South Carolina / School Districts / Richland 01
At the Feb. 17 meeting, staff explained the federal E‑rate program and said the district will apply to upgrade wiring and cabling at 13 sites; the program would cover about 85% of eligible costs, leaving the district ~15% (estimated $478,000) to pay if awarded. Applications close April 1.
South Carolina / School Districts / Richland 01
At a Feb. 17 Curriculum & Instruction Committee meeting, district leaders described a phased rollout of Magic School AI that provides custom chatbots, writing feedback and tutoring while emphasizing privacy, teacher training and upcoming policy work.
South Carolina / School Districts / Richland 01
At a Feb. 17 FNF committee meeting, district staff reviewed current capital projects across 55 campuses, described plans for FY27 after a $26 million geobond approval, and said a public Power BI dashboard will be available Feb. 28 to show budgets, expenditures and status updates.
South Carolina / School Districts / Richland 01
At a Feb. 17 budget work session, Richland School District 1 officials said FY25 general fund revenue totaled about $404 million, with roughly $126 million from the state, and warned that the statewide pooled funding formula and growing charter enrollment are tightening resources for traditional schools.
South Carolina / School Districts / Richland 01
Board members at a Feb. 17 work session largely agreed that recruiting and retaining quality professionals and ensuring equitable experiences are top budget priorities; several members also prioritized facilities and social-emotional supports, and one commissioner suggested a bond referendum for capital needs.
South Carolina / School Districts / Richland 01
The Richland School District One board unanimously approved a $6 million FY25–26 general-fund amendment to purchase student and teacher devices and related IT equipment now, with a plan to reimburse the reserve from a future bond sale if timing allows.
South Carolina / School Districts / Richland 01
The board voted unanimously to provide a letter of support for Santee Cooper's acquisition of roughly 76 acres off Campground Road to support electric service in its territory; administration recommended approval and the board so voted.
South Carolina / School Districts / Richland 01
The board approved a resolution authorizing up to $27 million in general obligation bonds to fund technology, construction, equipment and vehicles; administration said bonds will be paid in full by March 1, 2027, and that taxpayers will not see an increase.
South Carolina / School Districts / Richland 01
Carissa Burkett, a junior at AC Flora High School, delivered the superintendent’s report highlighting student achievements, magnet and award finalists, a district opportunity fair for seniors, a summer paid-internship program, and public events including the Challenger Learning Center’s 30th anniversary. Superintendent Dr. Walker encouraged community participation in FY26–27 budget sessions.
South Carolina / School Districts / Richland 01
The board unanimously approved contracts with Dell and Apple to replace student and teacher devices (laptops for grades 3–12, teacher devices preK–12, and iPads for preK–2). Administration said devices include tracking software, protective cases and warranties; sales/use tax will apply.