Exciting Times in Columbia: New Leadership in Education and Sports Sparks Community Engagement

Exciting Times in Columbia: Shifts in Education and Sports Leadership

Columbia, SC – It’s been a busy week here in our vibrant city with some fantastic news on the horizon. First and foremost, there’s a lot of buzz surrounding Ray Tanner, the current athletics director at the University of South Carolina (USC). Tanner is set to assume a new role, and while details are still emerging, many are eager to see how this change will impact USC athletics. He has been an iconic figure in the collegiate sports scene, known for his leadership. The community is left with the lingering question: What new direction will Tanner take from here?

Engagement and Growth in Education

Switching gears to our education sector, the Lexington-Richland Five Teacher Forum is hosting a couple of important candidate forums on October 1 and October 8. These events are designed to give families and community members a chance to hear directly from school board candidates about their visions and plans. If you’re interested in the future of education in our area, make sure to mark your calendars! The forums will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Center for Advanced Technical Studies in Chapin and Irmo Middle School respectively. It’s a great opportunity to engage and understand how candidates plan to address issues affecting education and your local community.

Additionally, some exciting news from Columbia College and Newberry College, as they have been selected to co-host the South Carolina Teaching Fellows program, which is set to launch its first cohort in the fall of 2025. This initiative aims to foster new teachers in our state, contributing to a strong educational future.

Supporting Families and Students

For families in the Richland One district looking for ways to support their children’s education this year, be sure not to miss the upcoming parent pep rallies. These events, taking place at Lower Richland High School and Eau Claire High School on September 17 and 18, are set to help parents navigate the school year successfully. Both rallies are scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m. and promise to be informative and uplifting.

Moreover, there’s fantastic news regarding student achievements! A record-breaking 2,900 students are now enrolled at Columbia International University, pursuing various degrees. That’s quite a milestone! Also, hats off to twenty-one Richland One high school students who have been recognized with the College Board’s National Recognition Program award. These students hail from schools like A.C. Flora and Dreher, and their hard work and perseverance deserve a round of applause!

Health and Wellbeing in Schools

In a remarkable achievement, all 48 Richland One schools have been named among America’s Healthiest Schools for the 2023-2024 school year. This recognition showcases the district’s commitment to student wellness—kudos to everyone involved!

Richland One has also partnered with the University of South Carolina for a new initiative called SC-DREAM, which allows those with a bachelor’s degree to transition into teaching. Interested individuals can attend information sessions on September 19, September 23, and October 2 to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

Wrapping Up

As we look ahead, Columbia is buzzing with energy and potential—all thanks to dedicated individuals striving to enhance education and community engagement. We encourage everyone to participate in local forums, support our educators, and celebrate our students’ achievements. The future is bright, and staying involved is the best way to ensure it only gets better!