COLUMBIA – Legal Battle Erupts at South Carolina Virtual Charter School
In a surprising twist, the South Carolina Virtual Charter School (SCVCS) is at the center of a legal dispute involving its leadership. The drama unfolded when a lawsuit was filed against the school board by the school’s former leader and three other administrative officials, claiming that their termination was unjust and violating numerous laws.
Allegations of Board Dysfunction
The lawsuit brings to light what the plaintiffs describe as a dysfunctional school board scenario. It’s been several months of what they claim has been dysfunction, misconduct, and a series of votes that went against established bylaws. The board’s actions came after several resignations, leaving only three board members to act on behalf of the school.
According to the complaint, which was submitted to a court in Lexington County, these three board members made critical decisions and terminated the employment of then-Head of School Anita Latham on September 23. Yet, the lawsuit argues that this three-member board did not meet the required quorum established by state law, nor did it follow regulations that mandate that over half the board must be elected by parents of the school.
Who’s Affected?
This tumultuous situation affects around 2,350 students who are enrolled at the virtual school, which offers online education to K-12 students throughout South Carolina. The SCVCS operates under a governance structure comprising a head of school, currently filled by interim principal Anita Maness, and a school board with seven members. However, continued resignations have reduced the board’s numbers to just three.
A Shaky Transition
Latham took over the head of school position back in April 2024, following a transition with former school leader Cherry Daniel. The lawsuit claims that after Latham assumed her role, she noticed errors and potential misconduct regarding the management of school finances, specifically pointing towards the board chair. The troubles continued to spiral when Latham and her administration raised concerns about the previous leadership and ‘unethical’ behavior.
In May, Latham reportedly presented the board chair with evidence of these issues, which prompted her to seek legal counsel. Following this investigation, Daniel was put on administrative leave. Unfortunately, instead of resolving matters, tensions escalated, leading to an increasingly hostile environment for Latham.
Termination and Lawsuit
The legal claim seeks to nullify any board decisions made after August 20, when the member count dwindled. The lawsuit stresses that the remaining board’s votes, which include the decision to terminate Latham and other administrators, should be deemed unlawful. The attorney representing Latham and her colleagues described the lawsuit as an endeavor to ensure the board follows legal guidelines.
Adding to the chaos, in July the board voted to hire a consulting firm in what the lawsuit describes as a thinly veiled attempt to justify Latham’s firing. This led to a precarious situation where Latham was presented with a new employment contract laden with duties that seemed unachievable, further complicating her position.
Looking Ahead
As if things weren’t already complicated enough, the school board is expected to welcome three new members after elections held in August. These newly elected members are set to commence their two-year terms on October 15. Meanwhile, Latham’s grievance hearing related to her termination is also scheduled for the same day.
The Charter Institute at Erskine, which oversees the charter school, has issued a statement acknowledging the lawsuit but emphasizing that they trust the SCVCS to handle its personnel and legal matters internally.
Conclusion
This situation at the South Carolina Virtual Charter School has undoubtedly brought about uncertainty and instability for the students, staff, and families involved. As everyone awaits the outcome of the legal proceedings, one can only hope for a resolution that prioritizes the educational needs of the 2,350 students relying on the school. The highlight remains that despite this turmoil, SCVCS has performed well according to the required metrics. However, only time will tell how this all unfolds.
