I commend The Columbia Star (December 10, 2004) for reporting the legal action taken by Attorney Lewis Cromer on behalf of Principal Ted Wachter in defending Dr. Wachter’s performance at Rosewood Elementary.

I personally taught in two Richland One K–12 schools for which Rosewood is a feeder school. As a USC faculty instructor, I placed USC student teachers and practicum students at Rosewood Elementary and in many other Richland One K–12 schools so I have observed professional staff and students in Lexington and Richland counties for years.

I have seen first hand the effective leadership and guidance Dr. Wachter has provided both for his staff and all students enrolled at Rosewood. I have also been able to assess and compare his level of challenge in excellence he inspires in teachers and students.

Make no mistake, the principal of any school sets the expectations for instruction, behavior, academic achievement, community participation, and pride. Dr. Wachter has created an opportunity for all students to learn.

It is my perception Attorney Cromer has challenged only the tip of the iceberg of the negative manipulation by Richland One Schools administration and Richland One Board.

Carolyn Bearden Brown

Who pays Sello’s

legal bills?

Thank you for publishing the story about Ted Wachter and Jake Sello. I hope you continue in your coverage of this story, and you take pains to publish the amount of money Ronald Epps is devoting in legal fees to defend Jake Sello’s appalling behavior towards employees. Is that use of public money justified? Out of which account, I wonder, is the district taking money to defend Sello’s indefensible actions? How much taxpayer money was devoted to his defense, and how much will be spent if the district appeals? 

Please press on in your report. I cannot provide my name at this time. As an employee of District One, I place myself at risk by saying anything that might malign Sello, Ronald Epps, or some members of the board.

Thanks for running the piece. Someone needs to take notice. I am thankful that you are.

JT

Will principal remain if husband becomes interim superintendent?

Why isn’t this (Richland I vs Ted Wachter) being covered by The Other Paper ? I am so proud of The Columbia Star for reporting all of this.

More needs to come out about District I. If the board appoints Richard Moniuszko to the interim position for Epps, what are the ramifications of his wife continuing as principal of Satchel Ford?

A concerned Richland I teacher