Richland One School Board receives national award

The Richland One Board of School Commissioners has received the Award for Urban School Board Excellence from the Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE), which is part of the National School Boards Association (NSBA).

The award recognizes urban school board excellence in four core areas: school board performance, academic improvement, educational equity and community engagement. The award presentation was made September 17 during CUBE’s 2021 Annual Conference in Atlanta.

“Our Board continues its commitment to academic growth, student achievement and creating pathways for student success,” said Board Chairman Aaron Bishop. “We are proud of the entire Richland One team – teachers, support staff, administrators and parents. All members of the team give their best in this most important work for students’ benefit. I am proud of what we have done as a school board and as a district.”

The other members of the Board of School Commissioners are Commissioner Cheryl Harris, vice chairwoman; Commissioner Angela Clyburn, secretary-treasurer; Commissioner Jamie L. Devine, parliamentarian; Commissioner Beatrice King; and Commissioner Tamika Myers.

Board members engage in leadership and boardmanship activities and the state and national levels, obtaining the highest levels of state board leadership recognition. The Board also encourages school-level and district-level presentations at state and national conferences; topics have included summer remediation and acceleration activities, equity in learning, and male and female mentoring and support activities. In addition, Board members serve in leadership roles in state school board organizations including the South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA) and the South Carolina Caucus of Black School Board Members (SCCBSBM). The Board believes strongly in its own professional growth and development as well as that of the entire organization. The Board avails itself of opportunities, including retreats and conferences, to grow and function at a high level.

These experiences and activities have led the district to experience growth in student achievement and educational opportunities. In the 2018-2019 school year, Richland One realized the following:

• 86 percent of elementary schools met or exceeded the state average growth in English Language Arts (ELA).
• 69 percent of elementary schools met or exceeded the state average growth in math.
• 100 percent of middle schools met or exceeded the state average growth in ELA.
• 78 percent of middle schools met or exceeded the state average growth in math.

Even during the pandemic, Richland One experienced an all-time high graduation rate of 85.8 percent in 2021, which reflects an increase from 82.9 percent in 2020. The district’s graduation rate has exceeded the state average for the past three years. Other accomplishments include increases in the number of students who received college and career ready designations.

Through its work and advocacy, the Board continuously exemplifies a commitment to ensuring that the district provides equitable options and opportunities for Richland One students and staff. In 2018, in an effort to reduce out-of-school suspensions at the elementary level, Richland One implemented the Restore Educate Support Empower Transform (RESET) program which provided intensive supports for students that were exhibiting extreme behavioral concerns. This model kept students in academic settings and provided resources and skill building for parents. As a result of this program, out-of-school suspensions were reduced by 49 percentage points in one year. Also, several learning options have been added at the high school level, including a commercial driver’s license (CDL) program that is the first in the state and only the third in the U.S., and a firefighter training program that prepares high school students for careers in emergency services. Other programming includes veterinary science experiences and increased access to dual enrollment programs.

With regard to community engagement, the Richland One Board of School Commissioners continuously looks for ways to inform and engage the community for the benefit of students. The district regularly sends information/communications to Richland One parents as well as to other residents within the district’s attendance zone, including information about student achievement and other accomplishments. The Board recognizes the importance of this engagement in having a strong school district. Board members also engage the community through community meetings, faith-based luncheons and other outreach efforts. The Board also maintains open lines of communication with the Richland County Legislative Delegation. Also, through board support, Richland One has been designated as a Purple Star School District by the South Carolina Department of Education in recognition of the district’s significant commitment to supporting military families.