an appeal they filed in June 2023 after the Florence 1 Schools Board of Trustees denied renewal of Palmetto Youth Academy’s Charter. The renewal was denied by the Board pursuant to applicable provisions of the South Carolina Charter School Act. In making this decision, Palmetto Youth Academy withdrew its claims that the Board’s decision was improper.

“This action validates the administration’s decision and the determination of the Florence 1 Board of Trustees in May 2023,” said Florence 1 Superintendent Richard O’Malley. “The district is pleased that this matter will be resolved in its favor, based on PYA’s conceding that the Board’s decision was correct.”

O’Malley said that while the matter of the appeal is resolved, the district is still pursuing the recovery of taxpayer assets.

“Florence 1, through counsel, continues to pursue property and funds which PYA has failed to return to the district,” O’Malley said.

The Motion To Withdraw Appeal states in part:

“Appellants, Palmetto Youth Academy Charter School and Palmetto Youth Services, Inc. (hereinafter, jointly “Palmetto Youth Academy”), by and through its undersigned counsel, hereby moves, pursuant to Rules 63 and 68 of the South Carolina Administrative Law Court Rules and Rules 240 and 260(c) of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules, for an Order Dismissing the Appeal.”

“Appellants seek to withdraw their appeal pursuant to Rule 260(c), SCALA, and move for an Order of the Court dismissing the appeal ‘upon such terms as may be fixed by the court.’

It also states that a motion for Contempt and Order to Show Cause, filed by the District (Respondent) on September 5, 2024, seeking dismissal of the PYA appeal with prejudice is still pending and a hearing has not yet been scheduled.