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Richland 2 will broaden career-prep pathways after state recognition change; parents urge keeping supports
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Summary
After public pleas, Richland School District 2 trustees approved revisions to graduation policy IKF that will phase out the district's prior "career prep" label and expand employability pathways and certificates so more non-diploma-track students can access workforce skills.
Supporters of Richland School District 2's career prep program implored trustees on April 16 to preserve the hands-on alternative that helped students earn credentials and find employment, and district administrators told the board they plan to widen and rebrand the pathway after the state changed recognition of the program.
"That program gave my daughter another chance," said Jo Ejola, a parent who spoke during public comment, describing how the career prep program helped her daughter earn a GED and secure steady work. "If this program is eliminated, you're not just cutting funding, you're cutting off second chances for students who need them the most."
Kyle Rodic, a former participant, told the board the program provided life skills and mentorship that helped him become self-supporting. "They have really helped me become a successful member of society," he said.
Administrators said the state no longer recognizes the district's previous career-prep credential and is instead using the South Carolina employability credential for certain students. Jen Morrison, introduced at the meeting as chief academic officer, told trustees the district is not "blowing up" the program but will eliminate the narrow enrollment requirement and "widen it out" so more students can access career and work-based learning options. Morrison said the employability credential is recognized by the state for eligible special-education students and that the district can still provide meaningful district-level certificates and multiple pathways for other students.
Superintendent Dr. Matthew Moore said the district wants students who will not earn a traditional diploma to leave with meaningful work-based experience and marketable skills, not merely a "certificate of attendance." Morrison told the board there are 19 students currently finishing in career prep and that their input will be solicited as the district redesigns pathways.
Trustees voted to approve a revision to policy IKF (graduation requirements) that administration presented as part of the change. Board discussion centered on how to preserve supports for students who do not pursue a diploma while aligning with state-recognized credentials; Mr. Dennis asked whether currently enrolled students would be "held harmless," and administration responded that staff will work to provide options that allow students to complete existing pathways.
The board recorded the vote on the IKF revision as 7-0.
What happens next: administration will work with stakeholders and participating schools to shape the new pathways and district certificates, collect input from the 19 currently enrolled students and present implementation details to the board in coming meetings.
