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Berkeley County School District

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Berkeley County School District
Address
107 Main Street
Moncks Corner
, Berkeley, South Carolina, 29461
United States
District information
TypePublic
GradesPreK–12[1]
SuperintendentDr. Anthony Dixon
Deputy superintendent(s)Dr. Karen Whitley
Chair of the boardStafford McQuillin
Schools48
Budget$418,002,923.00
NCES District ID4501170[1]
Students and staff
Students36,575[1]
Teachers2,287.0 (FTE)[1]
Staff1,524.2[1]
Student–teacher ratio15.99[1]
Other information
Websitewww.bcsdschools.net

The Berkeley County School District is a school district within Berkeley County, South Carolina, United States. It is based in Moncks Corner and serves all of Berkeley County including the portion of the City of Charleston on Daniel Island and the Cainhoy Peninsula.

Its attendance area is the entire county.[2]

History

[edit]

Berkeley County School District was founded in 1912 in Moncks Corner, S.C.[3]

In 2011 Rodney Thompson became the superintendent. By 2015 he received a criminal indictment on a school bond campaign-related ethics offense, and he was removed from his position. The district made two attempts at finding a new superintendent, with the second occurring after a finalist dropped out of the process. The district selected Brenda Blackburn, previously the Montgomery County Public Schools (Virginia) superintendent, and she took the position on November 1, 2015.

By 2017 the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated potential embezzlement. The district fired chief financial officer Brantley Thomas on February 7, 2017. In March of that year superintendent Brenda Blackburn resigned, and Deon Jackson became the interim superintendent.[4]

In August 2017, Dr. Eddie Ingram was hired as the superintendent of Berkeley County School District. Ingram came to BCSD after having previously served as the superintendent for Darlington County School District in Darlington, SC for several years. Prior to his time in Darlington, Ingram spent four years as the superintendent of Franklin County Schools in North Carolina. He also spent time working in North Carolina's state education department. Dr. Ingram is credited with assisting BCSD in several positive movements, including but not limited to a focus on innovation in the classroom and personalized learning. Ingram encouraged "unhitching teachers from the post" and discouraged "teaching to the test."[5]

Dr. Ingram retired from Berkeley County School District in summer of 2021, and Mr. Deon Jackson was selected as the district 's superintendent.[6]

On November 15, 2022, Mr. Deon Jackson was terminated from his position as Superintendent by a board vote of 6-3. On the same day the Berkeley County Board of Education voted to terminate the in-house lawyer, Tiffany Richardson, by a vote of 6-3. Mr. Deon Jackson was replaced by Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Dixon, by a board vote of 6-1. Dr. Anthony Dixon was previously employed by the Berkeley County School District as Chief of Academics and Innovation as well as Chief of Secondary Schools (2020-2022). He was then hired by the Charleston County School District as the interim Chief of Schools in August 2022.[7]

The Termination of Mr. Deon Jackson

[edit]

In the summer of 2021, Dr. Eddie Ingram retired from his position as the Superintendent of Berkeley County School District. The following finalists were named in the selection process of a new Superintendent: Deon Jackson, Anthony Dixon, & Glenda Gibson. Deon Jackson was selected by the Berkeley County Board of Education (6-2).

On November 8, 2022, Michael Ramsey (incumbent), Mac McQuillin (incumbent), Joe Baker, Kathy Littleton (incumbent), Jimmy Hinson, Sally Wofford (incumbent), Yvonne Bradley, & Crystal Wigfall (incumbent) all won the mid-term elections. David Barrow is an at-large member of the board.[8]

On November 16, 2022, all board members were sworn in.[9] 4 minutes and 8 seconds after being sworn in the board removed Mr. Barrow from his position as chair and placed Mr. McQuillin in the position by a vote of (6-2) (Mr. Barrow abstained). The board then went into executive session. After coming out of executive session, the Berkeley Elementary School drummers performed in front of the board. The board then took public comment where many people thanked Superintendent Jackson.[9]

