By Javar Juarez | Narration Sponsored by the New Progressive Network via SOUNDCLOUD
In this opinion editorial, I delve into the intricate challenges facing the Richland One School District amidst rising political and social tensions. Drawing from over a year of closely following this issue, I provide a firsthand perspective on the tumultuous period in South Carolina history marked by alt-right factions in the Statehouse pushing to censor Black history, LGBTQIA+ narratives in literature and classrooms, and mandating teachers report if a child identifies as transgender. These efforts include attempts to ban terms like pronouns and gender-affirming medical procedures. Educators statewide have testified in subcommittees about the potential negative impacts of such censorship legislation on teachers and students, making districts vulnerable. The allegations against Richland One School District are particularly troubling against a backdrop of a state government currently investigating the origins of billions in so-called "Magic Money." Richland One, like other districts with significant African American leadership and strong community ties, is being tested. These attacks, though largely ineffective, aim to weaken community bonds, exploit vulnerabilities, and ultimately dismantle public education. Richland One School District is the biggest target and test. It may only get worse if the community doesn't fully mobilize and weed out bad actors.
Last month, a report by the state inspector general on the construction of an early childhood center The Vince Ford Early Learning Center in Richland School District One found no misuse of project funds. However, it did identify what it called “legal violations in the district's contractor selection process and permit handling.” While the district has been cleared of any criminal activity, concerns about "mismanagement persist." Just this week, State Superintendent Ellen Weaver of the South Carolina Department of Education sent the Richland One School District a letter Friday declaring that it is now under "fiscal caution."
State law requires school districts to obtain approval from the state superintendent before constructing a public school. In December 2023, John Tyler, deputy superintendent and general counsel for the state Department of Education, informed the district that the center, which serves infants, did not qualify as a public school building. By that time, construction had been ongoing for four months. Despite concerns from the department, the construction continued.
On January 19, 2024, Richland County Administrator Leonardo Brown issued a stop-work order for the site, citing the absence of a county permit.
Richland One School Board Commissioners including Commissioner Chair Dr. Aaron Bishop and Cheryl Harris say the state is acting in bad faith. “We aren’t going to be in alignment with the state, if in the middle of the project the state changes it’s regulations,” said Commissioner Cheryl Harris.
Harris further highlighted the inconsistencies and potential sabotage: "They assured us in meetings that everything was greenlit, but then changed the rules. This same process was applied in other districts without issue. It's clear there's an unfair targeting of Richland One."
Commissioner Cheryl Harris shed light on the permitting issue, stating, "When we were pouring the concrete for the foundation, we had a permit. We went through a process called 'architect designer build,' which included a tabletop meeting. In these meetings, builders and stakeholders confirm project details and give verbal green lights to proceed. They told us the permit was forthcoming, so we started building based on that assurance."
"Once you have that type of conversation and receive confirmation that you can start building, you proceed while waiting for the official paperwork. This is a common practice in construction. The state's representatives, including major contractors from Greenville, confirmed that the permit was imminent. However, midway through the project, they changed the regulations and did not uphold their initial approvals," Commissioner Harris concluded.
The South Carolina Inspector General Brian Lamkins report acknowledged the legitimacy of the Vince Ford Early Learning Center's concept and funding though the report's wording lends itself to wild accusations and claims against the School Board's reputation. It highlighted legal and procedural violations by the school district. Lamkin noted these actions exposed the district to wasteful expenditures, contractual liabilities, project delays, reputation damage, and insurance issues.
Following the release of the Inspector General's report, Dr. Aaron Bishop expressed his gratitude for the thorough analysis, stating, “The IG's report on the Vince Ford Early Learning Center construction project confirms there was no evidence of criminal or fraudulent activity in the district’s management.”
During a recent telephone interview, Dr. Bishop addressed criticisms of the school district, portraying them as politically motivated attacks rather than genuine concerns. He underscored the critical role of Richland One within the statewide educational system and cautioned that its potential collapse could set off a domino effect, undermining public education across the state. Dr. Bishop described a strategic pattern of opposition, including orchestrated media blitzes and systematic community infiltration, suggesting that these actions are driven by an agenda against public education.
