named in a complaint filed by West Florence High Schools former athletic director and head football coach. Wright has been a public educator for over 40 years. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. New documents reveal allegations of inappropriate conduct were levied against Dr. Kelvin Wymbs before he decided to resign on Oct. 8. The four-year . Ravenell is currently employed by Dorchester County School District Four and serves as the principal of Clay Hill Elementary School in Ridgeville. Wymbs attorney has also not responded to requests for comment on the case. Later that month, she was placed on administrative leave pending a review and investigation into her conduct and performance.. He began his teaching career in Orangeburg Consolidated School District 3, where he served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, guidance counselor, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent. DD4 Announces Interim Director of Transportation. Kelvin Wymbs, superintendent of Dorchester School District 4, is being investigated for allegedly threatening board Chairman Kenneth Jenkins, WCSC reported Friday. Accordingly, DD4 does not discriminate against any individual who participate or seek to participate in its educational programs or Mission & Vision. Copyright 2023 Dorchester County School District 4, DD4 Announces Interim Director of Transportation, 2023 Annual Title I Meetings Announcement, Student and Parent Technology Support Request Form, 2021-2022 Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan. York District 4/Fort Mill. Merry Christmas. It was followed by emojis of a Christmas tree and a wrapped present. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. 843-563-4535, Fax: 843-563-9269. Chairman . Another opponent of the superintendent says the accusations are troubling, if true. Dorchester School District Four is pleased to announce Ms. Caroletta LaToya Felder as the next Interim Director of Transportation. Dr. Tommy Schmolze, Superintendent. HURLOCK The Dorchester County Board of Education appointed Dave Bromwell to a 4 year term as Superintendent of Dorchester County Public Schools at their meeting last night in Hurlock. On March 1, Wymbs and Frasier told Woodberry to fire volleyball coach Hillary Pratt and basketball coach Pete Ellis, according to court documents. All rights reserved. In January 2018, Wymbs called Woodberry to tell him there was a good person to take over football when the plaintiff left, according to the lawsuit. Updated: Apr 4, 2022 / 10:42 PM EDT. Between Feb. 15 and Feb. 16, 2018, Woodberry said Wymbs and then-assistant principal Mark Frasier called him multiple times while he was with his son on a college baseball visit in Charleston to pressure him to resign as football coach. However the nature of those allegations remain a mystery. information, national origin, or any other applicable status protected by Wright spent several years teaching in public schools and also served as an assistant principal. In Dorchester 4, Superintendent Morris Ravenell said he was pleased to see his students surpassing state averages on the new SC PASS science and social studies assessments. Wright named DCSD 4 interim superintendent. Dr. Andrea Sturkey will take over as interim Superintendent. To report sexual harassment, contact the following DD4 Title IX DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Dorchester District 4 Superintendent Kelvin Wymbs has resigned his position after a board meeting Friday night in which board members received legal advice on a staff matter. DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - The Dorchester School District 4 community is divided on Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Wymbs. The Dorchester County School District Four Board of Trustees has announced the selection of three finalists for the position of superintendent. His experience includes service as a principal at the high school and elementary school levels and service as an assistant principal. As part of the separation agreement between Wymbs and the district, a formal letter was sent to State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman informing her that Wymbs offered his resignation following allegations of inappropriate conduct, something the district is required to report by law. Nevertheless, Plaintiff was warned that his actions over the next week would determine his fate at West Florence High School, the lawsuit states. Copyright 2019 WCSC. In an email, Acting Superintendent Andrea Sturkey says they have provided Live 5 with everything they have retained. information, national origin, or any other applicable status protected by Dorchester School District Four is pleased to announce Ms. Caroletta LaToya Felder as the next Interim Director of Transportation. Quick told him the student had made up the missed classes and the failure-to-attend status had been changed. On March 22, 2018, Woodberry was told he was being removed from West Florence High and being reassigned to an elementary school, according to court documents. We are supposed to be setting an example for our children, said grandparent Hazel Parson-Starkes. Water meter. He was out visiting schools Friday afternoon and unable to respond, according to the district office. Dorchester School District Four Board of Trustees at its October 18, 2022, Board meeting unanimously passed Board Policy JIH (Student Interrogations, Searches and Arrests). ST. GEORGE, S.C. (WCSC) - Dorchester District Four schools will be starting the new year with a new superintendent who was hired amid a lawsuit battle involving his former district. