Disparities in school spending have been a point of contention in the American public education system for decades.

2022-09-15

Disparities in school spending have been a point of contention in the American public education system for decades. Because public schools typically receive the bulk of their funding from local sources such as property taxes, wealthy districts are often better funded than poorer ones.

While studies have shown that higher per pupil spending can improve student outcomes, there are countless other factors – both inside the classroom and outside of it – that can impact a student’s likelihood of success. One of them is financial security at home.

For students from low-income families, setbacks can be more difficult to recover from due to limited supporting resources. A recent report published by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce found that children from low-income households who receive high scores on standardized aptitude tests in kindergarten have only a 3 in 10 chance of graduating from college and landing a good entry-level job as a young adult. Meanwhile, children from well-off families who score poorly on the same tests have a 7 in 10 chance.

This study suggests that even if per-pupil spending were equal across the thousands of school districts in the United States, students in high-income areas would still have a considerable advantage.

Of active districts in South Carolina with at least 100 students, Lexington School District No. 5 – located in Richland County – ranks as the wealthiest. Households in the district have an average annual income of $96,105, compared to the statewide average of $76,390, according to five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 American Community Survey.

Due in part to the strong local tax base, education spending in the district is higher than the state average. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, per pupil spending in the district was $12,977 in the 2018-2019 school year, the most recent year of available data, compared to an average of $10,994 across all schools in South Carolina.

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This story was originally published by 24/7 Wall St., a news organization that produces real-time business commentary and data-driven reporting for state and local markets across the country.

Searching for an indoor space for your kids to play or to host a party in Pickens, SC? Happy Kids Playhouse is just the place! The space is curated for entertaining ages 10 and under, with large inflatable slides, tons of toys, creative play stations, character appearances, and more. Happy Kids Playhouse has everything you need to have a memorable party for your little ones, or even just to enjoy the day with some indoor playtime. So grab your socks and get ready for a day of fun!

Thank you to Happy Kids Playhouse for hosting KAG for a review.

Are you looking for other things to do in Pickens, SC? Check out our Day Trip Guide to Pickens, SC for things to do during each season of the year!

Open Play at Happy Kids Playhouse

Whether parents are looking to have a playdate, or just need an indoor place for their kids to burn off some energy, Happy Kids Playhouse can help. Open Play is available Wednesday through Friday from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm, and Saturday hours from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Saturday hours may vary depending on private party rentals.

Admission is $10, with additional siblings costing $8.00. Parents and guardians are always free! They also offer free admission for children under age 1. Socks are required, so make sure to pack them before you visit. Parents must complete a waiver before their children can safely participate in all the fun.

Thursday Tot Time

Thursdays from 9 am to 1 pm are all about toddlers. They can enjoy all that Happy Kids has to offer, which includes dress-up outfits, a mini grocery store, a trampoline inflatable, large slide inflatables, an obstacle course inflatable bounce house, lots of toys, and more. There is an adorable section of toys that are perfect for babies, so even younger siblings can tag along!

Friday “Bring a Friend” Deal

Friday has an excellent “bring a friend” deal, which allows children to bring a friend along for half the price. Each child is $6.00 a piece instead of the usual $10.00 admission cost.

Mother’s Morning Out

Coming soon to Happy Kids is a mom’s favorite phrase, Mother’s Morning Out! Once available, parents can drop their children off for a few hours to run errands, grab some coffee, or just sit in the car eating a cheeseburger in peace, listening to music besides the Cocomelon soundtrack.

Birthday Parties at Happy Kids Playhouse

Gone are the days of avoiding the cold, hot, or rainy weather so your child can enjoy their birthday party. Happy Kids Playhouse offers three party packages to choose from, including Basic, Deluxe, and Premier. All children attending the party must bring socks, as shoes are not allowed. Additionally, parents must sign a waiver before their child is allowed to participate in the play area activities. For the party room, parents supply food, drinks, and desserts. Refrigeration and microwaves are available. Private parties are available on Saturday and Sunday. Below is everything you need to know to pick the perfect package for your child’s special day.

Basic Party Package:

Two-hour party rental for up to 10 children. This package does share the party time with the general public, but a private party room is provided. Happy Kids Playhouse provides supplies including plates, cups, cutlery, napkins, and tablecloths. They also provide a throne for the birthday child. The cost is $285.00 with a $50.00 non-refundable deposit at booking that will be applied to the balance.

Deluxe Party Package

Two-hour party rental for up to 15 children. This package offers a private play place and private party room. Happy Kids Playhouse supplies themed cups, plates, napkins, and tablecloths. They also provide a photo backdrop and three balloon bouquets with this package, along with a throne for the birthday child. The cost is $300.00 with a $50.00 non-refundable deposit at booking that is applied to the balance.