On November 1, 2023, Congressman Jim Clyburn stated, “I want to speak out today and ask people to stop and think about our children, our state, and recognize that this political agenda must come to an end. There’s something not right when every school district called into question just happens to be headed by an African American.”
What is the Vince Ford Early Learning Center?
On February 15, 2023, Richland One celebrated the groundbreaking of the Vince Ford Early Learning Center. According to the district's press release, this 71,000-square-foot facility will accommodate 312 students, from six weeks old to five years old, offering a full-day, year-round program. The center will include a media center, family clinic, dental room, food pantry, student café, family engagement room, and professional development rooms. Additionally, there will be multiple indoor and outdoor play areas to support children's developmental needs. Mental health and other support services will also be available to families.
Richland One School Board Commissioner Cheryl Harris stated, “We don’t have these kinds of facilities already in existence. People wonder why we needed to build Vince Ford instead of retrofitting something we already had. The answer is simple: we couldn’t. To provide the kind of education and care for children that our charge requires, we needed to build new facilities.”
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Vince Ford attended Richland County Public Schools, excelling in academics and community service. Recognizing the importance of education, he earned a bachelor's degree from Benedict College and a master's degree from South Carolina State University. In 1997, the state’s largest health system invited Mr. Ford to establish and head the Office of Community Health, aimed at addressing the unmet health needs of the community’s uninsured and medically underserved populations in Columbia.
Since 1992, Mr. Ford had served on the Richland County School District One School Board, holding various positions, including board chair. He was named Outstanding School Board Member for the Sixth Congressional District and All-State School Board Member by the South Carolina School Boards Association. Ford also served on the Benedict College Board of Trustees and the University of South Carolina African American Community Advisory Board.
Rogue Democrats Leading the Charge
The investigation began after State Education Superintendent Ellen Weaver sent a letter to the Inspector General on January 22, following concerns raised by Democratic House Representative Heather Bauer regarding the $31-million construction project in Richland 1. Weaver alleged mismanagement and malfeasance, indicating that the halt in work "may have resulted in the loss of substantial public funds." She emphasized that any evidence of waste, fraud, abuse, mismanagement, misconduct, or legal violations could be forwarded to the governor or law enforcement authorities. Some community members viewed this as a threat.
Weaver stated, "As I wrote in 'The State' on October 24, 2023, the referral of a matter to your office for investigation is a high bar to cross and one that requires credible evidence of potential malfeasance. I believe this situation rises to that threshold."
In a statement, a spokesman for the governor, said, “The governor shares the same concerns over teacher reassignments at Richland One and their almost certain negative impact on teacher recruitment and retention in the district. However, at this time, the governor does not believe that the statutory threshold required for him to direct an investigation by the State Inspector General has been met.”
Weaver received additional support from a group of independent Democrats members of the Richland County Legislative Delegation, including state Representatives Heather Bauer, Beth Bernstein, Seth Rose, and state Senator Dick Harpootlian, echoed this call for an investigation after 11 teachers were transferred in the school year, raising broader concerns about the district's management.
Today, we are hand delivering a letter to the governor asking him to request a State Inspector General investigation of Richland School District One regarding potential allegations of mismanagement, misconduct and organizational dysfunction by the district's leadership, said Representative Beth Bernstein. We have had hundreds of parents, teachers and constituents reach out to our offices complaining of the district's dysfunction.
Representative Seth Rose , who helped pass the statute empowering the inspector general to examine school districts, called this mechanism “the only means to instill the trust and faith that everyone should have in their government, especially the public school system.”
On November 3, 2023, the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus voiced their concerns over the criticism directed at the Richland One School District and questioned one of their own members. members of the The Black Caucus argued that the district's action to reassign teachers to balance student-teacher ratios did not merit an investigation.
BAUER STEPS IN IT
Democrat Heather Bauer has been a consistent figure in the criticism against Richland One. She claims her actions are driven by an overwhelming number of complaints about issues within the district, noting that she has received more inquiries from constituents about district leadership and operations than any other issue.
Representative Bauer expressed her dissatisfaction with the district’s response, stating, “I am also troubled by the school district’s response touting the fact that no crimes or fraud occurred - that is an extremely low bar. The district broke the law and wasted money, and the lack of remorse over that fact is stunning.” Bauer declined to be interviewed about the topic with us.