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. The board chairman said he then shut his phone off for several hours, and when he turned it back on there were several missed calls from Wymbs and more text messages. publicfile@live5news.com - (843) 402-5555. 4128 Highway 78, Dorchester, SC 29437 Phone: 843-563-5956 | Fax: 843-563-5997 A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle in Orangeburg County on Saturday night, according to S.C. Highway Patrol Cpl. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). While the plaintiff had not named any students in his media interview, district officials reportedly believed he had disclosed sufficient context for the student to be identified. 843-563-4535, Fax: 843-563-9269. Dorchester School District Four Board of Trustees at its October 18, 2022, Board meeting unanimously passed Board Policy JIH (Student Interrogations, Searches and Arrests). The lies are catching up with you your license is next! 843-563-4535, Fax: 843-563-9269. Dr. Kelvin Wymbs has accepted the job and he will start his new role on Jan. 6, just a day before students head back to class. Title VI, Title VII, Title IX or any other local, state, or federal law. New documents reveal allegations of inappropriate conduct were levied against Dr. Kelvin Wymbs before he decided to resign on Oct. 8. color, physical or mental disability, age (40 or older), ancestry, genetic : (ladams@dd4.k12.sc.us), Director When the cheerleading coach broke the news to Katrina Kohel that she was the only one left on the cheer squad, Kohel was determined to compete anyway. Dixon is currently the assistant superintendent for the Colleton County School District in Walterboro. A letter sent from the Department of Education to Wymbs confirms that a complaint was filed against him and an investigation is underway. DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Dorchester District 4 Superintendent Kelvin Wymbs has resigned his position after a board meeting Friday night in which board members received legal advice on a staff matter. Before coming to DD4, Wymbs was in Florence District 1 where he was accused of abusing his power and sending aggressive messages. Copyright 2023 Dorchester County School District 4, 2023 Annual Title I Meetings Announcement, Student and Parent Technology Support Request Form, 2021-2022 Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan. You can cancel at any time. He replaced Dr. Morris Ravenell who served the district as superintendent since 2014. The Dorchester County School District 4 Board of Trustees announced that Gerald Wright has been appointed to serve as interim superintendent while the board seeks a new superintendent.. I would like to see his contract terminated, said parent Lanesha Green. 29437. Orangeburg County School District is planning to hold graduation ceremonies for all of its schools at South Carolina State Universitys Smith-. You can cancel at any time. Help us cheer and give high fives to our dynamic team of principals. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Best smart home devices for older users, according, How to get started on spring cleaning early, according, Worried about your student using ChatGPT for homework? This is done to protect the due process rights of the accused.. Jenkins says it all started when the superintendent sent him a text back in May, accusing him of leaking information to the public that was discussed in executive session at a board meeting. She later claims the superintendent and the co-workers conduct was so extreme and outrageous as to exceed all possible bounds of decency and must be regarded as atrocious and utterly intolerable in a civilized community. She adds their actions have also caused severe emotional distress.. Dorchester School District Four Board of Trustees at its October 18, 2022, Board meeting unanimously passed Board Policy JIH (Student Interrogations, Searches and Arrests). orientation, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical conditions, I would definitively advocate for him because of what I have seen him do for the kids.. ST. GEORGE - The Dorchester District 4 board has narrowed the field of candidates for the superintendent position. All rights reserved. The plaintiff protested because he didnt believe the two had done anything to warrant being fired and was then told to tell them the programs needed to go in a different direction, the lawsuit states. