Inspector General’s Office finds Richland 2 board “dysfunctional”
Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)–Following a request by the Governor’s Office, The South Carolina Office of the Inspector General released its findings on the Richland School Dist. 2 school board.
According to the report, “Board dysfunction and member conduct fostered a hostile environment, which created reputational, operational, and legal risk and harmed District operations, fiscal affairs, and human capital management.”
The Governor’s Office made the request after one board member was charged with threatening another member, also Richland Co. Deputies responded to an incident involving superintendent Dr. Baron Davis.
In addition the Governor’s Office says it received complaints from hundreds of parents about the board and its members.
To read the full Inspector General’s report click here.
The members of the board released a statement in response to the report, it reads; “We, the elected Members of the Richland Two School Board of Trustees, have reviewed the Inspector General’s report. The text of the report makes clear that Board Members must continue to improve in working
together for the betterment of our District so the administration is consistently empowered to serve our students,staff and community with excellence and without distraction. Improving academics for kids is the reason each of us sought election to this Board, and we must immediately refocus on them – the students of this District. The Board’s capability to lead is only as strong as our capacity to work through disagreements and find
constructive solutions to the challenges facing education. This Board has not always hit that high standard. We
commit to excellence moving forward. It’s imperative that Board Members learn and grow as policymakers for this District. We will work civilly and
transparently with each other, with District administration and with the public. While our visions for improving
Richland Two differ, we will work together to find common ground and to ensure that students are always our
chief priority.”