“There has to be a stop to this,” she asserted. “It’s been really hard to find ways to hold this board accountable, and I have promised my constituents to do everything in my power to help do that.” - Heather Bauer
Bauer appeared on an episode of "On Point With Cynthia Hardy," alongside Barbara Weston and Robert Lominack, incumbent commissioners on the Richland One School Board, and Richland County resident Robin Smith. The group levied additional allegations against the current school board leadership. This public criticism from within the board's own ranks was highly unusual, raising questions about their unity and governance.
On the panel Bauer told Cynthia Hardy, "In my year and two months in office, this has been the number one issue I've received the most emails, calls, and text messages about. The concerns often start with teacher relocations, but I've also received calls about mold and rats, not having enough janitors, and even buckets in the hallway. You name it, I've heard it. As a legislator, I am doing everything in my power to address these issues because I take them seriously. I want our district to be competitive and our students to succeed."
Meanwhile, Bauer faces a significant challenge from Republican Kirkman Finlay and declining support among Black community leaders, who perceive her opposition as politically driven. These leaders have begun to distance themselves from lawmakers like Bauer, who previously attended events hosted by prominent Black figures, including the NAACP.
During an event on July 11, 2023, Bauer criticized the Republican supermajority in the statehouse, stating, "The Republican supermajority doesn’t want to pass common sense legislation. Every day, public education is under attack. We're imposing more and more restrictions on our teachers, like passing CRT bills, which I don’t even know what that means. Teachers don’t want to work under that pressure or fear saying one wrong word and being expelled from the profession they love."
Bauer's participation in events addressing equity and crime in the Black community, including panels with commissioners from both Richland One and Richland Two, underscored the challenges faced by young people in a county with a significant poverty rate, predominantly affecting the African American population.
This controversy has intensified amid broader Republican efforts to advance anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and anti-CRT (Critical Race Theory) agendas. Far-right factions in the South Carolina statehouse, such as the Freedom Caucus, have pushed legislation to censor educational content, ban books, and undermine social-emotional learning. These actions mirror national trends associated with the MAGA movement, resulting in budget restrictions and diminished roles for librarians in reviewing school materials.
The CUBN was present to document testimonies from community members, educators, school workers, and legislators regarding bill H.3728, Censorship in Education. The bill passed out of the Education Subcommittee but failed in the general assembly. Despite this, many versions of the bill continue to be introduced, with budget provisos designed to prevent school districts from spending money on development unless they adhere to specific guidelines set by the far-right majority in the House.
Teachers continued to testify that if these practices persisted, South Carolina would see a decline in teachers joining its schools. This would create a chilling effect, as educators nationwide become aware that South Carolina teachers can be falsely accused of inappropriate teaching by individuals, even those without children in the district, based on what Republicans deem unacceptable.
Weston and Lominack Speak Out!
One of the newest Commissioners, Barbara Weston, shared that she is a product of the Richland One School District. When asked about her opposition to the current district leadership, she told Cynthia Hardy...
"We support being truthful and transparent, if we are not being told the truth we do have some questions about that, and I think it's best for the community if we put it out there and let it be know what it is that we are concerned about. I will always talk about what my concerns are and where I see things. It may differ from other people but I think it is still what I think is best for children. Being an educator for 30 years I think I know a little bit about children and also being a recruiter for teachers. I know that teachers like to have an environment where they are appreciated and respected. If thats not working than we need to do something else."
Weston commented, "We have to ensure that our teachers are respected and appreciated where they are, and that they have the materials they need to educate our children." She stated that the district needed to acknowledge and address the problems rather than deny them, although she struggled to provide concrete solutions. Weston spoke from a top-down perspective, as if she were not part of the board of commissioners.
Another Commissioner on the record was Mr. Robert Lominack who stated that the district is losing experienced teachers and struggling to replace them. "The main reason teachers stay or leave is due to school leadership," he said. "It was revealed about 18 months ago that in Richland One, teachers leave schools because of leadership at four times the state average."
One of my biggest concerns, research shows that what matters most to making sure our kids are educated is having a qualified certified teacher in the classroom. Richland One has the worst teacher retention and vacancy rate in this state and that has been bubbling up for years.
that is our most foundational, fundamental responsibility. There is a teacher shortage no doubt but Richland One shouldn't be last place in the state.
