COLUMBIA, S.C. — Tuesday night was a productive meeting for the Richland District Two school board, naming a new superintendent, electing new officers and updating two policies.
Outside of private moments in two executive sessions, the board made moves for district finances, safety
The board voted to approve their budget for the next fiscal year for the second time and heard more about their financial standings.
After the budget, the district also voted to approve metal detectors to be put in each high school daily.
Two students who attend Richland Northeast High School were at Tuesday's meeting. Both Alyssa Amaker and La'Deja Williams say the metal detectors will have a big impact.
"At Richland Northeast, I think most of the challenge is staffing. I know our teachers are pulled every which way to do anything for the school... I think with having these new metal detectors, one thing I'm really concerned about is making sure we have enough people to manage them before and after school," Amaker explained.
Williams says she understands both the need for the devices and the concerns of students and teachers.
"Over the last year or so, there's been a lot going on where kids have been bringing weapons and drugs, and other things... I'm sort of 50/50 with it, I definitely understand why it's such a big thing. I do think that with it being every day, it may be a little overwhelming," Williams said.
The district board also discussed the credit requirements for high schoolers that will go into effect for this year's freshman class.
"Additionally, the state Board of Education's new requirement of a half-unit of credit in personal finance and 6.5 units of credits in electives has been added to the policy," said Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Marshalynn M. Franklin.
The board also reassigned seats Tuesday evening. Board member Joe Trapp will now serve as the board chair, Angela Nash will be vice chair, and Tamika Washington is now the board secretary.