Chapter 2 - Schools restricted by poverty

  • Doug Pardue
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  • Sunday, February 10th, 2013
    Joe Siren was a revered debate-team coach at Allendale-Fairfax High School who took his team to far-reaching competitions.

    Joe Siren was a revered debate-team coach at Allendale-Fairfax High School who took his team to far-reaching competitions. Buy this photo

    As the longtime coach of the debate team at Allendale-Fairfax High School, Joe Siren challenged and motivated his students to achieve beyond what they thought they could.

    As the longtime coach of the debate team at Allendale-Fairfax High School, Joe Siren challenged and motivated his students to achieve beyond what they thought they could. Buy this photo

    A few years ago, Harold McClain decided he’d try to turn around the struggling Allendale County School District. The then state education troubleshooter became superintendent and set about to stabilize teacher turnover and to turn a culture of failure into one of success. But lack of money remains a critical issue, and he hopes the state will do more for his and other high-poverty schools. (Tyrone Walker/Staff)

    A few years ago, Harold McClain decided he’d try to turn around the struggling Allendale County School District. The then state education troubleshooter became superintendent and set about to stabilize teacher turnover and to turn a culture of failure into one of success. But lack of money remains a critical issue, and he hopes the state will do more for his and other high-poverty schools. (Tyrone Walker/Staff) Buy this photo

    Sheila Leath, principal of Allendale Elementary School, said her teachers work hard to help children overcome the obstacles of poverty with a focus on reading. And they do what they can to keep the 1956 building bright, but she can’t stop the rain, which still leaks through numerous patches on the roof.

    Sheila Leath, principal of Allendale Elementary School, said her teachers work hard to help children overcome the obstacles of poverty with a focus on reading. And they do what they can to keep the 1956 building bright, but she can’t stop the rain, which still leaks through numerous patches on the roof. Buy this photo

    When Interstate 95 opened, it drew most north-south traffic away from U.S. Highway 301, and killed the motels, restaurants and gas stations that served as way-stops for motorists. Today, Allendale struggles with a lack of jobs.

    When Interstate 95 opened, it drew most north-south traffic away from U.S. Highway 301, and killed the motels, restaurants and gas stations that served as way-stops for motorists. Today, Allendale struggles with a lack of jobs. Buy this photo

    Ivy Pelzer (left) talks in the shade with her friend Sheritta Myers as Myers waits for her sons school bus.

    Ivy Pelzer (left) talks in the shade with her friend Sheritta Myers as Myers waits for her sons school bus."I cut hair and try to do a little here and there to make money. Its hard with out transportation to get a job" said Myers. (Grace Beahm/postandcourier.com) Buy this photo