Robin Smith stated, "I believe that the issues happening in the Lower Richland area are prominent throughout the district, including Eau Claire, Keenan, Dreher, and AC Flora."
"I've heard from many people about the conditions of the school. At first, I thought it was a joke until I realized it was widespread. Many parents I graduated with have children who are missing four or five teachers," said Smith.
Many grievances shared on Cynthia Hardy's show were not being addressed at the appropriate level. Heather Bauer, representing citizens at the state level, failed to mention how the Republican supermajority in the statehouse continues to push back against educators, librarians, and books, as she has in previous community meetings. No one discussed the challenges teachers face when considering teaching in Richland One, especially teachers of color or those sensitive to the needs of Black students, who make up the vast majority of the district's enrollment. The issue is further exacerbated by the MAGA extremists in our Statehouse drafting legislation that limits teachers' abilities to effectively teach and make a real impact.
Mr. Lominack could have directed many of his concerns to Heather Bauer, who should have more effectively articulated how state actions impact local school districts like Richland One.
Local News continues to stoke fires and claims against the district
For the better part of two years, local news media has persistently reported negatively on claims against the Richland One School District. These reports include accusations against a former purchasing official, who allegedly misspent tens of thousands of dollars on hotel stays, unauthorized rental of a 2020 GMC Yukon, and a no-bid order for COVID-19 supplies that was later flagged and instructed to cancel by his supervisor.
In 2022, the Columbia Police Department launched a criminal investigation into Travis Braddy, adding another layer of scrutiny to a district already under fire from some parents and taxpayers for alleged mismanagement of public funds. According to a police report, Braddy is accused of misspending nearly $41,400.
The news of this probe coincides with efforts by a group of parents and taxpayers, calling themselves the Coalition for Transparency in Richland One, who are circulating a 69-page report accusing the district of mishandling its purchasing card program.
Claims of roach and rat infestations have been refuted by district representatives, facilities experts, and principals. Additionally, allegations of widespread financial mismanagement have been unproven by the State Department of Education, and no criminal activity has been found by the State Attorney General, except for the actions of individuals like Mr. Braddy.
Despite the lack of substantial evidence, local news media continues to feature aggrieved individuals willing to speak out against the district, often those who are not well-connected or have not contributed to its success. These individuals have expressed issues with key leaders such as Dr. Aaron Bishop, Cheryl Harris, Angela Clyburn, and State Representative Jermaine Johnson who represents a large area of the Lower Richland community, as voiced on Cynthia Hardy's show.
Interviews with members of the Lower Richland community revealed that at least six residents believe the attacks on the school district are not political but personal, driven by jealousy, old rivalries and race.
Community members also indicated that some individuals were convinced to support this narrative without understanding how their feedback would be used against the district, ultimately harming children in the classroom.
District leaders confirmed that the news continues to cite individuals who never reached out to them, perpetuating an agenda against the district while doing little to address the real issues at the state level, making it difficult to navigate the State Department of Education. "The State Department of Education is supposed to help districts, not act as an obstruction to progress," said Cheryl Harris.
Lower Richland Community responds to claims made against Richland One School District
Once again, the local news was used to push an agenda. On February 14, 2024, WIS published an article titled "‘We need your help’: Richland One leaders address rat infestation at 7 schools," which claimed that parents and a principal at Caughman Elementary School confirmed the school was "dealing with an infestation."
On February 25, 2024, we met with over 100 community members from across Richland County who listened to principals from Lower Richland Schools address these claims and provide reports on their schools' performance.
"I have nothing to hide, and truth is one of the most important qualities you can have as a human being," stated Principal David Thorpe of Caughman Elementary School. Addressing the rat problem, he explained, "The minute we noticed the issue, we reported it to the district. They promptly assessed the situation, identified entry points, and addressed them immediately. An exterminator was brought in to manage the problem, which is done regularly. I was the one who found and reported the rat.
Mr. Thorpe continued, "There was also a rumor that rats had eaten away at an awning, but in reality, a truck hit it. The district took it down for repairs. I appreciate the support of this community and the focus on student success. Having served 17 years in the Lower Richland Cluster, I am grateful for all the support I have received."
