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Residents urge board unity, raise safety and special-education concerns during public comment

3720475 ยท May 5, 2025
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Summary

Five public commentators highlighted concerns about board divisions, school discipline policy, overcrowded buses, lack of follow-through on IEPs and discipline equity; one student offered a positive account of support at Sumter High. Speakers asked trustees to focus on students and restore community trust.

Five members of the public addressed the Sumter School District Board of Trustees during the May 5 public-comment period, raising concerns about board cohesion, bus safety, special-education services and responsiveness to parents.

Jackie Olsen, a former teacher, urged unity and consistency from trustees and criticized grade inflation and lowered expectations, saying schools should "use ladders for success, not stepping stones leading to poverty." Dr. Patty L. Wilson said she was "concerned" about plans to direct students to another school and questioned ethical considerations, urging trustees to act in students' best interests.

Heather Sandford described several operational problems she said she had observed at multiple schools: overcrowded buses ("forcing kids 4 to a seat, which is unsafe"), inconsistent handling of student behavior and lapses in following Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements. She urged more communication with parents and better IEP compliance.

A recent Sumter High School graduate, Amir Brown Taylor, offered a contrasting view, praising Sumter High staff and saying the school supported his decision to join the Army National Guard. Keith Schultz criticized the board for perceived conflicts of interest tied to school-choice decisions and urged transparency and possible resignations.

Ending: Speakers pressed trustees to prioritize students over politics, to improve operational accountability on transportation and special-education compliance, and to communicate more clearly with parents about remedial and discipline policies. Trustees thanked speakers and did not take any immediate action in response to public comment.