Sumter board adopts resolution to tighten procurement after Inspector General report

The Sumter School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously April 27 to adopt a resolution affirming procurement compliance, authorizing corrective administrative actions and reinforcing governance oversight after an investigative report by the South Carolina Inspector General's Office identified deficiencies in construction-related procurement.

The resolution — read aloud to the board by Trustee Tar Johnson — directs the superintendent to strengthen approval protocols for construction expenditures, maintain mandatory documentation and audit trails, centralize oversight of high‑value contracts, require procurement training for relevant staff, provide periodic compliance reports to the board, and evaluate whether an independent third party should review construction spending and contracts.

The action closed a meeting dominated by discussion of the Inspector General report and how the board should respond. Several trustees argued for a careful, page‑by‑page review of the public report so the community could follow the findings; others urged the board to compile written questions for the superintendent to answer rather than pursue extensive public questioning that could harm employees. "We are not here to assassinate a personality or personalities," one trustee said, while noting the board must protect public funds.

Trustees raised specific concerns the report highlights, including what one trustee characterized as "tens of thousands" in questionable spending and a note that the district had retained an immigration attorney for $6,500. That item and other procurement questions were identified as matters the board expects administration to clarify. A trustee asked why the district's interactions with the Office of School Facilities (OSF) were delayed, noting that state OSF oversight governs school construction and permitting.

Superintendent Dr. Jerold E. Gary told the board the report would be posted for public access; during the meeting he said, "It's on there now," and trustees confirmed the administration would make the investigative report available on the district website.

Trustee Dr. Ralph W. Canty Sr., speaking by personal privilege, defended his prior votes to authorize the Crestwood stadium project while acknowledging cost overruns, permit delays and shortcomings in internal controls cited in the report. "We must adopt the recommendations of the Inspector General and of our current superintendent. And we must insist upon accountability," Canty said.

After returning from an executive session convened to discuss personnel matters, the board moved and seconded the procurement resolution. The motion carried with a unanimous vote. The resolution authorizes the superintendent to continue personnel actions consistent with district policy, implement enhanced internal controls, and, if necessary, seek an independent review of construction‑related expenditures.

The board did not specify individual disciplinary actions or provide detailed vote tallies in open session. The superintendent was directed to report periodically to the board on progress implementing the resolution's measures.

The board adjourned following the vote.