Senator Jackson Emphasizing the Importance of Human-Centered Decision-Making
"As a product of this region myself, with my sons having attended school here and my grandkids currently at Hopkins Elementary, I am deeply invested in this community. There are far more positive things happening than negative, but unfortunately, the negative gets highlighted. Negativity spreads like weeds, and we are working to remove those weeds and highlight the wonderful things happening in this district."
Senator Darrell Jackson - (D) Richland County, emphasized the importance of human-centered decision-making at the State House, urging his colleagues to consider the experiences of individuals rather than relying solely on data or analytics. He highlighted the disparities between affluent areas like Greenville and the Lower Richland community, stressing the need for equitable policies to ensure all communities in South Carolina receive their fair share.
Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon
The CUBN presented the claims to Richland One Superintendent Craig Witherspoon, who acknowledged that issues need to be addressed at the school level and emphasized the importance of proper communication channels. While he recognized that some matters might slip through the cracks, Witherspoon assured that the district consistently seeks feedback from the community, especially from parents of students attending Richland One schools. He stressed that if grievances are not communicated and followed up on by parents or concerned individuals, administrators have limited information to act upon. Superintendent Witherspoon reiterated that systems are in place to ensure the chain of command works effectively. When grievances, comments, or suggestions reach him, he investigates and addresses the issues at the individual school level.
Community Concerned over perceived threat by far right aligning members of "Friends of Richland One."
At the meeting, more than a dozen concerned community members raised issues about a group called "Friends of Richland One," which is alleged to include special interests, notably conservative ones aligned with the values of Moms for Liberty. Members of Lower Richland expressed their belief that a small faction of misguided individuals aims to reshape the Richland One School Board to align more closely with their agenda. This agenda includes promoting anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), anti-CRT (Critical Race Theory), book bans, and limiting the teaching of Black history in South Carolina. They believe this group's influence includes wealthier and influential white individuals determined to transform the Richland One School Board to resemble those in Lexington and Berkeley County, South Carolina, where school board members backed by Moms for Liberty have gained power.
In Richland County, wealthier white children often attend schools alongside children at or below the federal poverty level. Many African Americans still call Richland County home, having graduated from schools that were once segregated. It is historically Black and historically Democratic, a fact that Republicans in the state hope to change.
Black parents have long discussed strategies to ensure successful outcomes for poor Black and Brown children under the leadership of the Richland One School Board. However, the most significant obstacle to progress has been anti-Black legislation in the South Carolina Statehouse.
The Writers Cut!
While negative and misguided discussions about the Richland One School District are inevitable, I share the sentiments of well-respected Democrat and Progressive Representative Kambrell Garvin: "We as a people have to dot our i's and cross our t's. We can't do what other folks do. We have to work ten times harder to get the same result."
Richland One School Board leaders and the superintendent left the district vulnerable by engaging in status quo politics. By not adhering strictly to established procedures, they trusted that an agency led by a conservative far-right faction of the larger Republican movement in the South Carolina government would support their efforts to create equity in a Black community for predominantly Black children, involving millions of dollars.
However, the South Carolina statehouse is intent on doing the opposite, ensuring that communities of color receive nothing. Democrats in the statehouse face a daunting uphill battle, but I have renewed faith in leaders like Todd Rutherford, the Richland Democrat and Minority Speaker, who led a successful effort to oust Senator Dick Harpootlian. Harpootlian was among those in the Richland Delegation pushing for an investigation into the Richland One School District and made very disparaging remarks related to race in the matter.
Despite this success, the Democratic minority still faces significant challenges, especially with Democrats who would oppose the state's largest Black school district over unfounded issues. As Minority Leader Todd Rutherford told us, this would all amount to
“a true waste of taxpayer money.”
Subscribe to the C U B N Today to get access to the entire series and updates as the story unfolds.
COMING SOON Erasing Identities: The Fight Against Saying Gay, Black, Trans, and White!"
where we delve deeper into the relentless efforts to stifle progress in our education system and the courageous fight to uphold the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the face of adversity.
PART 3: "SOUTH CAROLINA'S 2 BILLION DOLLAR MAGIC MONEY"
PART 4: "WEAVER GOES TO THE FARMERS MARKET"
PART 5: "BUTTERFINGERS"
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