Premier Party Package

Two-hour party rental for up to 15 children. This package also offers private access to the play place and a private party room. Happy Kids Playhouse supplies themed napkins, plates, cups, and tablecloths. They also provide three balloon bouquets, a balloon arch, and a 30-minute character appearance. They have a large variety of characters parents can choose from to fit your party theme, including Bluey, Sonic, Mickey or Minnie Mouse, JJ from CoComelon, superheroes, princesses, and more! The cost is $400.00 with a $50.00 non-refundable deposit at booking that is applied to the balance.

Things to Know Before Visiting Happy Kids Playhouse

Special Monthly Events at Happy Kids

Happy Kids Playhouse hosts monthly special events that any kid would love. You can find these events posted on their Facebook page, and each event is different and unique. Special character visits, book readings, and visits from Santa are just some of the upcoming events to look forward to.

Happy Kids Playhouse225 Pumpkintown Highway Building 3Pickens, SC 864.556.9601

Check out our Biggest Birthday Party Guide with over 100 places to host your kid’s next birthday party, all conveniently organized by category!

The Kessler Collection celebrated the grand opening of its second property in South Carolina, Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville. The newest hotel offering is a boutique modern lodge overlooking the iconic waterfalls and Falls Park on the Reedy River.

"After years of planning, we're proud to see our vision of natural beauty and tranquil ambiance come to life in downtown Greenville," said Richard C. Kessler, chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection. "We look forward to introducing the luxurious Grand Bohemian Lodge to our beloved repeat and new guests alike in this emerging destination full of rich heritage.

The ribbon cutting ceremony delighted guests with traditional Native American drum and double flute instrumental sounds, as well as speeches from The Kessler Collection executives, Mayor Knox White, Ken Johnson, regional president for AECOM/Hunt Construction and Christian Sottile of Sottile & Sottile. According to Mayor White, who presented Mr. Richard Kessler a key to the city, "Certainly knew if I could just get Richard Kessler to Greenville, something great would happen. And boy did it." Chairman and CEO Richard C. Kessler said, "As soon as I saw the location on the river I knew there was no question, this would be the site of the hotel." According to Kessler, "We couldn't do a typical hotel, it's too precious of a site in this park. We had to do something special, and this is really an opportunity for us to add something beautiful for the community."

Located in the heart of Greenville, the seven-story property features signature Bohemian interiors designed to reflect the natural beauty of the area. The lodge offers 187 luxury suites and guestrooms, breathtaking views and gathering areas, Kessler's signature Poseidon Spa, $2 million worth of curated artwork, including a Grand Bohemian Art Gallery and upscale dining.

Providing scenic views from the iconic Grand Bohemian Lodge, Between the Trees restaurant is named for its distinctive location overlooking Greenville's waterfalls at Falls Park. Refined and approachable, Between the Trees features modern lodge cuisine, seasonally influenced and classically prepared under the direction of acclaimed Michelin Star Chef Nicolas Abello. Creating classic dishes with modern interpretations, the menu highlights include local agriculture and fish, beef and game, regionally sourced cheeses and artfully refined desserts prepared by an in-house pastry chef. With an engaging open kitchen and full bar, guests are greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere for both indoor and outdoor dining with inspiring views of Falls Park on the Reedy. Guests can enjoy an intimate or group dining experience around one of the four fireplaces, in a 1,000-bottle wine room or the private dining room featuring an exterior glass wall that opens up to views and sounds of nature.

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Overlooking the Liberty Bridge and falls, Sprit & Bower is an upscale bar featuring an outdoor verandah and terrace offering a variety of seating for both dining and lounging, two fireplaces, and a stone firepit; all perfect for sharing good conversation, cocktails and regionally inspired small plates from a shareable menu. Inside features a warm and handsome interior and a display of Spirit & Bower's curated bourbon and whiskey collection with some of the rarest and most coveted spirits in the country. A sleek and elevated stone bar opens up to the exterior, engaging guests and connecting the inside with the beauty and sounds of Falls Park.

Designed to capture the architectural expression of a grand park lodge, the property's beautiful interior space features an extensive collection of Native American and Western art from Richard's private collection of art, gracious gathering areas overlooking Falls Park, and new green space creating a gateway to the Reedy River.

Grand Bohemian Lodge is wandering distance from all the best things to do in Greenville, including a quaint Main Street, bustling art scene, local boutiques, craft breweries and the 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail for running, biking and walking. Named Southern Living's The South's Best City on the Rise, Greenville is a year-round playground for guests of all ages.

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Fiona Crawley, Abbey Forbes and Sophia Patel each won a singles flight championship on Sunday in the final day of the Debbie Southern Furman Fall Classic.

No. 15 Abbey Forbes won the flight 2 crown with a 6-1, 6-1, victory over Maria Rizzolo of Mississipi State.

No. 21 Fiona Crawley picked up a 6-3, 6-1, win over Wake Forest's Anna Brylin in the flight 3 title match.

Patel defeated Monika Dedaj from Georgia Tech, 6-0, 6-3, for the flight 8 championship.

No. 21 Elizabeth Scotty and No. 31 Reilly Tran did not compete in the singles flight 1 and 5 championship matches, respectively.

On Saturday, Crawley and Forbes won the flight 2 doubles title.

