Irmo, SC – July 2, 2024 – The Town of Irmo is issuing a public statement to correct any
misinformation regarding the recent postponement of the school year by Ascent Classical
Academies due to permitting issues.
It has come to the Town’s attention that Ascent Classical Academies has delayed the start of their
upcoming school year, citing permitting complications. It is essential to clarify that this
postponement is not the responsibility of the Town of Irmo. Ascent Classical Academies, as a
public school, falls under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Department of Education and the
Office of School Facilities, in accordance with South Carolina State Laws.
In May 2024, the Town of Irmo received a letter from the Department of Education addressed to
the Executive Director of Ascent Classical Academies, designating the Town of Irmo as the Agency
Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for permitting a temporary school at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church,
located at 6952 St. Andrews Road. The Town of Irmo did not formally request or accept this
designation.
During a review of this letter by our third-party inspectors, it was determined that handling these
permitting issues falls outside the scope of our existing contract. However, our third-party
inspectors have indicated their willingness to discuss entering into a separate contract with the
Department of Education for permitting and inspection services if requested.
Simultaneously, in late May 2024, Ascent Classical Academies submitted plans for review to
retrofit the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church for their upcoming school year. The review identified
several issues requiring discussion, including traffic concerns related to three nearby schools, as
well as fire code and ADA accessibility compliance.
Upon seeking legal advice from our Town Attorney, the Town of Irmo was strongly advised against
accepting the AHJ designation due to statutory and contractual constraints. The Town of Irmo
does not inspect public schools for permitting, nor is this within the scope of our contract with
our third-party permitting provider.
The Town of Irmo now considers this matter a legal issue and will continue to act in accordance
with legal guidance.
