COLUMBIA – A Storm in the Virtual Classroom
Recently, the educational landscape in Columbia, South Carolina, has been rocked by some serious upheaval involving the South Carolina Virtual Charter School (SCVCS). The scandal began when three members of the school board decided to terminate the employment of the school’s leader, only for the situation to escalate into a lawsuit filed by her and three other administrators.
Legal Drama Unfolds
The lawsuit, which appeared on September 23, is the result of what the four administrators claim is a breakdown of proper governance within the school board. The SCVCS, which serves around 2,350 online students across the state, is meant to be governed by a seven-member school board. Unfortunately, as of August 20, only three members remained on the board due to resignations, and this trio continued to make decisions that the lawsuit now argues were against the law.
The allegations are quite strong. The administrators’ complaint highlights that the board did not maintain the necessary quorum as required by state law, and in doing so, overlooked the requirement stating that a majority of board members must be elected by parents of the school. The lawsuit’s attorney, Paul Porter, emphasized that this lawsuit aims to ensure that the governing body of the school follows the law, stating, “This is a lawsuit to get them to follow the law.”
A Leadership Shake-Up
The drama surrounding the termination began not long after Anita Latham, the previous deputy head of school, was promoted to head of school in April 2024. Following her promotion, Latham began noticing potential financial mismanagement and unethical behavior during her predecessor’s tenure, specifically towards board chair Courtney Suber. This tension culminated in Latham putting her predecessor on administrative leave and initiating an investigation, which ultimately resulted in the predecessor’s resignation.
However, things took a turn for the worse for Latham. According to the lawsuit, after the investigation commenced and Latham tried to be transparent with the board, she started experiencing “hostile and aggressive” communication from board members. The situation deteriorated further when, in a special meeting held on a Sunday evening, the remaining three board members voted to formally terminate Latham’s contract.
What Happens Next?
As of now, Latham is scheduled for a grievance hearing regarding her termination on October 15, where her case will be reviewed by the board. Meanwhile, Anita Maness, currently listed online as the K-2 principal, has stepped in as the interim head of school. Maness refrained from commenting on the ongoing situation, leaving many questions lingering about the future of the school’s administration.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the administrative chaos, this situation has larger implications for the school’s 2,350 students and their families, who rely on an effective educational platform, especially in the online environment. A statement from the SCVCS indicated that their primary focus remains on providing quality education and resources to students during an obviously challenging time.
Looking Ahead
The fallout from these events continues to unfold, and it is clear that the administrators involved are seeking accountability from the board. In the coming weeks, with new board members scheduled to join after elections, many will be watching closely to see if this administrative turmoil can lead to renewed stability and improved governance at the South Carolina Virtual Charter School.
This story underscores the importance of proper governance in education and serves as a reminder of how crucial it is for school boards to adhere to established laws and maintain transparent communication with their administrators and communities.
