Dr. Craig Witherspoon Photo courtesy of Richland One Schools
Dr. Craig Witherspoon, superintendent of Richland One School District, delivered the 2024 State of the District Address Wednesday, February 8, at W.J. Keenan High School. He shared Richland One’s goal is “to engage, educate, and empower students from the 500 square miles of the district.” He said students are to be given “options, opportunities, and experiences.”
Dr. Witherspoon began with a focus on early childhood education. He shared that the 3K and 4K programs have been expanded and Kindergarten Readiness Assessment scores improved in 2023.
In all levels of the Richland One education system—elementary and secondary— SCREADY scores improved in 2023.
In special services, the RoboKind Robots program has been adopted. Students were able to participate in Unified Champions, a partnership with Special Olympics. Dr. Witherspoon reinforced the goal that “all students should be able to realize their best self” through the programs of Richland One.
In the Career and Technical Education program, new career ready disciplines have been added. These include real estate licensure, golf course technology, and emergency medical technician courses as well as an animal and veterinary science program at W.J. Keenan High School.
Richland One is one of three school districts in the nation to have a Challenger Learning Center, which is designed by the Federal Aviation Administration. The center offers NASA Astro summer camps for Richland One students. The Challenger Foundation has received a $20,000 grant from the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission to support unmanned aircraft studies.
In the area of Health and Wellness, 48 school in Richland One were recognized as being among “American’s Healthiest Schools” by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation in 2023.
In the area of Visual and Performing Arts, A.C. Flora High School orchestra instructor Javernique Tinsley was recognized by the School Band and Orchestra Magazine as “50+ Directors Who Make A Difference.” He was the only orchestra director selected in South Carolina.
College and career readiness standards increased by 11.1 percent in the years from 2021-2023.
The Class of 2023 received $77 million in scholarships.
Dr. Witherspoon emphasized that much of the progress in Richland One has been documented, but there is much good that cannot be documented. He shared his pride in the mentor program and the R1 volunteers program.
Dr. Witherspoon announced that a new strategic plan will be presented to the Richland One School Board in a few months.
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