What do Richland 1 school board candidates think of the district? Here’s what they said

Richland School District 1 has made a lot of headlines since its last school board election.

After being put on fiscal watch by the state department of education in December 2022 for issues with procurement card use, the district was forced to halt the construction of a $31 million early learning center in Lower Richland after failing to obtain the proper permitting.

The center was the focus of an investigation by the state Inspector General , which determined that Richland 1 broke the law and cost taxpayers more than $350,000 when it began construction without proper permits. The investigation also found illegal or unauthorized procurement.

Soon after, state education Superintendent Ellen Weaver escalated Richland 1’s financial concerns to a fiscal watch status , and then urged the district to abandon the project , claiming it has already “wasted” $6 million.

The early learning center site on Caughman and Rawlinson roads has been untouched since January.

Richland 1 serves 22,000 students from St. Andrews in the north of Richland County to Hopkins in the south.

On Nov. 5, voters throughout the district will pick two at-large board members from five candidates. Also, voters near downtown Columbia will choose a board member from four candidates for the District 2 seat, and voters in Lower Richland will pick a board member from two candidates for the District 4 seat. The winners will serve four-year terms.

What would they do about the Vince Ford center and other issues in the district? Here’s what they said.

At-large candidates

John Black

Age: 53

Occupation: Property Manager

Education : Some college

Political or civic experience: Former President of the Columbia Council of Neighborhoods, current Vice President of the Richland County Neighborhood Council, Logan Elementary School Improvement Council Chair (2 Years), Meadowfield Elementary School Improvement Council Vice Chair (1 year), Logan Elementary Foundation Treasurer, President of The Heart of Diane

Website: www.black4r1.com

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running to present myself as a fresh perspective to help guide the district forward and to be an advocate for students, teachers, parents and taxpayers to ensure our students receive every available resource necessary to ensure their success all the while being good stewards of the taxpayers money.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?

First and foremost, I vow to be an advocate for all students, teachers, parents and taxpayers. When elected, I will go in with an open and objective mind and make voting decisions based on the facts and data rather than emotions. I will advocate for our teachers to ensure they feel appreciated and valued by the district. They must be empowered and included in the decision making process so their voices are heard and ideas are implemented. This should be a team effort with all parties involved versus simply a top down approach. Transparency and communication is another key aspect of a priority. I feel as though a lot of positive things are happening that may not always be shared. We must share the good and the bad and take responsibility when things go wrong. We can’t hide or sweep things under the rug. We need to own our mistakes and move forward with a plan to ensure they aren’t repeated.

Please critique the district’s actions regarding the Vince Ford Early Learning Center.

This project has tarnished the legacy of Vince Ford and has helped create a dark cloud over the district that will not easily fade away. The district must start this process over ensuring that every i is dotted, every t is crossed, every board policy is complied with as well as every county and state regulation. Additionally, they should NOT proceed without written approvals and permits that are physically issued. With public tax dollars being used, moving forward we must ensure every step of the process is followed to the letter of the law and regulation. In order to begin to dissipate the cloud hovering over the district, we must ensure that going forward we are properly communicating what’s going on and admit our failures and ensuring that they don’t continue to occur.

What should be done at the Vince Ford Early Learning Center construction site?

If the site ultimately gets denied to be utilized for its intended purpose, I believe it should be repurposed into a housing facility for teachers as a way to provide additional housing support to those in need. Other districts are working on projects to provide housing for teachers and this would be a step in the right direction.

Should Craig Witherspoon remain as the district superintendent? Why or why not?

The current contract for the superintendent runs through 2026 and it is my belief that that contract should be honored versus terminating it and paying a hefty severance. I don’t feel as though that would be good stewardship of taxpayer money. In the event of a major shift and turnover of the Board of Commissioners, the new members must take office objectively and assess for themselves whether or not the superintendent is fulfilling his obligations and responsibilities. If the new members feel that he is not, then he should be given an opportunity to correct any issues they feel are lacking.

What should the district do to improve test scores?

I firmly believe that rather than a top down approach to teaching and educating our students, we need to reverse the process. Teachers should be empowered with whatever resources are necessary to allow them to creatively teach our students. It is my belief that by empowering and appreciating our teachers they will in turn be able to provide our students with a motivating opportunity to learn. In doing so, this would most likely also increase morale and teacher retention.

Richland County Council has twice said it will not allow the district to increase tax revenue. What new financial strategies should the district adopt?

