Richland 2 approves procurement for contracted armed security at WR Rogers despite trustee concerns

The Richland School District 2 board voted Dec. 9 to approve proposed safety and security measures for the W.R. Rogers Adult Education Center that include beginning a procurement to contract an armed security individual.

Trustee Porter moved the measure and Ms. Washington seconded. Dr. Donna Elkins Scott said she would not support the motion, expressing concern that the approved language would allow a person who is not a legal police officer to carry a weapon on campus and urging public conversations and additional community engagement before authorizing such arrangements. She said past experience "did not go well" when an upper‑management employee carried a weapon on campus and warned of risks including racial profiling. Dr. Elkins Scott said she would not support the vote without broader public input.

District staff clarified the proposal. A district representative identified as "Mark" told the board the motion would authorize the procurement process for a contracted individual who would meet state certifications; he said these armed security contractors would hold South Carolina Law Enforcement Division certifications, weapon certifications and safety training as part of the procurement requirements.

The board voted 6 yes, 1 no; the record shows the single no vote from Dr. Elkins Scott. The motion authorizes proceeding with procurement and certification checks, subject to standard procurement and confidentiality limitations for security matters.

The action was recorded as item 9.3 on the agenda and followed discussion addressing training, community outreach and the need to protect sensitive safety details from public release.