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Orangeburg Consolidated School District 3, Orangeburg County School District: Graduation ceremonies to be held at SCSU; some trustees object to plans, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities, Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza, WATCH NOW: MUSC-RMC celebrate partnership. DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - The State Department of Education is investigating the school superintendent for Dorchester School District 4. Last year, Wymbs was accused of sending threatening messages to a DD4 board member and a complaint was filed with the State Department of Education. who participate or seek to participate in its educational programs or He texted me back and called me a liar. ST. GEORGE Dorchester School District 4 Superintendent Dr. Mary Rice-Crenshaw resigned her position at the regular school board meeting on Nov. 17. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The 36-year-old Indian-American woman was subject to a discriminatory hostile work environment based on her gender/sex, national origin, and race, according to court documents. Copyright 2023 Dorchester County School District 4, DD4 Announces Interim Director of Transportation, 2023 Annual Title I Meetings Announcement, Student and Parent Technology Support Request Form, 2021-2022 Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. PO Drawer 10072, Rock Hill, SC 29731 . His experience includes service as a principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels. CHICAGO (AP) A 32-year-old Chicago police officer died after he was wounded in a shootout with a man who was reportedly chasing a woman with a gun, authorities said Thursday. Accordingly, DD4 does not discriminate against any individual Several residents in the St. George community sent a petition to the State Department of Education calling for Dr. Wymbs to be removed from his job. Mon Dec 05 04:28 PM DD4 Mourns the Loss of Former Wolverine Remembering Lavel Davis Jr. Mon Nov 14 03:25 PM October is National Principals Month Happy National Principals Month! opportunity for all students, parents/legal guardians, staff, visitors, on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual The investigation was launched after school board chairman Kenneth Jenkins claimed Dr. Kelvin Wymbs sent him threatening text messages. alleged text messages he sent to school board chairman Kenneth Jenkins. Seacoast employee arrested, police say, 2YH: Women not treated as effectively for AFib as, Firefighters locate missing cats after apartment, CCSO releases doorbell video in Awendaw shooting, SLED chief speaks after Murdaugh sentenced in family, Police: 1 dead in shooting at Charleston apartment, Man, 67, charged for attacking roommate with nunchucks, Murdaughs former law firm speaks after guilty verdict, Photos chronicle Paul Murdaughs drinking problem, Body camera released from night of Murdaugh killings, Creighton Waters reflects on Alex Murdaugh trial, Alex Murdaugh found guilty in double murder case, Free shredding events throughout Charleston County, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. ST. GEORGE, S.C. (WCSC) - Dorchester District Four schools will be starting the new year with a new superintendent who was hired amid a lawsuit battle involving his former district. The State Department of Education is investigating Wymbs for alleged text messages he sent to school board chairman Kenneth Jenkins. You have permission to edit this article. She currently serves as director of human resources. In the separation agreement, the board agreed to pay Wymbs through the end of the year. of Human Resources, 500 Ridge Street, St. George, SC 29477, Office: CHES hosted its first Hero Day on The Hill. DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - The State Department of Education is investigating the school superintendent for Dorchester School District 4. DD2's Board of Trustees met . Please subscribe to keep reading. Thatll all I will say about that, said Michelle Carreira. Wymbs comes to the Lowcountry from Florence School District One where he was serving as the districts director of secondary instruction. DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) - Dorchester District 4 Superintendent, Dr. Kelvin Wymbs, is under investigation by the South Carolina Department of Education for "unprofessional behavior . The meeting will be held in the gymnasium of Woodlands High School, located at 4128 Highway 78, Dorchester. Dr. Andrea Sturkey will take over as interim Superintendent. Executive session lasted about two hours and the board discussed the superintendent evaluation and a policy regarding board conduct. Dorchester School District Two is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce populated by highly skilled and dedicated individuals culturally sensitive and committed to every student thriving in a 21st century learning environment. Happy National Principals Month! One those lawsuits was dismissed. Outside the board meeting, a dozen parents gathered. Ravenell had been the only Lowcountry