The district must continue each budget cycle using a zero based budget process. A complete evaluation and assessment of all administrative positions should be completed to ensure all are necessary. A further assessment of all programs should be completed to determine whether it is sustainable to continue based on need and participation. It’s imperative that we are good stewards with taxpayer dollars.

Angela G. Brown

This candidate did not respond to this questionnaire, but did answer questions for The State’s opinion section here .

Angela D. Clyburn

This candidate did not respond to this questionnaire, but did answer questions for The State’s opinion section here .

Richard E. Moore

Age: 68

Occupation: Retired Educator

Education : High School C.A. Johnson, Richland 1; B.A., M.A., Ph.D. in education, University of South Carolina

Political or civic experience: Board Member of Koinonia of Columbia, Inc.

Website: http://www.votemooregetmoore.com

Why are you running for the school board?

I have a lifelong commitment to this district and the students in it. I feel an obligation to offer whatever expertise I have to make sure that all students and teachers are in safe, nurturing, challenging, effective environments in schools where the leadership knows how to create such an atmosphere. I think we can do a better job than we are doing for all of our students and teachers.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?

My top priority is student achievement. First steps would be to review all pertinent data to determine what changes need to be made in the administration in order to promote an atmosphere of collaboration, transparency and efficiency. This is essential in order to get the information we need as board members to set realistic, substantive goals that demonstrate high expectations for every student and support for the schools and teachers in the development of safe, nurturing, challenging and effective classrooms. That requires the development, recruitment and retention of teachers and administrators (who) can develop such classrooms.

Please critique the district’s actions regarding the Vince Ford Early Learning Center.

I would describe the district’s actions as irresponsible and misleading. There was more advance work that needed to be done and the administration should have taken full responsibility and cooperated fully with any investigations. I will immediately familiarize myself with all the pertinent information on this issue. As I look at it now, I believe the board needs to take whatever steps are needed to put this behind us with the least amount of additional cost. In my opinion, the early learning center is not needed when all of our elementary schools already have 4-year-old programs and 3-year-old children are served in Montessori programs and special needs programs. We need to look at how to achieve the goal of supporting families with the facilities we have currently. More information (which has been difficult to get) could cause me to re-evaluate my stand on this.

What should be done at the Vince Ford Early Learning Center construction site?

Without complete information on district facility needs and on the current status of the project, it would be irresponsible on my part to say what needs to happen. We do need to work to alleviate any problems that the site is causing the neighboring properties. (See previous answer)

Should Craig Witherspoon remain as the district superintendent? Why or why not?

My top priority is student achievement. First steps would be to review all pertinent data to determine what changes need to be made in the administration in order to promote an atmosphere of collaboration, transparency and efficiency. In addition to student achievement, the exodus of teachers from the district and the financial difficulties that exist are both further evidence that things are not as they should be. Dr. Witherspoon has been with the district for 7+ years and, in that time, has not been successful in establishing such an atmosphere and, as a result, student achievement is not what it could be in every school for every student. The majority of the current board members have consistently supported him in his actions and decisions and do not seem amenable to holding him and his administration accountable for these issues. In order to release Dr. Witherspoon, the school board has to change.

What should the district do to improve test scores?

First and foremost, we must ensure that every school has the best possible staff and administration in place. Teachers are the key to student success and administrators must know how to create the best possible learning environment for students and teachers. Secondly, we must do everything we can to make sure that each student has a relationship with someone that they know cares about their success and challenges them to be better. That might be a parent or guardian, or it might be a teacher or other staff member or a volunteer. To build those relationships we must put all possible resources into administrators, teachers and staff members that understand the power of those relationships. We need to commit to making as many of those quality adults into the schools with the students as possible, at all levels.

Richland County Council has twice said it will not allow the district to increase tax revenue. What new financial strategies should the district adopt?

The first thing is the resolution of the current financial concerns, including the issues surrounding the Vince Ford Early Learning Center. The district must demonstrate a willingness to confront the areas of concern and improve our record there. We must then review current spending and budgets to ensure that all available resources are focused on student achievement. A major part of that would be to determine what funds, if any, can be re-directed to the development of safe, nurturing, challenging and effective classrooms in every school. Once we can demonstrate through our budgetary policies and practices that student achievement is our top concern and that we have everything in place to handle our finances responsibly, then the school board and the administration can present their budgetary needs to the council with strong documentation that is accurate, transparent and convincing.

Tamika Myers

This candidate did not respond to this questionnaire and did not answer questions for The State’s opinion section.