Debbie Southern Furman Fall Classic Singles Flight 1 #12 Elizabeth Scotty (UNC) def. Mahak Jain (GT) 6-1, 6-1 #12 Elizabeth Scotty (UNC) def. #86 Casie Wooten (WF) 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 #12 Elizabeth Scotty (UNC) vs. #2 Sarah Hamner (SCAR) DNP

Flight 2 #15 Abbey Forbes (UNC) def. Eleni Louka (CLEM) 6-2, 6-3 #15 Abbey Forbes (UNC) def. #42 Ayana Akli (SCAR) 6-1, 6-1 #15 Abbey Forbes (UNC) def. Maria Rizzolo (MSU) 6-1, 6-1

Flight 3 #21 Fiona Crawley (UNC) def. Alexandra Mikhailuk (MSU) 6-0, 6-1 #21 Fiona Crawley (UNC) advances to final by default #21 Fiona Crawley (UNC) def. Anna Brylin (WF) 6-3, 6-1

Flight 4 #28 Carson Tanguilig (UNC) def. Madeline Atway (OSU) 6-3, 6-3 #28 Carson Tanguilig (UNC) def. Nevena Carton (WF) 6-3, 6-2 Bridget Stammer (Vandy) def. #28 Carson Tanguilig (UNC) 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (5)

Flight 5 #31 Reilly Tran (UNC) def. Dharani Niroshan (MSU) 6-4, 6-0 #31 Reilly Tran (UNC) def. McKenna Schaefbauer (SCAR) 6-1, 6-4 #31 Reilly Tran (UNC) vs. Sonya Macavei (Vandy) DNP

Flight 7 Rosie Garcia Gross (GT) def. Lindsay Zink (UNC) 7-6 (6), 6-4 Lindsay Zink (UNC) vs. Alexandra Antila (CLEM) DNP

Flight 8 Sophia Patel (UNC) def. Sophia Hatton (CLEM) 6-2, 6-0 Sophia Patel (UNC) def. Annie Jennings (SCAR) 6-3, 6-4 Sophia Patel (UNC) def. Monika Dedaj (GT) 6-0, 6-3

Doubles Flight 1 #36 Tran/Tanguilig (UNC) def. Hamner/Akli (SCAR) 8-4 #36 Tran/Tanguilig (UNC) def. Brylin/Killingsworth (WF) 8-6 Beck/Morra (DUKE) def. #36 Tran/Tanguilig (UNC) 8-6

Flight 2 Crawley/Forbes (UNC) def. Mikhailuk/Rizzolo (MSU) 8-3 Crawley/Forbes (UNC) def. Wooten/Pate (WF) 8-5 Crawley/Forbes (UNC) def. Mills/Cruz (SCAR) 8-0

Flight 4 Thomson/Anttila (CLEM) def. Patel/Zink (UNC) 8-3 Patel/Zink (UNC) def. Bemisderfer/McKee (MSU) 8-6 Patel/Zink (UNC) def. Narboni/Jennings (SCAR) 8-2

New speakeasy to open in downtown Greenville … UP on the Roof to open Anderson location … and Bohemian Bull to open second location in Greenville.

Here’s the dish on some local restaurant news for the week of Sept. 23.

New speakeasy to open in downtown Greenville

Maestro’s Bistro & Dinner Club will open a speakeasy, Entre Nous, in a space behind its location in downtown Greenville.

Located inside the TD Bank building at 104 S. Main St., the new eatery is slated to open in October and will be connected to Maestro’s through its kitchen.

It will also serve as overflow seating for Maestro’s until 10 p.m. each day.

UP on the Roof to open Anderson location

Up on the Roof announced Sept. 13 it will open a location in Anderson.

Located on top of the city’s public parking garage at South McDuffie and East Market streets behind the Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel, the restaurant will be open for dinner Wednesdays through Sundays and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information, visit eatupdrinkup.net.

First Watch to open second Greenville County location

First Watch will open a location in The Shops at Greenridge in Greenville, the shopping center announced on its social media.

The restaurant, which is slated to open in January 2023, will occupy the former Smith & James space between Chico’s and Diamond’s Choice.

First Watch also has a location on Harrison Bridge Road in Simpsonville.

For more information, visit firstwatch.com.

Simpsonville IHOP reopens

IHOP in Simpsonville reopened its doors Sept. 16 following an almost two-year closure.

The restaurant at 654 Fairview Road offers a variety of dishes, including:

IHOP has locations in Greenville, Greer, Easley, Anderson, Spartanburg and Greenwood.

For more information, visit ihop.com.

Bohemian Bull to open second location in Greenville

Bohemian Bull, a restaurant based in James Island, will open a location in Greenville.

According to Dustin Tenney with Reedy River Retail at SVN Blackstream, the eatery will occupy the former Bacon Bros location at 3260 Pelham Road and is expected to open in late 2022.

Bohemian Bull is also slated to open a location in Mauldin’s Maverick Station in early 2023.

For more information, visit bohemianbull.com.