COLUMBIA, S.C. — There are frustrated parents and heartbroken students in Richland School District One as the district announced on Wednesday that multiple teachers would be changing schools next week.
Fourth-grade student Lawson Fitzpatrick says Wednesday was the last day she'd be spending with her teacher at Satchel Ford Elementary School. "So, this morning before we left to go to science, she was crying and telling us how much she loved us, and I thought she was just saying that, and then when I got here, I realized that she was actually leaving."
According to the Richland One, teachers from the elementary school and other district schools will be leaving for new assignments at the beginning of next week, just 45 days into the new school year.
Parents Angela Zokan and Abby Wyllie tell News19 the announcement came without warning.
"We value them and we want them here at the school because if these teachers get taken away, it's going to be hard to find more next year," Zokan said.
They, along with dozens of other parents and students, gathered to show support for the teachers Wednesday afternoon outside of Satchel Ford.
"His one constant thing was [saying], 'I love my teacher Mom. At least I get my teacher.' every single day, 'I love my teacher," Wyllie said.
Fourth grader Alex King said, "It feels heartbreaking and very sad."
In a statement to News19, the district said:
"The teacher reassignments will take place next week. Adjustments are still being made so the list of teachers and schools affected is not finalized, but Satchel Ford is not the only school affected. The teacher reassignments that we are making are due to overstaffing based upon student-teacher ratios. The adjustments are being made after the 45th day of school when we have a clearer picture of student enrollment at each of our schools. Staff reassignments are not uncommon. Schools have plans to ensure a smooth transition for students, similar to when adjustments are made due to teacher retirements, resignations, relocations, maternity leave, etc."
Wyllie says she now worries about what message this could send to teachers who want to work for the district.
"Why would they want to continue to stay in this district and continue to teach here if any moment you can be pulled away and be put somewhere you never asked to be?"
Fourth-grade student Maddy Kasperski says it was hard to hear the news and is hoping there is still time to stop the decision from being permanent. "It makes me feel really sad and mad because if one school is already suffering, why make another school suffer? Because that's just being selfish."