District 2 candidates

Lee Carroll

Age: 65

Occupation: Founder, Save Our Kids, LLC.

Education : Master of Homeland Security

Political or civic experience: Assisting the communities inference to their rights and personal welfares!

Website: N/A

Why are you running for the school board?

I’m tired of seeing, so many youths attending District One schools that are not prepared for adulthood!

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?

1. I would request an audit of the finances between the churches and the non-profit organizations that are affiliates with the District One. 2. Superintendent’s self-evaluation and holding him or her accountable! 3. Implementing a team of professional staff to go in to assist failing schools!

Please critique the district’s actions regarding the Vince Ford Early Learning Center.

The superintendent must be held accountable for this fail project!

What should be done at the Vince Ford Early Learning Center construction site?

This project must be deleted permanently! Those effected in the communities must be compensated!

Should Craig Witherspoon remain as the district superintendent? Why or why not?

Superintendent Craig Witherspoon has fail District One students and staffs! We had lost so many students to drop-out, before they get to high school! Many District One schools has a failing ranking!

What should the district do to improve test scores?

1. We must bring more professional and skills resources! 2. We recruit better and caring teachers! 3. We must have free after schools and summer programs starting from kindergarten!

Richland County Council has twice said it will not allow the district to increase tax revenue. What new financial strategies should the district adopt?

Maybe Richland County Council members know something they are not telling the public! We must bring in professional grants writers and stop wasteful spending! Hire qualified accountants, but there must be check and balance against wasteful spending!

Jamie L. Devine

Age: 49

Occupation: Community Assistance Provider

Education: Bachelor of Arts, English, Benedict College

Political or civic experience: Board member, 2008-current; former SC School Boards Association President

Website: www.devineforrichlandone.com

Why are you running for the school board?

I want to continue the work to make sure we have a quality education system that is equitable and ensures success for all children.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?

1. Ensure student safety. 2. Prioritize student achievement. 3. Expand public school choice.

Please critique the district’s actions regarding the Vince Ford Early Learning Center.

The early learning center has been discussed in our strategic plan since 2014 and funding was approved during the 2022 school year. I acknowledge that construction started before the necessary permits were obtained. Although it’s common practice to allow school districts to advance construction projects without a formal permit as reported and documented by the state Inspector General’s report on page 21, I will ensure the district will comply with securing necessary permits for future projects. Additionally, as a board member I will continue to work together with the various entities to ensure the district remains in compliance with all regulations.

What should be done at the Vince Ford Early Learning Center construction site?

The district should be allowed to continue with construction of the center.

Should Craig Witherspoon remain as the district superintendent? Why or why not?

Evaluating the superintendent is one of the most important functions of a school board. An effective evaluation is a continual monitoring process that takes into account the performance of the entire system as well as specific goals and objectives that the board and superintendent have set for the year. The board and the superintendent will review and adopt reasonable, measurable goals and objectives for the strategic plan of the district. It is understood that the goals and objectives for the superintendent will reflect those of the strategic plan, as well as the superintendent’s responsibilities as outlined in the contract of employment and generally accepted standards for superintendent leadership. The evaluation: 1. Identifies the mutually agreed upon performance standards, goals and objectives for the superintendent; 2. Provides the superintendent with clear, specific and actionable feedback relative to previously agreed upon performance standards, goals and objectives; 3. Is based on agreed upon results indicators and commensurate evidence of attainment; 4. Provides an opportunity for the board and superintendent to reflect on and improve their relationship based on shared expectations for student, staff and system performance. The board evaluates the superintendent annually and his tenure as superintendent is based on that evaluation.

What should the district do to improve test scores?

Throughout my tenure, I have championed initiatives that place student success at the forefront, such as enhanced curriculum standards, support for teachers and targeted interventions for struggling students. By focusing on data-driven results and accountability, I have worked tirelessly to raise academic performance across our district. I will continue to seek innovative solutions to support our teachers and students such as continuing Professional Learning Communities which focus on learning rather than teaching, working collaboratively, and holding each other accountable for the work. I will continue to emphasize a growth model to learning versus an absolute “grade” model. In addition, I do not believe students are “test scores.” As the mission of Richland One states, we transform lives through education, empowering all students to reach their potential and dreams.

Richland County Council has twice said it will not allow the district to increase tax revenue. What new financial strategies should the district adopt?

