Aiken County Public Schools celebrates $1 Million in donations from SRP

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WJBF)- The Aiken County School District is celebrating a milestone achievement.

SRP Federal Credit Union has now donated $1 Million to the school system through SRP’s High School Affinity Debit Card Program.

The program began in August 2018 to help high schools around the county with funding.

Each high school has it’s own card, and every time the card is used, the school gets a donation that they can use any way they wish. ​

Aiken County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy says it’s especially an honor because that’s not the way it usually goes when they get funds.

“Typically when school districts receive funds, they’re earmarked, they have a bunch of rules that we have to use to spend them. Sometimes they’re buried between getting the funds and where they can actually help the kids the most. So, when we get funds like this from outside organizations, it’s just tremendous—and it has an immediate impact,” said Murphy.

School leaders say that impact means funds for new desks, computers, and other resources to improve the learning experience for students.

“All eligible schools are able to take this money, and turn it into something that’s going to improve our learning environments, and help the kids have a better sense of belonging to the buildings,” said Murphy.

He says one of the other areas the school system is excited about advancing is the front office areas at high schools across the county.

“A lot of times you come in our front offices–we don’t really have a furniture budget. So we can buy furniture with this money as well. So, it’s an exciting time for us,” Murphy said.

Last week, the Aiken County School Board held the first of five public meetings to discuss the plans on renewing the 1% sales tax–originally approved by voters in 2014.

The next meeting is Tuesday, September 17th at 6:00 PM at South Aiken High School.

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