Richland One showcases BLAST aerospace magnet after $15 million federal grant

Richland School District One officials on Tuesday outlined the BLAST (BLaST) K‑12 aerospace magnet program funded by a $15,000,000 federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant and described rapid enrollment growth and program activities across three campuses.

The presentation, delivered by Dr. Turner in the Office of Teaching and Learning, said the district received the grant in October 2022 and that it is a five‑year award. "This was our second ... $15,000,000 federal grant," Turner said, adding that the district’s BLAST model focuses on aviation, aerospace and STEM and that the program was presented at a national conference as the first K‑12 aerospace magnet program in the United States.

District officials told the board the program operates at Watkins Nance Elementary, W. A. Perry Middle and Columbia High, with enrollment caps and wait lists. At Watkins Nance, Turner said 20 magnet kindergarten students are enrolled with a wait list of more than 45 for grades 1–5. At Perry Middle, the program grew from 19 students in the first class to 44 this year and is reportedly full for next year. Columbia High has invited 89 students in the past two years and plans freshman recruiting over the summer.

Turner described program elements including Project Lead The Way courses, after‑school enrichment, field trips to aerospace sites, a ground school for FAA certification and opportunities for students to sit for FAA Part 107 drone exams. He said the grant supports a goal of increasing scores by 3% annually on SC Ready math and ELA and on Algebra and English 2 End‑of‑Course assessments.

On staffing, Turner said grant funds support dedicated magnet teachers (two at Watkins Nance, two at Perry, four at Columbia High), one interventionist and three STEM consultants, plus stipends and professional development for teachers. An external evaluator (TEG) completed classroom observations; Turner reported that six of seven teachers observed scored "met or exemplary" on the Cognia tool.

Board members asked about the grant timeline and funding stability under the new federal administration. Commissioner Devine asked whether the district had heard of any federal clawbacks; Dr. Witherspoon replied, "We have not. We have not, as of today." Commissioners also asked about admission criteria (Turner said there is no academic cut‑off; students apply and placement is driven by space) and teacher selection (principals lead hiring and Turner participates on interview teams).

Turner credited local industry and higher‑education partners including Boeing, Challenger Center, Hamilton‑Owens Airport and the South Carolina Aeronautics Association for hands‑on experiences. He also highlighted murals and campus improvements funded by the grant.

District leaders said the grant runs five years; Turner discussed sustainability hopes but did not present a finalized post‑grant funding plan.

The board did not take a formal vote on the presentation; the item was informational.