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Berkeley County School District

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36-741: The Berkeley County School District is a school district within Berkeley County, South Carolina , United States . It is based in Moncks Corner and serves all of Berkeley County including the portion of the City of Charleston on Daniel Island and the Cainhoy Peninsula. Its attendance area is the entire county. Berkeley County School District was founded in 1912 in Moncks Corner, S.C. In 2011 Rodney Thompson became

72-481: A Deputy Superintendent when Dr. Jackson was denied being able to have one. Mr. Barrow continued to fight for Dr. Jackson, repeatedly asking why Dr. Jackson was terminated to which Chairmen McQuillin responded, "...I know Anthony Dixon" Mr. Barrow then said, "I know Deon Jackson, I know Deon Jackson" Mr. Barrow wanted to hear why Dr. Jackson was terminated as the Chairmen indicated he would give an explanation when told

108-563: A District during most of the 19th century and generally was part of the Low Country culture. In 1882, after Democrats regained control of the state legislature following the Reconstruction era , they established the current incarnation of Berkeley County, with its seat at Mount Pleasant . The county seat was moved in 1895 to Moncks Corner. Berkeley is also known for Revolutionary War connections. The Old Berkeley County Courthouse

144-577: A board vote of 6-3. On the same day the Berkeley County Board of Education voted to terminate the in-house lawyer, Tiffany Richardson, by a vote of 6-3. Mr. Deon Jackson was replaced by Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Dixon, by a board vote of 6-1. Dr. Anthony Dixon was previously employed by the Berkeley County School District as Chief of Academics and Innovation as well as Chief of Secondary Schools (2020-2022). He

180-404: A focus on innovation in the classroom and personalized learning . Ingram encouraged "unhitching teachers from the post" and discouraged "teaching to the test." Dr. Ingram retired from Berkeley County School District in summer of 2021, and Mr. Deon Jackson was selected as the district 's superintendent. On November 15, 2022, Mr. Deon Jackson was terminated from his position as Superintendent by

216-419: A month from what the district pays Dr. Richardson (the in-house lawyer). Whilst Mr. Barrow was talking Mrs. Wofford said, "I move that we call the question." Mr. Barrow responded by saying, "No, I am not finished, you're not going to stop me." Chairmen McQuillin also interrupted Mr. Barrow, Mr. Barrow replied by saying, "So you're silencing me Mr. Chairmen? Are you silencing me? Are you silencing me? You know there

252-486: A motion to name Anthony Dixon as the new Superintendent of Berkeley County School District effective immediately, and order that Mr. Dixon be immediately successfully given this mid-year transition I further moved to authorize Mr. Dixon to immediately hire a new Deputy Superintendent Chief academic officer and the further restructure and reassign his cabinet with no further board action." Mr. Barrow did not stop his fight for Dr. Jackson, he questioned Dr. Dixon being able to hire

288-483: A motion to terminate the employment of Mr. Deon Jackson, the Superintendent of the Berkeley County School District, effective immediately." The audience, once again, expressed their disagreement with the new board. Mr. Barrow then stated, "I'd like to know the justification and the rationale reasoning for firing an individual who was just was proficient in his first annual evaluation." The audience clapped, "What's

324-407: Is the cause Dr. Richardson is being removed/terminated?" to which Chairmen McQullin responded by saying, "I'm not going to discuss personnel matters in executive session." Mrs. Bradley then expressed her concern with terminating an employee without a given reason, indicating the district would not be able to close the 140-teacher gap if this practice continued. Mr. Barrow stated that he'd like to know

360-406: The 49,922 households 39.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% were married couples living together, 14.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.50% were non-families. 19.40% of households were one person and 5.60% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.15. The age distribution was 28.00% under

396-719: The Berkeley Elementary School drummers performed in front of the board. The board then took public comment where many people thanked Superintendent Jackson. After public comment, Mrs. Bradley spoke to the audience of the meeting saying, "...what we are about to do in this session, ladies & gentlemen you are being fooled by these six (pointing to Wofford, McQuillin, Ramsey, Littleton, & Hinson) I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..." The board proceeded to vote on student attendance & expulsion appeals. After voting on attendance & expulsion appeals, Chairmen McQuillin then recognized Miss. Littleton. Miss. Littleton stated

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432-448: The GDP of Berkeley County was $ 10.6 billion (approx. $ 46,147 per capita). In chained 2017 dollars , its real GDP was $ 9 billion (about $ 39,335 per capita). From 2022 through 2024, its unemployment rate has fluctuated around 3%. As of April 2024 , some of the largest employers in the county include Blackbaud , Booz Allen Hamilton , Nucor , Publix , Volvo , and Walmart . All of

