On a bright September morning, the lawn at Mary H. Wright Elementary was filled with hope, gratitude, and a vision for the future as Spartanburg School District 7 broke ground on its first employee childcare center. More than 75 community leaders, educators, project partners, and elected officials gathered in strong support of a project designed not just to build classrooms, but to build futures.
Board Chair Clay Mahaffey opened the ceremony by expressing gratitude to the community for its trust and investment through last year’s referendum, which paved the way for this and other transformative projects across the district. That spirit of partnership carried into the remarks of Superintendent Jeff Stevens, who reminded those gathered that the childcare center represents far more than a construction project. “This project is more than bricks and mortar; it is a direct investment in the people who make Spartanburg District 7 thrive,” he said.
That truth came to life in the words of Lauren Miller, a math interventionist from Mary H. Wright who recently joined the District 7 family. Standing beside her husband, Jacob, and their toddler son Nash, Lauren shared how this center influenced her decision to come to D7. “Learning about this project was a significant factor in my decision to join District 7,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “This center shows just how much our district truly values and supports its educators, especially those of us who are also mothers. It gives me confidence that I can give my very best both at home and in the classroom.”
Her story, both personal and universal, captured the heart of why District 7 made employee childcare a priority. For educators balancing the demands of teaching with the responsibilities of parenthood, the promise of a safe, affordable, and nurturing place for their children is more than a benefit — it is life-changing. It was clear to everyone gathered that this project is already shaping decisions, drawing talented educators like Lauren to District 7 because they feel valued and supported.
That sense of pride and belonging carried into the unveiling of the childcare center’s official name and logo: Little Vikings D7 Employee Childcare. Led by Early Learning Coordinator Moira Scheel, the reveal was met with warm applause, a joyful confirmation that this initiative is about more than a building — it is about family. The name honors the spirit of the Viking, D7’s unifying mascot, and symbolizes the district’s promise to care for its youngest learners while strengthening the bonds of the entire District 7 community.
The new center, scheduled to open in fall 2026, will include five classrooms serving about 66 children of District 7 employees, along with one public, need-based 3K classroom for the greater community. Another branch of the Little Vikings childcare center will open the following year at the new Jesse Boyd Elementary.
Mary H. Wright Principal Tammy Jordan expressed her excitement for what this means for teachers and staff. “We know finding quality childcare can be one of the biggest challenges for educators. Even before the doors open, this center is already attracting teachers to District 7. That’s the kind of impact it will have.”
For Ms. Scheel, the project is also deeply personal. Years ago, she left a teaching position she loved because she couldn’t find affordable childcare for her sons. Now, as the leader of this initiative, she described the center as a “dream come true” and a chance to give other educators the support she once needed.
Thursday’s groundbreaking was more than a ceremonial turning of dirt. It was a visible sign of District 7’s promise to care for the people who care for Spartanburg’s children. With the community’s support, the district is building not just a childcare center, but a culture where teachers and families can thrive together.
As shovels turned the earth, the message was clear: the foundation for Little Vikings D7 Employee Childcare is about far more than a building. Its about trust, care, and community – values that define who we are. Its about the belief that when we invest in teachers, we invest in every child they will inspire.