After public comment, Mrs. Bradley spoke to the audience of the meeting saying, "...what we are about to do in this session, ladies & gentlemen you are being fooled by these six (pointing to Wofford, McQuillin, Ramsey, Littleton, & Hinson) I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..." The board proceeded to vote on student attendance & expulsion appeals.[9]

After voting on attendance & expulsion appeals, Chairmen McQuillin then recognized Miss. Littleton. Miss. Littleton stated the following, "Mr. Chairmen I make a motion to terminate the employment of Dr. Tiffany Richardson as in-house general counsel for Berkeley County School District and retain services..." The audience was shocked and expressed this aloud, Chairmen McQuillin responded by saying, "We're going to maintain order in this meeting." Miss. Littleton continued, "and retain the services of Mr. Brandon Gaskins effective immediately as discussed in executive session." the audience continued to show their views on the motion, Chairmen McQuillin responded by saying, "Alright listen up we're going to be respectful during this meeting, you may disagree with our votes, but I'd ask that you please be professional and calm, what kind of example are you setting for our kids disrupting a meeting like this?" The audience expressed their disapproval of the statement. Chairmen McQuillin proceeded to say, "... Miss. Littleton could you please repeat your motion?" (Miss Littleton repeated the motion) [9]

Mr. Gaskins was previously hired by the district. He was replaced by Dr. Tiffany Richardson

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Wofford, Chairmen McQuillin asked if there was any discussion to which both Mr. Barrow & Mrs. Bradley replied in the affirmative. Mr. Barrow began his discussion saying, "On what grounds were the..." Chairmen McQuillin interrupted to recognize Mr. Barrow for discussion saying, "Mr. Bradley you're recognized" Realizing his mistake Chairmen McQuillin smiled and appeared to say I'm sorry. His smile quickly faded when he heard the frustration in Mr. Barrow's voice when saying, "I'm asking the question of the person who made the motion. The person who made the motion made the motion for a reason; I'd like to know what it is." Mrs. Wigfall also voiced her question on the cause of the motion. Chairmen McQuillin then stated, "I'm recognizing Mrs. Bradley, you can ask that question if you'd like." Mrs. Bradley then asked, "What is the cause Dr. Richardson is being removed/terminated?" to which Chairmen McQullin responded by saying, "I'm not going to discuss personnel matters in executive session." Mrs. Bradley then expressed her concern with terminating an employee without a given reason, indicating the district would not be able to close the 140-teacher gap if this practice continued.[9]

Mr. Barrow stated that he'd like to know the fee of Mr. Gaskins (the former in-house lawyer, the new one if the motion was passed) Mr. Barrow stated, "The last time I had occasion to uh discuss the fees, his fee was 375 dollars per hour" the audience expressed their shocked, Mr. Barrow went on the place a stack of invoices that total 1.6M dollars, at a cost per month of $25,946.84 from Mr. Gaskins when he was previously employed with the district. A difference of 14,000 a month from what the district pays Dr. Richardson (the in-house lawyer). Whilst Mr. Barrow was talking Mrs. Wofford said, "I move that we call the question." Mr. Barrow responded by saying, "No, I am not finished, you're not going to stop me." Chairmen McQuillin also interrupted Mr. Barrow, Mr. Barrow replied by saying, "So you're silencing me Mr. Chairmen? Are you silencing me? Are you silencing me? You know there was a time when someone was silenced and there was a lawsuit, do you recall that?"[9]

