COLUMBIA, S.C. — Friday afternoon four Richland One school board commissioners were sworn into office. Two are returning for another term, and two who are new to the board, but not to the district.
With several changes happening, including the recent announcement of the superintendent Dr. Witherspoon's departure next summer, we spoke with board members about the future of the district.
One of the new commissioners said he has over 30 years of experience with Richland One, and actually taught commissioner Chair Dr. Aaron Bishop and commissioner Jamie Devine's children.
"We've got experience on the board and we've got fresh eyes on the board, and I think if we can pull that together, then I think it can be a good combination for the district," Richard Moore, newly elected commissioner said.
The other new commissioner, Dr. Ericka Hursey, saying her goal is to come together as a community for the common goal of bettering the district.
"Under the situation in which I was removed from my position to now be able to come back and work in a different role really means a lot to me because now I feel as though I can really contribute to the district in a different way and my impact will now be district wide instead of just what I was doing on the school level," Hursey said.
Hursey sued the district back in 2023 over her dismissal. According to court records, that case has not yet gone to trial. Documents show most recent motions to extend pre-trial motions were made last month.
"As a district, we're going to embrace change. Because with change, it may be challenges, but those challenges will become opportunities. So we'll learn to lean on each other, we'll learn to lean in on the promise of making sure that Richland One is going to be one of the most competitive school districts in the nation," Dr. Aaron Bishop, commissioner chair said.
Bishop said they will be looking for a transformational and educational leader who knows and is willing to engage the public in a new superintendent. Someone who has a vision and can give a cutting edge experience at Richland One, operating with a forward thinking mindset.
Moore and Hursey echoed this sentiment. Moore, saying he wants the new superintendent to be someone who understands instruction, understands how children learn, and can develop an atmosphere where teachers and students feel supported, challenged and safe. Moore added that the most important quality is the relationship piece. The relationship this new superintendent will have with the board, other administrative leadership, and principals in the district.
Hursey said she wants to allow parents, the community, and other stakeholders to give their input on a new superintendent. She said it's important to her to see someone in this role who has some experience running a district the size of Richland One or larger because she said the district needs someone who is going to be able to come in and add to the district, and not take away. She also wants to look at that person's track record of seeing things that they've done in the past. Hursey adds that this person needs to understand working with a district this size, and the dynamics that go into Richland One being urban, rural and suburban.
Moore's grandson said he's excited for his grandpa.
"He's funny, nice, kind and I just hope that he does a good job in this position," Hunter Moore, the fifth grader said.
Hursey's sister is also hopeful.
"We've had some pretty turbulent few years in my opinion as a parent and I think that this new board will come in with new ideas. Those that are new can learn information about what has been going on and hopefully continue to create a path and forge forward," Adrienne Ross said.
The school board's next meeting is scheduled for December 10 at 7 p.m.