Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
To our BCSD Families and Community,
As we bring to a close the first month of the new school year, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to all of our staff and families within Barnwell County School District (BCSD) who have worked together to make this a great start to the 2024-2025 year.
I am deeply grateful to each of our staff members—whether they are working in the cafeteria, teaching in the classroom, managing bus duty, preparing payroll, or handling any of the countless tasks that support our children every day. The variety and importance of the roles across our district are immense, and while I cannot list every individual contribution, I want everyone in our community to know that their hard work does not go unnoticed. As I have visited our schools this year, I have been continually impressed by the passion and dedication evident in every corner of Barnwell County.
To clear up any confusion, I wanted to address the consolidation plan. There seems to be some miscommunication and misinformation circulating that the consolidation plan is the plan for a new high school. This is not accurate. The consolidation plan, which was presented and approved at the August 2023 regular board meeting, has been discussed at every monthly board meeting for the past year. This plan outlines the actual consolidation of district operations—how departments will be merged, how operational protocols will be consolidated, how needs assessments will be conducted to ensure equity districtwide, and more. In short, the Barnwell County Consolidation Plan addresses how the district is consolidating into our new countywide school district.
This is very different from the Facility Plan, which details how the Savannah River Settlement funding will be used for a new comprehensive high school and career center. Unfortunately, there is a misconception that this consolidation is only about building a new high school. We have many more immediate needs when consolidating a school district, including equalizing salaries, building a comprehensive budget that offers equitable resources countywide, addressing current facility needs across the district, and more.
There have been false and misleading claims that the Board of Trustees has been making decisions regarding the Savannah River Settlement funding and the plans for a new comprehensive high school and career center in private. That could not be further from the truth. The Board of Trustees has done what they promised to do: conduct due diligence to ensure they have all the information needed to make informed decisions.
It is challenging when news media outside of Barnwell County reports inaccurate information or relies on hearsay. Similarly, while social media can be a powerful tool, it can also perpetuate misinformation. It is disheartening to hear suggestions that the Board of Trustees has acted in anything less than the highest ethical standard. There have been no secret Board meetings, no votes behind closed doors, and no unethical behavior. I have witnessed firsthand the Board's commitment to operating with the highest level of integrity and ethical behavior for the children of Barnwell County.
I urge our stakeholders to please consider the source before making assumptions about the work of the school district. There are so many great things happening that we want to celebrate. Our staff is working daily to come together as one countywide school district and one family. It is my hope and prayer that the rumors and misinformation will stop, because they cause confusion and mistrust when they spread.
I am amazed daily by the work of our staff, and I am so grateful to those who are supporting Barnwell County School District. I cannot say enough about the incredible leaders I have the honor of working alongside in our schools and district every day. Our staff members are the people working day in and day out to make this consolidation successful, and I am so grateful to them as we work through the consolidation of various systems and processes—be it software platforms, technology services, program implementations, data systems, or any of the many other operational adjustments. I am truly amazed by what we have accomplished together so far. While some challenges were anticipated, especially with systems merging after July 1st, their diligent efforts to keep everything running smoothly are greatly appreciated. It is an honor to work alongside the BCSD staff as we serve the families and children of Barnwell County. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude and appreciation for what everyone within our school district is doing on a daily basis.
One key message we have reminded each other in the school district is to “encourage and lift others.” We have challenged ourselves to approach every day with a positive attitude and make intentional efforts to support and lift one another. Creating an environment of positivity and support benefits everyone and helps make a meaningful difference in our school and district community. Being thoughtful in our interactions is crucial to fostering a true sense of family. It is through these acts of kindness and hope that we can truly make a difference across Barnwell County.
To our community members, thank you for your incredible support! I am so grateful for all the ways our community has stepped up—whether by donating bookbags, holding school supply drives, volunteering, bringing gifts or sweet treats to staff members, or simply offering well wishes. It is this spirit of support that keeps our schools and district moving forward, and it is this spirit that I hope will continue to prevail as we tackle the challenges ahead.
With a grateful heart,
Dr. Crissie Stapleton, BCSD Superintendent
