Charleston SC, August 18, 2025
News Summary
The Charleston County School Board is contemplating the removal of Superintendent Anita Huggins despite significant academic advancements in the district. Notably, over 55 schools are poised to be rated as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’, marking a rise from 38. Test scores have improved significantly, with a graduation rate of around 90 percent. Critics among board members express concerns about Huggins’s management of new funding formulas, particularly in high-poverty schools, leading to a potential vote for her removal amid calls for stable leadership.
Charleston
Some members of the Charleston County School Board are reportedly considering the removal of Superintendent Anita Huggins, despite notable academic achievements in the district. Upcoming report cards from the South Carolina Education Department are expected to show that over 55 schools in the Charleston County School District will be rated as “excellent” or “good,” a significant increase from the previous tally of 38. This surge in excellence accompanies a five-point increase in test scores across most subjects compared to the previous year.
Currently, around 90 percent of the district’s students are graduating on time, and nearly 85 percent meet the criteria for being career or college ready. A newly implemented weighted student funding formula introduced last year has particularly benefitted at-risk learners, yielding improvements in test scores between 3 and 6.7 points.
Board Members’ Concerns
Despite these positive indicators, some members of the school board have expressed concerns about Huggins’s effectiveness in using the weighted funding formula and managing the district. Critics have also pointed out dissatisfaction with student performance in high-poverty, minority-majority schools, echoing complaints from groups like the Lowcountry Conservative Club.
Board member Pam McKinney has noted that negative remarks about Huggins could negatively impact school morale and overall progress, advocating for her retention as superintendent. However, there are growing fears that dissenting board members may soon garner enough support to secure the five votes necessary to remove Huggins.
Management Questions
Several board members have taken an active role in questioning the management decisions and operations within the district, indicating an intent to be more involved. Huggins has been known to resist expenditures on programs and personnel that do not receive her staff’s endorsement. As of now, she has not undergone any formal evaluation since her hiring in February 2024, with the board planning to conduct her evaluation in October, coinciding with the release of the state report card.
Historical Context
The current situation is reminiscent of previous controversies involving school leadership in the district. The Charleston County School Board is still facing scrutiny over its quick dismissal of Superintendent Eric Gallien shortly after his appointment. This history of abrupt personnel shifts has contributed to a call for stability within the school district at a time when academic improvements are evident.
Experts argue that dismissing Huggins could disrupt the momentum of success currently reflected in test scores and student outcomes, ultimately harming the educational prospects of over 50,000 students in the district.
Conclusion
In light of the rising academic achievements, the impending discussions regarding Huggins’s potential ousting reflect deep-seated issues of governance and leadership within the Charleston County School Board. A careful evaluation of both Huggins’s role and the district’s future direction is critical to maintaining the progress made thus far.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main academic improvements in the Charleston County School District?
There has been a notable increase in schools rated as “excellent” or “good,” rising to over 55 from 38. Additionally, test scores have increased by five points on average across most subjects, with a graduation rate of around 90 percent.
What is the weighted student funding formula?
This funding formula aims to allocate resources more equitably among students, particularly benefiting at-risk populations. It has resulted in improvements of 3 to 6.7 points in test scores among these students.
Why are some board members wanting to remove Superintendent Huggins?
Some board members have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the funding formula under Huggins’s leadership, as well as the academic performance in high-poverty schools, leading to discussions regarding her potential ousting.
When is Huggins’s evaluation scheduled?
Huggins’s evaluation is set to take place in October 2024, coinciding with when the state report card is released.
How many students are affected by decisions regarding Huggins?
Approximately 50,000 students in the Charleston County School District could be impacted by the decisions regarding Huggins’s leadership.
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Schools Rated Excellent/Good | Over 55 schools |
| Increase in Test Scores | 5 points in most subjects |
| Graduation Rate | 90 percent |
| Career/College Ready Rate | 85 percent |
| Performance Gains among At-Risk Students | 3 to 6.7 points |
| Evaluation Schedule for Huggins | October 2024 |
| Potential Students Affected by Leadership Changes | 50,000 students |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Superintendent Anita Huggins – The Target of School Board Plot
- Live 5 News: Charleston County School District Begins Transition Away from Constituent Boards
- ABC News 4: Charleston County School Board Approves Historic $176B Budget
- FITSNews: I’m a Fierce Advocate – Charleston School Board Member Responds
- Count on 2: Bill to Eliminate Charleston County Constituent School Boards
- Wikipedia: Charleston
- Google Search: Charleston County School District
- Google Scholar: Charleston County School Board
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
- Google News: Charleston Education
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