The annual budget is the financial plan for the operation of the district. The district does needs based budgets (zero based budget), which promotes deeper analysis and allows us to align with our strategic goals. Based on that budget the district requested an increase for the 2024-25 year. Since the county did not fund the request, the district reduced cost to align with the amount approved by the county. Planning the budget is a continuous process. The district will continue to engage in thorough advance planning with staff and encourage community involvement in order to develop budgets and to guide expenditures. The district will continue to seek grants and other revenue sources to supplement funds provided by the county and state.

Steven Diaz

This candidate did not respond to this questionnaire, but did answer questions for The State’s opinion section here .

Christa Williams

Age: 40

Occupation: Small Business Owner

Education: Columbia College - Bachelors of Business Administration/Political Science; Masters of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Political or civic experience: I participate in yearly Get Out the Voter Efforts to register voters to vote. I have previously ran for city council, county council and now school board. I also own a community grocery store to take food and health insecurity along the North Main Corridor.

Website: www.christawilliams.com

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running because I want to see a difference on our school board. Richland District One has a budget of approximately $409 million. That is a little less than the budget for entire City of Columbia. There is more than enough money in the budget to improve our schools, work to engage our parents and community partnerships. We should continue to establish community partners that work with our families to rally support for our students so that they enter the classroom ready to learn. Students dealing with trauma creates overwhelming and uncomfortable days for our teachers. I would also work with our administration and the General Assembly to ensure that we are teacher morale-driven and our teacher pay is competitive. I will be a voice for the parents, teachers and students of District One. I will not ignore you, and I will return your phone calls. I will work hard for you and the needs of your community. I would like you to know that I am a phone call away at 803-378-0182.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?

My priorities will be student, teacher and family focused. I want to ensure that we exercise fiscal management of the approximate $409 million budget. The budget should be used to improve the lives of students, and our school system and not wasteful spending. If we invest more in our students, we can retain our teachers. I want to ensure that every student graduates high school with a trade that will will prepare them for the workforce. Also, these acquired trade skills will be an asset to student families and households. When we build stronger families and keep students engaged, our teachers are able to effectively do their jobs in the classrooms. We must hold our school administration and General Assembly accountable to promoting competitive pay and funding projects that produce positive outcomes. As a Richland District One Commissioner, I will work hard to ensure that our budget is used to ensure that our schools are a gateway to success and not a pipeline to prison.

Please critique the district’s actions regarding the Vince Ford Early Learning Center.

The only way to regain trust with the public is to be transparent with all decisions that are made and to disclose information to taxpayers regarding public funds spent by District One. When it comes to the Vince Ford project, I felt that the decisions were made behind closed doors without much public input. If elected, I will work with families, teachers and community partners to ensure that the decisions regarding District One are put back in the hands of the public. I will work vigilantly to establish the public trust in the Richland District One School Board.

What should be done at the Vince Ford Early Learning Center construction site?

All construction and all activity related to the construction of this project should be stopped immediately. Any decision in the future concerning this project should be publicly discussed and all decisions concerning this project should be done with transparency. There is much uncertainty regarding whether the fees assessed from this project can be recouped. This is yet another example of wasteful spending because the funds used for fees could have been used for school supplies for our children.

Should Craig Witherspoon remain as the district superintendent? Why or why not?

I believe in establishing a fair assessment of our current superintendent, newly elected school board members and the public should review the criteria for his position with District One. If elected, I would strongly take into consideration the viewpoints and feedback from parents, teachers, and the administration regarding our Superintendent’s performance. The current Superintendent was hired in 2015 by the District One Commissioners which makes his tenure almost ten years, I do believe its time to provide District One with a fresh new outlook. If elected, I would work with my colleagues on school board to ensure that we have the best talent in the role of superintendent.

What should the district do to improve test scores?

One of the things that I remember vividly from grade school is the repetitive practices that were ingrained in our curriculum to assist me with learning how to multiply numbers and how to accurately write sentences. As a graduate of the public school system, I was able to successfully pass all standardized tests and pass all college prep courses during my time in grade school. Therefore, I believe to boost student learning and test assessment scores, the curriculum in our public schools must align with the test assessment requirements. I will promote that emphasis be placed on working with educators to ensure that students are engaged and prepared for test-taking by ensuring that students have as much practice as possible. In addition to practice, students should understand the “why” in the reason for growing their learning curve, and students should also be able to apply the course work that they are required to pass to real-life scenarios and understand the usefulness of the curriculum to their everyday lives. During this process of growing a student’s learning curve and preparing them for test assessments, data must be collected along the way to determine the effectiveness of the district’s effort, and we must always invest in our private and public partnerships to ensure that we are creating a positive school and community culture for our students to thrive.

