News Summary
The Charleston County School District faces criticism over high-priced consulting contracts awarded to former employees. Concerns about transparency and necessity of these contracts have sparked discussions among community members and officials. Key beneficiaries include former superintendents and a school board member, collectively earning nearly $320,000. While district officials defend the contracts, advocates for transparency urge clearer disclosures regarding the services provided and their impact on educational outcomes.
Charleston Under the Microscope: School District’s Consulting Contracts Raise Eyebrows
Charleston, a city known for its rich history and vibrant community, now finds itself amid a growing conversation about the high-priced consulting contracts being awarded to former employees of the Charleston County School District (CCSD). The district has recently come under scrutiny as it faces questions regarding the transparency and necessity of these lucrative contracts.
Who’s Cashing In?
Among the beneficiaries of these contracts are several familiar faces, including Don Kennedy and Nancy McGinley, both of whom have served as superintendents in the district, along with former school board member Eric Mack and employee Clara Heinsohn. Together, these individuals raked in a staggering nearly $320,000 between January 2024 and January 2025!
Taking a closer look, Kennedy, who transitioned from chief financial officer to interim superintendent before retirement earlier this year, secured contracts that reached approximately $47,500 for his consulting duties, which include projects such as the Weighted Student Funding formula and researching early childhood education.
On the other hand, McGinley, who hasn’t worked with the district since her resignation in 2014, has been charging $95 per hour for technical expertise and an eye-watering $250 hourly rate for legal proceedings, bringing her earnings from 2023-2024 close to $100,000. Moving forward to 2024-2025, her contract was reduced to a maximum of $75,000.
A significant player in this conversation is Eric Mack, who since starting as a contractor in November of 2023 has accumulated earnings of approximately $76,600 for his consulting services, with a maximum projected payment of $60,000 for the upcoming contract year.
Meanwhile, Clara Heinsohn, who has been part of the district since 2007, will see her earnings total $59,625 for 2024-2025, after making $48,800 from her previous contract.
Concerns About Transparency
Calhoun emphasizes the need to thoroughly evaluate the nature of these consulting services, suggesting a more detailed disclosure might help quell public doubts.
District’s Defense
In the face of these concerns, CCSD Superintendent Anita Huggins staunchly defends the contracts, explaining that they follow established policies and directly relate to specific district goals. She points out that funding for these consulting fees primarily comes from private donations, thus minimizing worries about taxpayer money.
Huggins acknowledges that while there is a need for improved transparency, she also believes the services provided by these consultants are crucial for the success of students and the district as a whole. Nonetheless, the contracts have drawn criticism for being vague, citing duties involving general community building and relationship strengthening rather than clearly defined tasks.
The Ongoing Conversation
The issue of transparency and accountability continues to be a hot topic among parents, teachers, and community leaders in Charleston. As the district navigates this complex landscape, many hope for clearer guidelines on how these contracts operate and what value they truly bring to the CCSD.
As Charleston weighs its future educational strategies against the backdrop of these consulting contracts, the community’s demand for clarity remains stronger than ever. The ongoing discussion promises to shape how educational services are delivered in the coming years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston School District Faces Backlash Over High Consultant Payments
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Former Charleston County Superintendent’s Board Member Still Paid by District
- Count On 2: Charleston County Schools Eliminates Intercultural Development Director’s Role Amid Federal Funding Threat
- ABC News 4: Charleston County School District to Offer Free Summer Meals to Children and Teens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston County
- Google Search: Charleston County School District
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.
