Richland County School District One

Richland County School District One (RCSD One) is a public school district headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. It is the state's fifth-largest district, spanning approximately 482 square miles. The district includes urban, suburban, and rural communities.

RCSD One operates 52 schools and employs over 4,000 staff members. It provides education to more than 22,000 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Leadership

Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon, who has over 35 years of educational experience, RCSD One has implemented innovative programs to enhance student learning and prepare them for future success.

Notable initiatives include launching South Carolina's first high school commercial driver's license (CDL) training program in 2018, one of only six nationwide. The district was also the first in the state to offer all 16 nationally recognized career clusters and to establish a certified pre-apprenticeship program.

Specialized Programs

RCSD One offers a variety of specialized programs to meet diverse student needs, such as:

• Montessori programs
• Language immersion programs
• Career magnet programs
• Virtual school programs

The district also provides visual and performing arts programs, International Baccalaureate, and other advanced academic programs aimed at ensuring students are college- and career-ready.

Support for Military Families

Recognized as a Purple Star School District, RCSD One demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting military families. This designation highlights its dedication to offering resources and programs tailored for military-connected students and their families.

Financial Challenges

In August 2024, the South Carolina Department of Education gave RCSD One an elevated level of fiscal caution due to financial missteps discovered in a construction project. This designation is the second-highest level of budgetary concern under state law, signaling a need for enhanced financial oversight.

Location

The district's main office is located at 1616 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Locations:

• Columbia, SC, USA