Richland County Council has twice said it will not allow the district to increase tax revenue. What new financial strategies should the district adopt?

The top strategy that the district should adopt is to stop wasteful spending, for example, the lawsuits and fees assessed during the early learning center fiasco. The district operates on an approximate $400 million budget which is a little less than what the entire City of Columbia operates off of and the City serves approximately 133,000 customers while District One serves approximately 28,000 students and teachers. I would promote accurate and transparent budget forecasting that represents the needs in our schools like more classroom supplies, better recruiting and retention efforts for teachers, and proactive school maintenance and repairs.

District 4 candidates

Cheryl Hinton-Harris

Age: 52

Occupation: Consultant

Education: Masters of Business Administration from South University

Political or civic experience: Richland School District One Board of Commissioners, South Carolina School Board Association Board of Directors (Region 8 representing Richland One and Two), South Carolina Caucus of Black School Board Members (President and Vice President), Lower Richland Alumni Foundation Board Member, former member of EngenuitySC Board of Directors, W.L. Bonner College Board of Directors, SC Minority Film Institute Advisory Board Member

Website: Facebook page

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running for school board to continue to serve the needs of the children of Richland One. I am a product of this district and it has served me and my family well. I am running because our children, faculty, staff and families deserve an advocate for education, Ensuring that all children have an opportunity to fulfill their goals and dreams so they can flourish in society and are able to reach all of their goals and dreams.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?

My top priorities would be to ensure continued academic success in the classroom, strengthening early learning opportunities and school safety.

Please critique the district’s actions regarding the Vince Ford Early Learning Center.

I believe the district’s intentions are genuine and pure to help ensure our children have a strong foundation. I believe that there were opportunities that could have been corrected early on if communication was stronger between the two parties. I believe that the center is needed and should move forward for the sake of children. The Inspector General’s report clearly outlines the steps necessary to do so, so the district should work to ratify those things so we can complete the project.

What should be done at the Vince Ford Early Learning Center construction site?

I believe the actions necessary to complete the project should be allowed based on the Inspector General’s report and the center be allowed to open to take in the children that are in need of the services.

Should Craig Witherspoon remain as the district superintendent? Why or why not?

The board annually evaluates the Superintendent and based on that evaluation, his tenure is determined.

What should the district do to improve test scores?

I believe the district should continue to address chronic absenteeism, the high levels of transient and homeless population, safety and security concerns, continue to hire highly qualified teachers, ensure resources are cascaded out to schools ensuring the schools are equipped with all they need to move the child forward. I believe more direct and guided discussions with parents as early as the elementary grades must continue to happen to ensure parents understand their roles as well as the child’s role in learning.

Richland County Council has twice said it will not allow the district to increase tax revenue. What new financial strategies should the district adopt?

The district uses a zero based budgeting structure that allows for requested dollars to be allocated to the needs of the district in order to operate. I believe that a continued assessment of the budget, as well as programs, all work together to building a solid budget that is based on needs. A needs based budget then allows for the district to allocate dollars in the most critical needs areas of the district. Adopting a strong review of programming and its effectiveness will allow the district to make decisions on what will work best for the district.

Ericka Roberson Hursey

Age: 51

Occupation: Owner of Hursey’s Delectables, LLC. & 95 Twenty-Three Educational Consulting, LLC.

Education: Bachelor’s from South Carolina State University; Master’s from Cambridge College and University of South Carolina; Educational Specialist from University of South Carolina; Doctorate from Seton Hall University

Political or civic experience: My civic experience includes 28 years of working in education, where I have actively engaged with the community, families, and local stakeholders to improve student outcomes. I have also been accepted into Leadership Columbia, where I will build relationships with city, county and state leaders to deepen my understanding of governance and local issues. Additionally, I have worked closely with various educational boards and organizations, advocating for initiatives that enhance college and career readiness and at-risk students served.

Website: https://hursey4r1schools.com

Why are you running for the school board?

As a proud graduate of the district, my decision to run for the Richland One School Board reflects my passion for education and commitment to improving the district. By highlighting the need for transformative learning experiences, safe work environments, and data-driven decision-making, I am advocating for practical solutions that will benefit all students and all employees. My experience as an educator (substitute, teacher and administrator) and as a parent demonstrates that I understand the system from all dimensions. The knowledge I have gained working in these roles can be invaluable in making informed decisions leading to enhance student achievement, better working conditions and improved fiscal responsibility.

