A New Era for Richland One: Superintendent Todd Walker Unveils Ambitious 90-Day Plan at C.A. Johnson High School
- CUBNSC
- Aug 7, 2025
- 3 min read
By Javar Juarez
COLUMBIA, S.C. — This evening at 6 p.m., C.A. Johnson High School became the stage for a pivotal moment in Richland County School District One’s history. Newly appointed Superintendent Todd Walker officially introduced his 90-Day Plan, outlining an ambitious vision for one of South Carolina’s largest and most diverse school districts.
Walker’s approach is rooted in building trust, fostering unity, and ensuring shared clarity about what success looks like across all district stakeholders. “A rising tide lifts all boats,” Walker said, emphasizing that leadership is a collective endeavor requiring collaboration between the board, staff, students, and the community.
His plan centers on three phases:
Listening and Assessment – Conducting a comprehensive review of the district’s academic, financial, and operational systems, while engaging with community stakeholders.
Deep Evaluation – Analyzing strengths, challenges, and opportunities in areas like teacher retention, fiscal transparency, facilities, and curriculum.
Strategic Direction – Presenting findings in December, seeking public feedback in January, and unveiling a refined district vision in February’s State of the District address.
Walker underscored that the plan is not about quick fixes but about creating processes and protocols that will have a lasting impact.
“Excuses are tools of incompetence,” he said, vowing to confront challenges openly and transparently.
Commissioner Angela Clyburn: “Unity Is the Heart of the Plan”
Following the presentation, School Board Commissioner Angela Clyburn praised Walker’s vision, noting that his emphasis on unity struck a chord.
“He wants everyone involved — from cafeteria workers to principals to parents — in a systematic process that makes sense for all,” Clyburn said .
She dismissed concerns about the plan being too ambitious, explaining that its purpose is to set direction, not to complete every goal within 90 days.
Dr. Brenton Coe: Opportunities First, Always
For Dr. Brenton Coe, principal of C.A. Johnson High School, the event carried special significance. Hosting the launch at his historic school felt like a fresh start for the district.
“As a younger principal, I’m excited about someone with new energy, new ideas, and a commitment to listening before making changes,” Coe said .
He tied Walker’s plan to his own mission for C.A. Johnson — creating tangible opportunities for students, from EMT and firefighter training to skill-building programs that inspire confidence.
“Our students have always been capable,” he said. “My job is to show the world what they can do.”
Dr. Todd Walker: A Culture Shift in Motion
The evening at C.A. Johnson was more than just a policy rollout — it was the opening note of what Walker envisions as a cultural transformation. His message was clear: success will be measured not only by academic gains but by restoring trust, improving transparency, and ensuring that “all means all” when it comes to student opportunity.
The district’s next steps include stakeholder meetings, school visits, and detailed assessments in the coming weeks. By year’s end, Richland One will have a roadmap designed to guide its future — one built on clarity, community, and collective leadership.
As Walker concluded, “Watch us rise.”
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