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Public speakers press board for forensic audit, Early Learning Center work and uniform tailgate policy
Summary
During public participation, speakers urged a forensic audit into past contracts, called for progress on the Early Childhood Learning Center, and asked the district to adopt a uniform policy for homecoming tailgating to ensure accountability and that schools retain fundraising revenue.
Seven community members spoke during public participation at the Richland 1 board meeting, pressing the board on financial oversight, the Early Learning Center project and homecoming event policies.
D’Shaundra Mosley said the board’s decision to request a forensic audit from the South Carolina Department of Education shows a commitment to transparency and referenced contracts and past payouts she said raised questions. "This action demonstrates your commitment to transparency and accountability," Mosley told the board, and listed concerns including a $1 million landscaping contract and legal and settlement payments she said should be examined. She also read that a petition with more than 550 signatures asked the board not to allow a private alumni foundation to take over Lower Richland High School’s homecoming activities; she asked that the school community be allowed to organize those events so funds benefit the school.
Robin Smith, who identified herself as from the Lower Richland community, urged the district to create a uniform policy so any school that holds a tailgate would be supervised by the school’s athletic director and have independent bookkeeping. "This way…events will have transparency and accountability," she said.
Multiple speakers urged the board to move forward on the Early Childhood Learning Center. Livola Taylor, chair of the Lauriston Education Task Force, called the facility an "essential investment" that supports early learning and equity. Several speakers also urged the board to prioritize the superintendent search and to select a candidate focused on closing achievement gaps; parent Lauren McCauley said the next superintendent should have a record of improving outcomes for students in poverty and suggested the board consider a woman for the position.
Student Camden McAuley urged the board to pick a superintendent who will ensure safe transportation and inclusion. "Please choose someone who will make sure all students receive a good education," the student said.
The board took no immediate action during public comment but later discussed the Early Learning Center in executive session and voted earlier in the meeting to request a forensic audit from the state, an action several speakers cited.
