Electrician Contractor in Spartanburg, SC

Cleveland Academy of Leadership was once known as the worst-performing school in the state, but it has gone from worst to first on its report card.

Students, faculty and parents celebrated the achievement on Oct. 16. The school earned its rating through the state assessment from the Department of Education. The report card highlights its "excellence" through growth and improvement.

"This is only our second satisfactory report in the school's history since 1999," said Cleveland Principal Marquice Clark. "We earned our first satisfactory last year, which was 'average.' It can't be overstated how impactful this is for the community."

Since 2018, the school has seen a vast increase in students who have become proficient in state math increasing from 21% to 54%, state reading from 12% to 47% and science from 7% to 55%.

Cleveland Academy tackles obstacles through achievement

Logan Moss, a fifth-grade student at Cleveland Academy, said it's great to see this achievement as she's watched the school grow.

"It feels great because I've been here for a long time, and I've watched the school grow," Moss said. "It's gotten better each year. Sometimes when I get bad grades, I feel down because I know it affects the school. Excellence means that everyone's doing great, and everyone wants us to succeed."

The school has faced numerous challenges, with a poverty index of 85%. Opportunities have been created for families to help encourage and support their children, providing free laundry services and math nights, and an opportunity to teach parents what students are learning so they can practice at home.

"Learning happens when teachers understand the standards," Clark said. "I made sure every teacher here understood what needed to be taught, and we went through frequent formative assessments and built cycles around effective strategies. We had conversations with every family and child, letting them know that their child was on this level and we needed to get up here."

Cleveland also offers free tutoring and a program for intervention, providing interventions in the classroom rather than pulling students out, funded through the school's Title 1 (federal program to provide financial assistance for schools) and the Presbyterian Church. The school also received funds to implement an after-school program that allows students to progress in reading and math.

What excellence means for Cleveland Academy

Joanette Gude, a parent to a second-grade student, said it is emotional to see her child immensely improve along with other students.

"To be able, to be, a part of this and see the growth has just been incredible," Gude said. "It's the love among the faculty to the kids that really makes the difference. ,[My child's] grades have increased and when we have the teacher conferences, the teachers tell me they keep pushing her and giving her more work, and that's what I love to hear."

Beth Lancaster, chief communications officer for District Seven, said the entire community of Cleveland Academy is beyond excited about the achievement.

"This is such a proud day for this community," Lancaster said. "There is just so much excitement and pride for everyone who is a part of this community. Excellence means doing the best for each child, for whatever their best is going to be in life. For Cleveland Academy, it means bringing together all the partners across the community and to surround these children with their support and help them achieve what is possible in their lives."

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — CNC Cabinetry, a manufacturer and distributor of high-quality cabinetry, celebrated the grand opening of its newest facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with a customer lunch event.

The occasion marked a significant milestone in the company's commitment to serving the local community and surrounding states, and fostering meaningful connections with its valued customers, the company said.

The event commenced with a great networking session, allowing guests to engage and connect with the CNC Cabinetry team while exploring the beautifully designed showroom. The new facility serves as a testament to CNC Cabinetry's dedication to delivering exceptional cabinetry products that enhance the homes and lives of our customers.

Robert Hunter, the Chief Operating Officer of CNC Cabinetry, opened the event with heartfelt remarks, expressing sincere appreciation for the opportunity to serve the Spartanburg community. Hunter humbly acknowledged the collaborative effort and unwavering support that went into establishing the facility, emphasizing the team's commitment to ensuring the highest level of craftsmanship, quality, and service for its customers.

Following the opening remarks, Christiam Montalvo, the Operations Manager, provided guests with an insightful tour of the facility. Montalvo highlighted the meticulous attention to detail and care that goes into every aspect of the production process, underscoring CNC Cabinetry's dedication to delivering outstanding cabinetry solutions that exceed customer expectations.

As a token of gratitude, CNC Cabinetry treated guests to a BBQ feast provided by a local food truck. The locally sourced flavors added a touch of community spirit to the event, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that fostered connections among attendees.