468-419: The age of 18, 11.70% from 18 to 24, 31.20% from 25 to 44, 21.20% from 45 to 64, and 7.90% 65 or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.20 males. The median household income was $ 39,908 and the median family income was $ 44,242. Males had a median income of $ 31,583 versus $ 22,420 for females. The per capita income for

504-516: The audience continued to show their views on the motion, Chairmen McQuillin responded by saying, "Alright listen up we're going to be respectful during this meeting, you may disagree with our votes, but I'd ask that you please be professional and calm, what kind of example are you setting for our kids disrupting a meeting like this?" The audience expressed their disapproval of the statement. Chairmen McQuillin proceeded to say, "... Miss. Littleton could you please repeat your motion?" (Miss Littleton repeated

540-403: The county was $ 16,879. About 9.70% of families and 11.80% of the population were below the poverty line , including 15.60% of those under age 18 and 12.90% of those age 65 or over. County government (as of 2023): Berkeley County Council: Other Elected Officials: In 2020 , Joe Biden received 43.3% of the vote, the best performance for a Democrat since Jimmy Carter in 1976 . In 2022,

576-552: The county. At the 2010 census , there were 177,843 people, 65,419 households, and 47,141 families living in the county. The population density was 161.8 inhabitants per square mile (62.5/km ). There were 73,372 housing units at an average density of 66.8 per square mile (25.8/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 66.5% white, 25.0% black or African American, 2.3% Asian, 0.6% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 2.8% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 6.0% of

612-561: The county. The population density was 130 people per square mile (50 people/km ). There were 54,717 housing units at an average density of 50 per square mile (19/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 68.00% White , 26.63% Black or African American , 0.52% Native American, 1.87% Asian , 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.20% from other races, and 1.70% from two or more races. 2.76% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 16.4% were of American , 10.0% German , 8.4% Irish and 7.7% English ancestry according to Census 2000 . Of

648-414: The door. A group of teachers were applauded as they walked out in response to Mr. Deon Jackson being terminated. Following the teachers, majority of the audience left as well as Mrs. Wigfall & Mrs. Bradley. "Wrong, Wrong, Wrong, Wrong, Wrong" a member of the public said while pointed to 5 of the 6 who voted to terminate the employment of Dr. Jackson. Mr. Hinson stated the following, "Mr. Chairmen, I make

684-433: The fee of Mr. Gaskins (the former in-house lawyer, the new one if the motion was passed) Mr. Barrow stated, "The last time I had occasion to uh discuss the fees, his fee was 375 dollars per hour" the audience expressed their shocked, Mr. Barrow went on the place a stack of invoices that total 1.6M dollars, at a cost per month of $ 25,946.84 from Mr. Gaskins when he was previously employed with the district. A difference of 14,000

720-459: The following, "Mr. Chairmen I make a motion to terminate the employment of Dr. Tiffany Richardson as in-house general counsel for Berkeley County School District and retain services..." The audience was shocked and expressed this aloud, Chairmen McQuillin responded by saying, "We're going to maintain order in this meeting." Miss. Littleton continued, "and retain the services of Mr. Brandon Gaskins effective immediately as discussed in executive session."

756-451: The frustration in Mr. Barrow's voice when saying, "I'm asking the question of the person who made the motion. The person who made the motion made the motion for a reason; I'd like to know what it is." Mrs. Wigfall also voiced her question on the cause of the motion. Chairmen McQuillin then stated, "I'm recognizing Mrs. Bradley, you can ask that question if you'd like." Mrs. Bradley then asked, "What

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792-628: The largest community is Goose Creek . After two previous incarnations of Berkeley County, the current county was created in 1882. Berkeley County is included in the Charleston - North Charleston , SC Metropolitan Statistical Area . Berkeley County was established in 1682. It was named after John and William Berkeley , co-owners of the Province of Carolina . It became part of the Charleston District in 1769. It did not exist as

828-401: The mid-term elections. David Barrow is an at-large member of the board. On November 16, 2022, all board members were sworn in. 4 minutes and 8 seconds after being sworn in the board removed Mr. Barrow from his position as chair and placed Mr. McQuillin in the position by a vote of (6-2) (Mr. Barrow abstained ). The board then went into executive session. After coming out of executive session,

864-571: The motion) Mr. Gaskins was previously hired by the district. He was replaced by Dr. Tiffany Richardson The motion was seconded by Mrs. Wofford, Chairmen McQuillin asked if there was any discussion to which both Mr. Barrow & Mrs. Bradley replied in the affirmative. Mr. Barrow began his discussion saying, "On what grounds were the..." Chairmen McQuillin interrupted to recognize Mr. Barrow for discussion saying, "Mr. Bradley you're recognized" Realizing his mistake Chairmen McQuillin smiled and appeared to say I'm sorry. His smile quickly faded when he heard

