Saturday, June 30, 2012

Byrnes Closing: Latest News

First for those who haven't read it, a slightly less flattering news story on Byrnes' closing.

http://www.carolinalive.com/news/story.aspx?id=770337

 Looks like they couldn't get a comment out of Byrnes as to why they were closing.  Also, we get a better timeline here from Trinity who says they began integration talks 3 weeks ago (maybe when they ran out of money?).  Summers have always been tough for Byrnes -- when they had spent all the prepaid tuition but hadn't started collecting fall tuition -- and they would even fail to make payroll or pay insurance premiums.

So what was different this time?  The bankruptcy settlement clearly stated that any default in payment would result in FC taking over the property, and Byrnes waived their right to future bankruptcy protection.  Clearly this is what happened and we warned of this possibility a year ago.

In other news, Byrnes' athletic director looks confirmed to be the new head of the athletic program and Trinity's current coach will remain on staff as well.  No word on whether he keeps his same salary that was 2-3x what other teacher made.

So far we can't find any confirmation that any other Byrnes upper school teachers have been offered positions.  We're still awaiting word on the 6th grade.  It's almost certain that Clanton will stay since her husband is on the board.  There will be at least one other slot and it's still unclear who will get it.  Either Geddings or Winstead, the current Byrnes headmaster will get it (her husband is also a board member).  There are no admin positions available at Trinity and they just announced a new outside hire for director of academics a few days ago, so if she is going to have a role in the new school it will have to be as one of the 6th grade teachers.

Anyone with updates is encouraged to post here in the comments.

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