Later in the day, members of the Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce joined the CNC Cabinetry team for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the company's commitment to becoming an integral part of the Spartanburg community. Hope Howard, Jay Jenkins, Dwayne Hatchett and Taylor Dement all met the team and welcomed us “southern style” into the community. Jay then presented a plaque to owners Nathan Indig and Hershy Fischman and further emphasized the strong support and collaboration between CNC Cabinetry and local businesses, all working together to enhance the community.

"We are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of our new Spartanburg facility, we could not have asked for a better place to be in," said Nathan Indig, CEO of CNC Cabinetry. "Our mission has always been to make quality kitchen and bath cabinets more accessible to all, and this facility is another steppingstone to accomplishing this goal. We are grateful for the trust and support we have received and look forward to deepening our connection with the community."

The grand opening and customer lunch event showcased CNC Cabinetry's genuine dedication to the Spartanburg community and the mid-Atlantic states, highlighting the importance of building meaningful relationships and delivering exceptional cabinetry solutions in the shortest lead time in the industry, tailored to the unique needs of its customers. CNC continues their journey to be America’s Best Value in Cabinetry.

Greenville and Spartanburg were among five South Carolina cities mentioned in U.S. News & World Report's 2023-24 list of the 150 "Best Places to Live in the U.S.," released Tuesday.

The report analyzed 150 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.

Among the 150 US metros, Greenville ranked 31st on the list while Spartanburg was 43rd.

Other highlights:

18. Myrtle Beach: Golfer's paradise, retirement destination

Year after year, Myrtle Beach brings in tourists from all around the world, the magazine said. Outsiders know the city for its sprawling boardwalk and beaches, but its No. 28 ranking in best places to retire prove that it is also a great place to live. Young professionals, growing families and empty nesters will relish the city's warm weather and relatively low cost of living. Nature lovers will find that there is always somewhere new for their hiking boots to explore, like hiking at Huntington State Park or strolling the 60 miles of shoreline that run along the Grand Strand. Myrtle Beach is also home to 90 golf courses, making it the perfect vacation getaway for those looking to score a hole in one after a long week at the office.

31. Greenville: Vibrant downtown, arts and athletics

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city, once the "textile capital of the world", has transformed into the Upstate's cultural and entertainment center, the magazine said. Its award-winning downtown is expanding with projects like the $1 billion County Square redevelopment and luxury McDaniel townhomes development. The city has many sports fans who proudly display their athletic spirit for Clemson University's Clemson Tigers and Greenville's Minor League baseball team, the Greenville Drive, who can be found swinging away at Fluor Field. Events like the three-day Artisphere, which has gained national attention, embrace talented artists and musicians, both local and from around the world, who keep the downtown scene bursting with color and sound.

Here's how much we donate to charity:Greenville County among the most charitable in SC

43. Spartanburg: The Hub City of international business

Spartanburg was once a major railroad intersection in the 19th century known as the "Hub City," its rich history predating the Revolutionary War, the magazine said. The city is now known for having a diverse collection of international companies like its full-time North American BMW plant. Downtown, it is hard to miss the Denny's restaurant chain headquarters, a tall building that sticks out off of East Main Street. It is also not uncommon to find locals dining with their pets at restaurant patios in the pet-friendly downtown. Institutions of higher learning and a burgeoning food scene keep locals busy with things to do.

53. Charleston: Charming architecture, fine cuisine

The magazine said, no one does southern hospitality like the Holy City. Its culinary scene lures food lovers from all around with its seafood and lowcountry cooking. Southern style clothing is featured through the fronts of boutique shops lining King Street, America's most distinctive downtown. History is preserved through cobblestone walkways, Spanish moss hanging from oak trees and spooky ghost legends that raise goosebumps on the arms. The city's summers are hot and humid, but locals use days like these to soak in the sun on the beach.