900-400: The new lawyer wasn't present Mr. Barrow stated, "Oh, okay so there's no justification, there's no reasoning for terminating the superintendent, because you said we would hear tonight the reasoning, you said that and I'm holding you to it in public arena for you to embarrass yourself." Chairmen McQuillin ignored Mr. Barrow's requestion for an explanation and called the question on the motion which

936-421: The population. Of the 65,419 households, 38.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 27.9% were non-families, and 22.0% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.10. The median age was 34.5 years. The median household income

972-540: The position on November 1, 2015. By 2017 the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated potential embezzlement. The district fired chief financial officer Brantley Thomas on February 7, 2017. In March of that year superintendent Brenda Blackburn resigned, and Deon Jackson became the interim superintendent. In August 2017, Dr. Eddie Ingram was hired as the superintendent of Berkeley County School District. Ingram came to BCSD after having previously served as

1008-445: The reason Mr. Chairmen, you made the motion, now what's the reason? Why are we terminating his employment?" Mr. Barrow asked. Chairmen McQuillin responded by saying, "Mr. Barrow I'm not going to discuss Personnel matters in open session" The audience was not pleased with the Chairmen's answer. "Okay well we're going to continue the discussion then because I'm not going to let it go" Mr. Barrow said. Mr. Barrow proceeded to explain that he

1044-708: The superintendent for Darlington County School District in Darlington , SC for several years. Prior to his time in Darlington, Ingram spent four years as the superintendent of Franklin County Schools in North Carolina . He also spent time working in North Carolina's state education department. Dr. Ingram is credited with assisting BCSD in several positive movements, including but not limited to

1080-501: The superintendent. By 2015 he received a criminal indictment on a school bond campaign-related ethics offense, and he was removed from his position. The district made two attempts at finding a new superintendent, with the second occurring after a finalist dropped out of the process. The district selected Brenda Blackburn, previously the Montgomery County Public Schools (Virginia) superintendent, and she took

1116-424: Was $ 50,777 and the median family income was $ 56,869. Males had a median income of $ 40,534 versus $ 30,997 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 22,865. About 9.9% of families and 12.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 18.2% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over. At the 2000 census , there were 142,651 people, 49,922 households, and 37,691 families living in

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1152-428: Was a time when someone was silenced and there was a lawsuit, do you recall that?" The motion was then carried (6-3) Dr. Richardson got up and walked out the door while being applauded by members of the audience as well as Mr. Barrow, Mrs. Wigfall, & Mrs. Bradley. Mrs. Bradley then said, "Watch what's the next motion, watch the motion, listen carefully. You all have been sandbagged." McQuillin proceeded to say, "I make

1188-474: Was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 1,233.88 square miles (3,195.7 km ), of which 1,103.62 square miles (2,858.4 km ) is land and 130.26 square miles (337.4 km ), or 10.56%, is water. As of the 2020 census , there were 229,861 people, 80,640 households, and 57,117 families residing in

1224-399: Was passed (6-1). It is worth noting all members who voted to terminate the employment of Dr. Jackson & Dr. Richardson are backed by Moms for Liberty. Traditional: Alternative: Berkeley County, South Carolina Berkeley County is a county in the U.S. state of South Carolina . As of the 2020 census , its population was 229,861. Its county seat is Moncks Corner , and

1260-864: Was then hired by the Charleston County School District as the interim Chief of Schools in August 2022. In the summer of 2021, Dr. Eddie Ingram retired from his position as the Superintendent of Berkeley County School District. The following finalists were named in the selection process of a new Superintendent: Deon Jackson, Anthony Dixon, & Glenda Gibson. Deon Jackson was selected by the Berkeley County Board of Education (6-2). On November 8, 2022, Michael Ramsey (incumbent), Mac McQuillin (incumbent), Joe Baker, Kathy Littleton (incumbent), Jimmy Hinson, Sally Wofford (incumbent), Yvonne Bradley, & Crystal Wigfall (incumbent) all won

1296-503: Was told that Dr. Jackson was being terminated due to the belief that his contract, that required a "supermajority" to terminate him unilaterally, was unconstitutional. Mr. Barrow presented legal opinions from lawyers that stated Dr. Jackson's contract was not unconstitutional. Mr. Barrow said that he believed the termination to be a "Political Witch Hunt" and the audience applauded him. The motion to terminate Mr. Deon Jackson passed (6-3). Mr. Deon Jackson got up from his seat and walked out of

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