4 in 4: Greenville County Schools hires cleaning robots + Furman plans to phase out Education major

May 2, 2026 - 04:49

This week's top local stories include a massive drug bust, a major shift at Furman University, and a high-tech upgrade for Greenville County Schools.

Greenville County Schools is bringing in robotic help to keep classrooms clean. The district has purchased four autonomous cleaning machines, which will be deployed across four different schools. Officials say the robots are designed to handle routine floor cleaning, allowing human custodial staff to focus on high-touch surfaces and other detailed tasks. The move is part of a pilot program to improve efficiency and address ongoing staffing challenges in school maintenance.

In higher education, Furman University has announced plans to phase out its undergraduate Education major. The decision comes after a review of the program's enrollment and broader trends in teacher preparation. University leaders say they will continue to offer education-related minors and graduate programs, and they will work with current Education majors to ensure they can complete their degrees. The change has sparked discussion among faculty and students about the future of teacher training in the state.

Elsewhere, a major drug investigation led to multiple arrests and the seizure of a significant quantity of illegal narcotics. Law enforcement officials described the bust as one of the largest in the region this year. They credited cooperation between local agencies for the operation's success.

In other news, a community outreach event drew hundreds of residents for a weekend of free health screenings and resource fairs. Organizers said the goal was to connect underserved populations with medical and social services. The event featured mobile clinics, vaccination stations, and information on housing assistance.