T
he Clarendon County School District is defending its implementation of a new high school real-estate course at F.E. DuBose Career Center, which has raised questions about the instructor's qualifications and whether students' credits will count. The district claims it followed state guidance and is tightening procedures for future sessions.

    According to reports, there was a discrepancy between the teacher listed on student schedules and the actual instructor in class. State officials are investigating whether course credit will be awarded, requiring instructors to hold both a valid teaching license and certificate. A determination on the F.E. DuBose course is pending.

    In response to concerns, the district stated that it has followed state mandates for Career and Technical Education (CTE) education and that its teachers meet SCDE requirements. The district also claimed that students in the Media Technology pathway handled related communications as a real-world learning project.

    Communications Director Dr. Keisa Carr explained that the district established a teacher of record for the course and required students to complete a preparatory entrepreneurship class. She stated that the district met with the real-estate provider to ensure smooth delivery and has since been informed that, starting in January 2026, a full-time equivalent certified teacher must be present alongside the instructor.

    Carr assured that students who have already completed the class earned their hours under a licensed real estate instructor and that those hours remain valid for eligibility to take the state licensing exam at 18. The district is committed to meeting SCDE mandates and has been in contact with the provider to align its program accordingly.

    State Rep. Fawn Pedalino has contacted the district's accrediting body, Cognia, to inquire about the classes' validity and questioned whether trustees were briefed before the district's statement. The district responded that it will place a certified teacher in the room alongside the real-estate instructor for future sessions and believes prior student hours remain valid for licensure eligibility. A final decision on high school credit will come from state education officials, and parents and students can contact the district's Office of Communications with questions.