The motion was then carried (6-3) Dr. Richardson got up and walked out the door while being applauded by members of the audience as well as Mr. Barrow, Mrs. Wigfall, & Mrs. Bradley.[9] Mrs. Bradley then said, "Watch what's the next motion, watch the motion, listen carefully. You all have been sandbagged." McQuillin proceeded to say, "I make a motion to terminate the employment of Mr. Deon Jackson, the Superintendent of the Berkeley County School District, effective immediately." The audience, once again, expressed their disagreement with the new board. Mr. Barrow then stated, "I'd like to know the justification and the rationale reasoning for firing an individual who was just was proficient in his first annual evaluation." The audience clapped, "What's the reason Mr. Chairmen, you made the motion, now what's the reason? Why are we terminating his employment?" Mr. Barrow asked. Chairmen McQuillin responded by saying, "Mr. Barrow I'm not going to discuss Personnel matters in open session" The audience was not pleased with the Chairmen's answer. "Okay well we're going to continue the discussion then because I'm not going to let it go" Mr. Barrow said.[9]

Mr. Barrow proceeded to explain that he was told that Dr. Jackson was being terminated due to the belief that his contract, that required a "supermajority" to terminate him unilaterally, was unconstitutional. Mr. Barrow presented legal opinions from lawyers that stated Dr. Jackson's contract was not unconstitutional. Mr. Barrow said that he believed the termination to be a "Political Witch Hunt" and the audience applauded him.[9] The motion to terminate Mr. Deon Jackson passed (6-3).[9]

Mr. Deon Jackson got up from his seat and walked out of the door. A group of teachers were applauded as they walked out in response to Mr. Deon Jackson being terminated. Following the teachers, majority of the audience left as well as Mrs. Wigfall & Mrs. Bradley.[9] "Wrong, Wrong, Wrong, Wrong, Wrong" a member of the public said while pointed to 5 of the 6 who voted to terminate the employment of Dr. Jackson.[9]

Mr. Hinson stated the following, "Mr. Chairmen, I make a motion to name Anthony Dixon as the new Superintendent of Berkeley County School District effective immediately, and order that Mr. Dixon be immediately successfully given this mid-year transition I further moved to authorize Mr. Dixon to immediately hire a new Deputy Superintendent Chief academic officer and the further restructure and reassign his cabinet with no further board action."[9] Mr. Barrow did not stop his fight for Dr. Jackson, he questioned Dr. Dixon being able to hire a Deputy Superintendent when Dr. Jackson was denied being able to have one.[9]

Mr. Barrow continued to fight for Dr. Jackson, repeatedly asking why Dr. Jackson was terminated to which Chairmen McQuillin responded, "...I know Anthony Dixon" Mr. Barrow then said, "I know Deon Jackson, I know Deon Jackson"[9] Mr. Barrow wanted to hear why Dr. Jackson was terminated as the Chairmen indicated he would give an explanation when told the new lawyer wasn't present Mr. Barrow stated, "Oh, okay so there's no justification, there's no reasoning for terminating the superintendent, because you said we would hear tonight the reasoning, you said that and I'm holding you to it in public arena for you to embarrass yourself." Chairmen McQuillin ignored Mr. Barrow's requestion for an explanation and called the question on the motion which was passed (6-1).[9]

It is worth noting all members who voted to terminate the employment of Dr. Jackson & Dr. Richardson are backed by Moms for Liberty.[10]

School Board

[edit]
District Name Position Committees Term Ends
At-Large Mr. David Barrow Member
  • Academics & Innovation
11/2024
1 Mr. Michael Ramsey Secretary
  • Human Resources - Chair
11/2024
2 Mr. Stafford McQuillin Chairmen
  • Academics & Innovation
11/2026
3 Mr. Joseph Baker Member
  • Finance & Capital Planning - Chair
11/2024
4 Mrs. Kathy Littleton Member
  • Academics & Innovation - Chair
11/2026
5 Dr. Jimmy Hinson Member
  • Finance & Capital Planning
11/2024
6 Mrs. Sally Wofford Vice-Chairmen
  • Human Resources
11/2026
7 Mrs. Yvonne Bradley Member
  • Finance & Capital Planning
11/2024
8 Dr. Crystal Wigfall Member
  • Human Resources
11/2026
School Representatives
School District(s) Board Member(s)
Berkeley Middle At-Large