superintendent in 2018 making less than the average salary for his position in the Southeast, according to information from the School Superintendents Association. . Several folks in the St. George community signed a petition and wrote to the State Department of Education asking for Wymbs' removal from his job. I texted back, No, I was not the one to do that kind of thing, Jenkins said Friday. Title VI, Title VII, Title IX or any other local, state, or federal law. activities. The texts became a bit more agitated on his part and I finally said in text, No, Im not gonna have any more conversation with you.. I feel like they suppress our freedom of speech. Wright is currently the interim associate superintendent of human resources, pupil services, state testing and operations for Orangeburg County Consolidated School District Three. Ryan Brown with the South Carolina Department of Education declined to confirm the complaint, saying We cannot confirm, deny, nor comment on investigatory matters concerning certified educators. Regarding the reporters question about grade changes, Woodberry said a softball player had been ineligible because of a failure to attend classes, the lawsuit states. All rights reserved. We now look to Dr. Wymbs to continue to grow our District and provide our students with even more opportunities. Tue Dec 06 10:00 AM. Ravenell taught math in public schools after a career in the technology field. In September 2018, Harroitt states Ravenel told her she was being untruthful with him about a vendor and her handling of financial procedures within the district. activities. WMES October Feature Teacher and Star staff. The district announced Ravenells retirement in May and officials said he would remain in his post until a new superintendent was hired. Dr. Jenkins said the Dept. She currently serves as director of human resources. Thats where sort of ticked me off because they were curse words, words that Im not going to use, Jenkins said. CHES has its first Safety Patrol Team! REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.- Rehoboth Beach is expected to begin replacing up to 700 water meters on the north side of town next week. The Dorchester County School District 4 Board of Trustees announced that Gerald Wright has been appointed to serve as interim superintendent while the board seeks a new superintendent. He is a graduate of the South Carolina State College. The finalists are Gerald Wright, Dr. William Dixon and Dr. Morris Ravenell. The finalists are Gerald Wright, Dr. William. Coordinators: Dr. LaToya Adams, Ed.D. WMES October Feature Teacher and Star staff. New DD4 superintendent hired amid lawsuit battle involving his former employer, Lowcountry men accused of possessing child porn, 1 dead, 1 hurt after Georgetown Co. crash, VIDEO: Investigators search for cause of West Ashley weekend apartment fire, publicfile@live5news.com - (843) 402-5555. The officer was shot several times Wednesday afternoon on the city's Southwest Side, Chicago Police Department Superintendent David Brown said. Lucky Leg Day at CHES. School District Four is committed to nondiscrimination and equal In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, Live 5 News requested a copy of Wymbs personnel record from Florence One School District for review. Dr. Chuck Epps, Superintendent The next day, Wymbs told Woodberry he believed his interview notes regarding the volleyball coach position were insufficient, according to court documents. Happy National Principals Month! The day Woodberry fired Pratt, Wymbs scolded him, claiming the interim principal heard other people knew about the plans to terminate the coaches employment. Leading the way, every student, every day, through relationships, relevance and rigor. A message from Superintendent of Schools Dave Bromwell: We all have been navigating uncharted territory as our county, state, and nation has grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. Updated: Oct. 2, 2020 at 4:44 PM PDT. Phone: 803-981-1000. Woodberry was contacted by a member of the local media about accusations that Quick changed grades to keep athletes eligible and had mishandled the interview process when she hired the volleyball coach, court documents state. He will replace Dr. Morris Ravenell, who has served the district as superintendent since 2014. Are you an educator? The public is invited to submit questions for the candidates in advance at the District Office located at 500 Ridge St., St. George, SC 29477 or by 6 p.m. on May 12 prior to the community meeting. District News DDTwo Hosts Internet and Social Media Safety and Awareness Nights Board of Trustees to Meet Monday, February 27 DDTwo Announces Co-District Counselors of the Year #chsnews @live5news. I know there were issues that people brought up [at the board meeting] but personally, I think he has done a fantastic job.. The board received legal advice during executive session, after. DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) - Dorchester District 4 Superintendent, Dr. Kelvin Wymbs, is under investigation