May 15, 2024

A school board member in Spartanburg County School District 2 has found himself at odds with his peers after calling for the resignation of Superintendent Lance Radford. The board’s chair, Jason Seay, however, has stated that the rest of the board does not support Radford’s ouster.

Allegations of Withholding Information

The controversy stems from two lawsuits filed in 2022 against the district, alleging that the school did not adequately address incidents of sexually inappropriate behavior towards two students. Board member Matthew Schubeck claimed that Radford kept information about these lawsuits from the board, leading to his call for the superintendent’s resignation.

Seay, speaking on behalf of the board, expressed complete support for Radford, stating that the superintendent’s communication has always been transparent and appropriate.

The Lawsuits

The lawsuits, filed in June 2022, detailed instances of sexually inappropriate behavior towards two second-grade students at Shoally Creek Elementary School. The parents of the students alleged that the district failed to address the situation adequately, resulting in ongoing harm to the students.

While the district has denied any wrongdoing in court filings, the cases are set to proceed to trial in the fall. Attorney Tyler Rody, representing the plaintiffs, emphasized the need for the district to prioritize the safety and well-being of its students.

Call for Action

Schubeck, who stands alone in his call for Radford’s resignation, has expressed concerns beyond the initial incidents reported in the lawsuits. He took to social media to invite input from parents, educators, and others, indicating a broader issue within the district.

Looking ahead, Schubeck indicated that he may seek the intervention of Governor Henry McMaster to address the leadership concerns within District 2, both at the administrative and board levels.

Conclusion

The divide within the Spartanburg County School District 2 board highlights the tensions surrounding the handling of sensitive issues within the school community. While Seay and the majority of the board express support for Superintendent Radford, Schubeck’s dissent raises questions about transparency and accountability within the district.