5 6 7 8

Mr. David Barrow

Dr. Jimmy Hinson Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Berkeley High At-Large

3 5 6 7 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Joseph Baker Dr. Jimmy Hinson Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Boulder Bluff Elementary At-Large

1 3 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Michael Ramsey Mr. Joseph Baker Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Bowen's Corner Elementary At-Large

1 2

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Michael Ramsey Mr. Stafford McQuillin

Cane Bay Elementary At-Large

4 5 6 7

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Kathy Littleton Dr. Jimmy Hinson Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley

Cane Bay Middle At-Large

3 4 5 6 7

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Joseph Baker Mrs. Kathy Littleton Dr. Jimmy Hinson Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley

Cane Bay High At-Large

3 4 5 6 7

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Joseph Baker Mrs. Kathy Littleton Dr. Jimmy Hinson Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley

Cainhoy Elementary At-Large

2 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Stafford McQuillin Dr. Crystal Wigfall

College Park Elementary At-Large

4 5

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Kathy Littleton Dr. Jimmy Hinson

College Park Middle At-Large

4 5

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Kathy Littleton Dr. Jimmy Hinson

Cross Elementary At-Large

6 7

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley

Cross High At-Large

6 7

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley

Daniel Island School At-Large

2

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Stafford McQuillin

Devon Forest Elementary At-Large

4 5

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Kathy Littleton Dr. Jimmy Hinson

Foxbank Elementary At-Large

3 6 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Joseph Baker Mrs. Sally Wofford Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Goose Creek Elementary At-Large

1 3

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Michael Ramsey Mr. Joseph Baker

Goose Creek High At-Large

1 2 3 6 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Michael Ramsey Mr. Stafford McQuillin Mr. Joseph Baker Mrs. Sally Wofford Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Hanahan Elementary At-Large

1

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Michael Ramsey

Hanahan Middle At-Large

1 2

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Michael Ramsey Mr. Stafford McQuillin

Hanahan High At-Large

1 2

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Michael Ramsey Mr. Stafford McQuillin

H.E. Bonner Elementary At-Large

6 7

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley

Howe Hall AIMS At-Large

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Michael Ramsey Mr. Stafford McQuillin Mr. Joseph Baker Mrs. Kathy Littleton Dr. Jimmy Hinson Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley Dr. Crystal Wigfall

J.K. Gourdin Elementary At-Large

6 7

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley

Macedonia Middle At-Large

6 7 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Marrington Elementary At-Large

1 2 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Michael Ramsey Mr. Stafford McQuillin Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Marrington Middle SOA At-Large

1 2 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Michael Ramsey Mr. Stafford McQuillin Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Moncks Corner Elementary At-Large

6 7 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Mount Holly Elementary At-Large

1 3 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Michael Ramsey Mr. Joseph Baker Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Nexton Elementary At-Large

4 5 7

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Kathy Littleton Dr. Jimmy Hinson Mrs. Yvonne Bradley

Philip Simmons Elementary At-Large

2 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Stafford McQuillin Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Philip Simmons Middle At-Large

2 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Stafford McQuillin Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Philip Simmons High At-Large

2 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Stafford McQuillin Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Sangaree Elementary At-Large

4 5 7

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Kathy Littleton Dr. Jimmy Hinson Mrs. Yvonne Bradley

Sangaree Intermediate At-Large

4 5 7

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Kathy Littleton Dr. Jimmy Hinson Mrs. Yvonne Bradley

Sangaree Middle At-Large

4 5 7

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Kathy Littleton Dr. Jimmy Hinson Mrs. Yvonne Bradley

Sedgefield Middle At-Large

1 2 3 6 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Michael Ramsey Mr. Stafford McQuillin Mr. Joseph Baker Mrs. Sally Wofford Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Stratford High At-Large

3 4 5 7

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Joseph Baker Mrs. Kathy Littleton Dr. Jimmy Hinson Mrs. Yvonne Bradley