by the South Carolina Department of Education for "unprofessional behavior,". Again, the metal detectors will . Dorchester School District Four Nondiscrimination Statement - Dorchester I would like for that investigation to commence before we or the school board extend a contract.. Some were holding signs demanding the superintendent be removed from his position. This co-workers insubordinate and threatening behavior" caused Harriott to believe she was in a hostile work environment, the lawsuit claims. Jenkins says those text messages contained threats. On March 18, another assistant principal, Randy Jackson, emailed Woodberry about a media request and told him that all information provided needed to be truthful with 100% transparency. Any and all false or misconstrued information would be looked into by the district, according to the lawsuit. 203 Schoolhouse Road Dorchester, SC 29437. The former director of finance for Dorchester County School District 4 sued the school district, Ravenell, and a co-worker. When the plaintiff said he believed he could do both jobs, the lawsuit claims Wymbs said, I will get your a--, you (expletive), and You will listen to a white woman but not a black man, f--- you.. @ I cant wait! said another text message included in the lawsuit. Harriott claims the district provided better treatment to [her] non-Indian and male colleagues, according to court documents. Woodberry said he then tried to reach Wymbs but was unsuccessful. opportunity for all students, parents/legal guardians, staff, visitors, DORCHESTER, S.C. (WCBD) - Dorchester District 4 Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Wymbs resigned Friday following a board meeting. Mission. I personally believe the superintendent has done some pretty amazing things for being here for such a short amount of time, said former student Sydney Carreira. Dr. Jenkins said he turned his cellphone off for several hours following that incident and stated that when he turned it back on, there were many missed calls and more text from Dr. Wymbs. Jerry Montjoy, who has served the district as superintendent since 2006, in . Showing the faculty and staff members how much they are appreciated. Phone: 843-563-2298 Email: phughes@dd4.k12.sc.us Dorchester District 4 Superintendent Gerald Wright says the district is intentional when it comes to providing safety for our students, staff and stakeholders. Email: wrobbins@dorchester2.k12.sc.us. Mrs. Phyllis Hughes. Accordingly, DD4 does not discriminate against any individual This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wymbs had only been with the district since January of 2020. At least two employees resigned and filed lawsuits again Wymbs. information, national origin, or any other applicable status protected by Their contracts also differ term lengths. 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(WCBD) - Two thousand students will head back to class in Dorchester District Four next week. applicants for admission and employment, personnel, and community members Pushpal Harriott claims DD4 engaged in an intentional, and systematic policy, pattern, and/or practice of discrimination against [her].. DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Its been exactly a month since the superintendent of Dorchester District 4 abruptly resigned his position. School District Four is committed to nondiscrimination and equal Dorchester School District Four is pleased to announce Ms. Caroletta LaToya Felder as the next Interim Director of Transportation. The investigation was launched after school board chairman Kenneth Jenkins claimed Dr. Kelvin Wymbs sent him threatening text messages. activities. Woodberry is asking the court for an unspecified amount of damages. That evening, Wymbs sent Woodberry a text message that included a link to that online article as well as a message that said, according to the lawsuit, I guess that you have seen the story on WMBF. Dr. Shane Robbins. However, not everyone believes the superintendent should go. The Dorchester County School District Four Board of Trustees has announced the selection of three finalists for the position of superintendent. Tyler Tidwell. The plaintiff guessed the volleyball coach had told others after she was let go, according to court documents. He claims text messages were also sent to other board members and district employees. bromwelld@dcpsmd.org. [Wymbs] has already said he is not going to work with our board chair at all unless there is a designated person there.. Information is being withheld from the parents and public for some reason.. DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) Dorchester District 4 Superintendent, Dr. Kelvin Wymbs, is under investigation by the South Carolina Department of Education for unprofessional behavior, according to the chairman of the districts Board of Trustees. Jenkins says those text messages contained threats. : (ladams@dd4.k12.sc.us), Director Updated March 4, 2023, 1 . Even board policies that should be open to the public are being moved to executive session.