If elected, what would your two or three priorities be during your first year on the school board?

1. Encouraging public accountability and transparency for the board and superintendent. 2. Supporting policy and procedures needed to ensure students have transformative educational experiences. 3. Employee retention and recruitment.

Please critique the district’s actions regarding the Vince Ford Early Learning Center.

Despite the statements shared by the superintendent and board chair, it is evident from the details provided in the complete Inspector’s General report on July 25, and the follow-up memo submitted by the State Superintendent on August 22, that the “district” violated state codes. These violations prove the superintendent failed in the areas of leadership, accountability and transparency. There was mismanagement or lack of foresight in decision-making, lack of transparency, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning. Prior to construction of a new facility, a district-wide needs assessment to adequately assess the needs of the district should have been done. This assessment would be used to acquire data from the district and community to determine if and the type of educational building that is needed in the community. Upon completion of the assessment, this data would then need to be disaggregated, shared with stakeholders and used in the decision-making process. The absence of such an assessment indicates poor planning and oversight, especially for a project with potential long-term financial and educational implications. The memo from Superintendent (Ellen) Weaver cited the district failure to obtain the proper school building permits and their fiscal practices. The district’s failure to involve community members, teachers, parents and students in this process undermines trust and reduces the likelihood of meeting the community’s actual needs. This contributes to a disconnect between district leadership and those they serve. Using a data-driven process would have ensured more strategic and fiscally responsible decisions. Because there is no evidence of an assessment and data, the district proceeded based on assumptions, rather than concrete needs which has resulted in lack of fiscal management and misuse of taxpayer funds.

What should be done at the Vince Ford Early Learning Center construction site?

To restore trust, it will be necessary for the district to be open, honest and transparent around all factors impacting the building of the early learning center. The residents affected and other community members should have an opportunity to express their concerns about the project and offer possible resolutions. These events should be offered both virtually and in person, which would allow broader participation and scheduling flexibility. The district will also need to offer the necessary support to remedy those homeowners impacted. To move forward, the district will need to consult with the right officials to implement a corrective action plan. Additionally, a needs assessment will need to be done to adequately determine the next steps for the acquired land.

Should Craig Witherspoon remain as the district superintendent? Why or why not?

Based on the district’s current performance, I would assess that the superintendent is not meeting acceptable standards. The current goals for the superintendent lack measurable outcomes, which makes it difficult to evaluate progress effectively. In my estimation, the superintendent’s performance, operational and fiscal management have been substandard which have negatively impacted constituent, community relations and taxpayer trust in the district. As a board member, our fiduciary responsibilities are a critical function. We are responsible for ensuring taxpayer dollars are managed appropriately. Additionally, low student achievement and high employee turnover are significant indicators that the district’s leadership is not successfully addressing key areas of concern. To improve, the superintendent’s evaluation should have clear, measurable goals that align with the district’s strategic plan, focusing on improving student outcomes and creating a more supportive work environment to retain employees. Effective oversight by the school board is critical in ensuring these changes are implemented. If not meeting the goals, the superintendent should be placed on a plan of improvement and given the necessary support needed to be successful.

What should the district do to improve test scores?

All student test data (including state standardized) should be thoroughly analyzed and disaggregated by various categories, including but not limited to race, gender, socioeconomic status and special education needs. This will help identify trends, address disparities and determine root causes. Another factor to boosting student learning will be ensuring employees are properly supported and have the resources needed to support student learning. Having quality teachers and support staff in the classrooms are essential. They must find creative ways to help students understand and connect learning with daily life by incorporating interactive content and collaborative learning. Teachers must also align content to formative and summative assessments and provide immediate and timely feedback. Schools should also be prepared to offer specialized academic support, which includes early bird programs, in-school and afterschool initiatives, and summer enrichment opportunities. These extensive interventions and wrap around services will help students strengthen areas of weakness. Additionally, I will push for efforts to continue strengthening the relationships between the schools and families with the support of the Parent and Family Engagement Specialist program which helps to equip families with tools to support their children’s learning before they start school.

Richland County Council has twice said it will not allow the district to increase tax revenue. What new financial strategies should the district adopt?

At this time, the district should work to improve the current financial situation which includes working to no longer be under fiscal watch, as well as resolving the dilemma with the VFELC and correcting the payroll for employees.