St. Stephen Elementary At-Large

7 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Yvonne Bradley Dr. Crystal Wigfall

St. Stephen Middle At-Large

6 7 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Timberland High At-Large

6 7 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Westview Primary At-Large

3 5

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Joseph Baker Dr. Jimmy Hinson

Westview Elementary At-Large

3 5

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Joseph Baker Dr. Jimmy Hinson

Westview Middle At-Large

3 4 5

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Joseph Baker Mrs. Kathy Littleton Dr. Jimmy Hinson

Whitesville Elementary At-Large

3 5 6 7 8

Mr. David Barrow

Mr. Joseph Baker Dr. Jimmy Hinson Mrs. Sally Wofford Mrs. Yvonne Bradley Dr. Crystal Wigfall

Superintendents

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Name Position
Dr. Anthony Dixon Superintendent
Dr. Karen Whitley Deputy Superintendent

District Executives

[edit]
Name Position
Diane Driggers Chief Technology and Infrastructure Officer
Aimee Fulmer Chief Human Resources Officer
Adam Davis Chief Operations Officer
Tim McDowell Chief Pupil Services Officer
Dr. Kylon Middleton Chief Officer of Inclusive Excellence and Student Support
Katie Tanner Chief Communications & Community Engagement Officer
Marcie Abrahamson Chief Finance Officer
Dr. Susan Gehlmann Chief Academics and Innovation Officer

Schools

[edit]

Magnet schools

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  • Berkeley Middle College
  • Berkeley Center for the Arts (at GCH)
  • Marrington Middle School of the Arts
  • Howe Hall AIMS Elementary
  • H.E. Bonner Elementary

High schools

[edit]

Traditional:

Alternative:

  • Berkeley Alternative School

K-8 schools

[edit]
  • Daniel Island School
  • Carolyn Lewis School

Middle schools

[edit]
  • Berkeley Middle School
  • Cane Bay Middle School
  • College Park Middle School
  • Hanahan Middle School
  • Macedonia Middle School
  • St. Stephen Middle School
  • Sangaree Middle School
  • Sedgefield Middle School
  • Philip Simmons Middle School
  • Westview Middle School

Elementary schools

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  • Berkeley Elementary
  • Berkeley Intermediate
  • Boulder Bluff Elementary
  • Bowen's Corner Elementary
  • Cainhoy Elementary
  • Cane Bay Elementary
  • College Park Elementary
  • Cross Elementary
  • Devon Forest Elementary
  • Foxbank Elementary
  • Goose Creek Elementary
  • H.E. Bonner Elementary
  • Hanahan Elementary
  • J.K. Gourdin Elementary
  • Marrington Elementary
  • Mount Holly Elementary
  • Nexton Elementary
  • Philip Simmons Elementary
  • St. Stephen Elementary
  • Sangaree Elementary
  • Sangaree Intermediate
  • Westview Elementary
  • Westview Primary
  • Whitesville Elementary

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Search for Public School Districts – District Detail for Berkeley 01". National Center for Education Statistics. Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
  2. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Berkeley County, SC" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved August 1, 2022. - Text list
  3. ^ "Newly-renovated Berkeley Education Center will preserve BCSD's history". www.bcsdschools.net. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021.
  4. ^ Rindge, Brenda (March 11, 2017). "Berkeley County Schools Superintendent resigns in wake of FBI probe". Post and Courier. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
  5. ^ Columnist, Dr Eddie Ingram Guest. "A case for reimaging school". dailyadvance.com. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  6. ^ "Administration / Our Team". www.bcsdschools.net. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  7. ^ "Berkeley Co. School Board fires superintendent, names replacement". MSN. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  8. ^ "Berkeley County School District, South Carolina, elections (2022)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Berkeley County Board of Education Meeting, retrieved November 17, 2022
  10. ^ "Moms for Liberty-backed school board members fire superintendent, ban critical race theory". NBC News. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
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