October 8, 2025

Charleston County School District Launches Nonprofit Foundation

Charleston, South Carolina, October 8, 2025

News Summary

The Charleston County School District is creating a nonprofit foundation to enhance fundraising for its schools, aiming to raise significant funds to bolster student programs. Appointed as the executive director is Patrick L. Arnold, who has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership. The foundation seeks community input through public meetings. Meanwhile, the district faces investigations into allegations regarding workplace misconduct and improper fund usage by an executive officer.

Charleston, South Carolina—The Charleston County School District (CCSD) is set to establish a nonprofit foundation aimed at supporting district schools through fundraising initiatives. This foundation has not yet registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, but plans are in place to generate “seven figures plus” for district resources, as indicated by Chief Finance Officer Daniel Prentice.

Superintendent Anita Huggins has described the foundation as an opportunity for coordinated investment in student success, highlighting its mission to complement the district’s general fund and support various programs aimed at enhancing student outcomes. In line with this initiative, Patrick L. Arnold has been appointed as the executive director of the foundation, bringing over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience from the Lowcountry.

The idea for the foundation is inspired by the success of CCSD’s annual gala, which raises funds to support educators and students. To ensure community involvement, the district plans to conduct public meetings across its nine attendance zones to gather input on how the foundation can best serve schools and students.

School district foundations have become increasingly common across the nation, with districts in South Carolina, such as Dorchester County School District Two, successfully utilizing similar efforts to raise funds. While some board members have shown support for the foundation, there are ongoing questions regarding its operational framework and the importance of public input in shaping its direction.

In light of these developments, the CCSD is also navigating serious allegations stemming from John Cobb, the Executive Director of Federal Programs, who has raised concerns about workplace misconduct and the misuse of ARP ESSER funds. Cobb alleges that he has faced retaliation after voicing concerns regarding project approvals that lacked proper procedures.

The investigation into Cobb’s allegations has been ongoing for approximately three months, with the district prioritizing the resolution of these claims before deciding on further action. In a letter to the Charleston County School District Board of Trustees, Cobb describes a pattern of intimidation and procedural violations allegedly led by Superintendent Huggins and Chief Human Resources Officer Bill Briggman.

Cobb has reported unauthorized uses of his name to approve hiring actions and has mentioned being excluded from important meetings as retaliation for his whistleblowing. Among the specific projects Cobb has identified as improperly approved is a North Charleston High School request for $800,000 in ESSER funds for turf field construction, which reportedly did not meet federal guidelines.

As of now, the district has stated that it is premature to discuss the allegations in detail, as they await the conclusions of the ongoing investigation.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the new nonprofit foundation being established by the CCSD?

The foundation aims to support the district’s schools through fundraising, with a mission to complement the district’s general fund and to enhance student outcomes.

Who will lead the new nonprofit foundation?

Patrick L. Arnold has been hired as the executive director of the foundation, bringing over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience.

What allegations are currently being investigated within the CCSD?

John Cobb has alleged workplace misconduct and misuse of ARP ESSER funds, claiming he has faced retaliation for raising concerns about project approvals without proper procedures.

How is the CCSD planning to involve the public in the foundation’s development?

The district plans to hold public meetings across its nine attendance zones to gather input on how the foundation can help.

Key Features

Feature	Description
Nonprofit Foundation	CCSD is establishing a nonprofit to support fundraising efforts for district schools.
Executive Director	Patrick L. Arnold appointed to lead the foundation with extensive nonprofit experience.
Public Involvement	Public meetings scheduled across nine attendance zones for stakeholder input.
Allegations	Workplace misconduct claims by John Cobb under investigation, indicating a need for procedural reform.
Funding Goals	Goal to raise “seven figures plus” to support district programs.