92. Columbia: Capital city features Gamecocks' sports, family fun

Residents of South Carolina's capital will find that there is plenty to do in the city, the magazine said. Columbia has a variety of music and art galleries around town, such as the Koger Center for the Arts and Township Auditorium. Home to the University of South Carolina, many residents bond over their love of USC sports, especially the Gamecocks football team. Parents also know that there is an abundance of places to bring children, like the EdVenture's Children Museum where kids can engage in scientific and technological learning activities, and the Columbia Museum of Art which contains an observatory, planetarium and 4-D theater. Traffic is relatively mild in the city, but don't be fooled ? Columbia is South Carolina's second most populous city.

Nina Tran covers trending topics for the Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Spartanburg has a new guide for growth. Last week, the city council approved the comprehensive plan—which outlines the city’s priorities and goals. Leaders say now is a critical time to put this plan in place.

The last time Spartanburg leaders made a comprehensive plan the goal was to get developers interested in the downtown area. This time around, they have more than enough interest—so the task is making sure the right development comes in.

“We’re in this moment of historic growth,” said Spartanburg Communications Manager, Christopher George.

The plan, 5 years in the making— and nearly 400 pages details Spartanburg’s future.

“Growth is a good thing, but if you don’t plan for it can cause some serious problems as well,” George explained.

Every ten years cities must update a guide for how they want to move forward. Greenville did this with its 2040 plan. Spartanburg’s plan will put the focus on equity.

“It’s about now how can we make sure that growth benefits everyone? Try to make sure that we grow sustainably and equitably, and maintain the character of our city too,” he said.

There are more than 350 recommendations. Related to connecting neighborhoods, reviving entryways into downtown, improving walkability and health, addressing homelessness and how to avoid the negative aspects of growth---like displacement.

“Assuring that folks who are wanting to stay in their homes will able to,” said George.

They plan to do that by creating different types of housing, home improvement grants and supporting homeownership programs. There’s also a focus on density, which means downtown will grow higher.

“We don’t have a lot of big open tracks of land but we have a lot of opportunities for infill development,” said George.

Council approved a list of 10 priorities to get things growing:

Next, city planning staff will work the 10 priorities into the budget, and begin working on a new zoning code similar to what was done in Greenville.

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SPARTANBURG, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The family of Casey Young, a missing woman in Spartanburg, held a press conference on Thursday asking for the community’s help. They fear the investigation into her disappearance has come to a standstill.

Young, 44, last spoke to family on the way home from work around 4:30 p.m. on May 15. She was reported missing the following day when she did not return to work at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, which is unusual.

The family, who gathered with posters and flyers at the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, wanted the opportunity to discuss the circumstances surrounding her disappearance in an effort to raise public awareness and hopefully receive information that would aid in Casey’s return.

“Casey, if you’re out there, just know that we will not stop looking for you,” her sister Rachel White said.

At the time of her disappearance, Young was living with her boyfriend, Da’ron Collins, in a home on Pratt Drive. Investigators have recovered surveillance video of Collins dumping Young’s car.

They also said during critical times on the day Young went missing, there are videos from the home’s security cameras that have been manually deleted.

Collins has been named a person of interest in Young’s disappearance. He is charged with obstruction of justice and grand larceny. But the whereabouts of Young are still unknown.

Casey Young, 44, last spoke to family on the way home from work in Spartanburg County around 4:30 p.m. on May 15.

“It’s been two months since my aunt’s been missing and we haven’t heard anything else from the detectives and the sheriff’s department,” said niece Zoe Gist. “As a family, I feel like we really do just want justice to be served and we just want to heal.”

Anyone with information about Young’s disappearance is asked to contact the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office. An anonymous donor is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to her location and identification of anyone responsible for her disappearance.

“We miss you dearly, Casey,” said brother-in-law Larry White. “We wish and we pray that your whereabouts will be found soon and that you will be returned to us safely.”

READ MORE: Spartanburg man caught on camera dumping missing girlfriend’s car, solicitor says

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