Jasper County schools superintendent placed on administrative leave

JASPER COUNTY, SC (WSAV) – The superintendent of Jasper County schools has been placed on administrative leave.

The decision was made during Monday night’s school board meeting as officials investigate allegations brought against Dr. Rechel Anderson.

It’s a move that several school employees told News 3 came as a shock.

Board members would not elaborate on Anderson’s job or what those allegations might be.

Anderson has been the head of the Jasper County School District since 2019 after a short term as Florence County superintendent.

She was removed from that position after less than a year by State School Superintendent Molly Spearman.

Anderson was later reprimanded by the State School Board for seven instances of what they called “unprofessional conduct” during her time in Florence County.

Four of the seven Florence County School Board members disagreed with that decision, calling it “inhumane” and her treatment “unethical.”

Anderson faced challenges in her current position as well, including protests by parents in 2022 over bus and classroom issues.

There was even a petition circled in 2022 for her removal.

The superintendent was well known as an outspoken leader and strong defender of her students and her district, especially when it came to finding and keeping teachers in the county.

WSAV reached out to several board members for comment, none of whom felt comfortable speaking or would return calls.

When News 3 asked school staff who the acting superintendent would be, they answered “I don’t know.”

Anderson was given a contract extension and is under contract until 2027. It’s unclear if these allegations may affect that contract or a potential payout.

Anderson told News 3 she wants to speak but has to defer to her lawyer before making any statement.