Charleston School District Faces Backlash Over High Consultant Payments

News Summary

The Charleston County School District is under scrutiny for awarding substantial contracts to several former employees, amounting to nearly $320,000. Critics raise concerns about transparency and the necessity of these hires as the district insists the arrangements are legitimate. With calls for accountability growing, questions about how taxpayer dollars are being utilized remain at the forefront of community discussions. Superintendent Anita Huggins defends the contracts, stressing compliance with district policies while acknowledging the need for greater clarity on expenditures.

Charleston School District’s Big Paychecks for Former Staff Raise Eyebrows

In Charleston, there’s a buzz about the Charleston County School District as it dives into a hefty spending spree, handing out close to $320,000 to a few familiar faces. These familiar faces are former employees who are now contractors without much fuss over what exactly they are consulting on.

Despite the clamor for accountability, the district insists that these arrangements are above board and that there are no ethical issues surrounding them. Still, with so much money in play and the vague descriptions of the services provided, there’s certainly plenty to discuss.

Who’s Getting Paid?

Let’s break it down to see who is cashing in. The contracts primarily involve four former employees, each coming from different backgrounds within the district:

• Don Kennedy: Once the chief financial and administrative officer, and even serving briefly as the interim superintendent, Kennedy is contracted to work from February to June 2024 with a pay of up to $47,500. He has a knack for issues like Weighted Student Funding and early childhood education research. For 2024, he’s expected to receive a grand total of around $90,250.
• Nancy McGinley: The former superintendent, who resigned back in 2014, got her foot in the consulting door the same year. Last seen earning $95 per hour for “technical expertise” and $250 for legal work, she’s racked up to $92,948 during the current contract year.
• Eric Mack: Not too long ago, he was a dedicated school board member. Since taking on consulting work in November 2023, Mack is lending his financial savvy to the district. His contract could see him earning around $76,600 over the 2024 fiscal year.
• Clara Heinsohn: Having worn many hats, including a period as director of public affairs, Heinsohn is currently focused on community relations. She’s in line to make about $59,625 this contract year.

Concerns About Transparency

While the district’s leadership is confident in their decision to hire these consultants, some community members are voicing their concerns. There’s a growing demand for transparency regarding how public funds are being allocated. Many question the necessity and overall impact of these former employees on the district’s goals, especially when specifics on their job descriptions remain hazy.

A former school board member has taken issue with both the purpose of these consultants and the elusive details surrounding their contributions to the community. This suspicion is particularly heightened given that the district saw its legal fees soar almost $2 million last year, leading many to scrutinize the cost of McGinley’s legal expertise at $250/hour.

District’s Defense

As the controversies swirl, Superintendent Anita Huggins staunchly defends the contracts. She assures that they comply with district policies and that all contractors are held responsible for their work. Huggins emphasizes that less than 10% of donor funds supporting these services genuinely benefits the children and contributes to school success, further underscoring the need for oversight.

Despite the district’s insistence on following the rules, the call for greater clarity continues to resonate. Both Huggins and the former board member have recognized the importance of transparency. However, it seems they have different ideas about how best to achieve it.

What’s Next?

As these discussions unfold in Charleston, the moment brings questions to the forefront. How will the district ensure that its spending aligns with its mission? Will the residents feel confident in how their taxpayer dollars are being used? With so much at stake, only time will tell how this story will evolve.

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Additional Resources

• Live 5 News: Former Charleston County Superintendent’s Board Member Still Paid by District
• WCCB Charlotte: Charleston Co. School District Paying Students for Perfect Attendance
• ABC News 4: CCSD Schools Offer $25 Weekly for Perfect Attendance
• Count on 2: Charleston Co. School District Launches Program to Combat Absenteeism
• Wikipedia: Charleston County School District