Columbia, South Carolina, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Kimberly Snipes, chair of the Lexington-Richland 5 school board, has enrolled her children in Heathwood Hall, a private school, moving them from Dutch Fork Elementary. Snipes emphasizes her decision caters to her children’s specific needs and is not a reflection of the public school district. Her choice has ignited discussions within the community about educational options, with mixed reactions from parents and residents. The district continues to support various educational pathways while the future of Snipes’ children in public school remains uncertain.
Columbia, South Carolina – The chair of the Lexington-Richland 5 school board, Kimberly Snipes, has enrolled her children in a private school, instigating conversations within the community. Snipes has moved her children from Dutch Fork Elementary, located in the Chapin-Irmo area school district, to Heathwood Hall, a private Episcopal school in Columbia. This transition occurred this year, with her children currently in the fourth and sixth grades.
Having served on the public school board since 2022 and stepping into the role of chair this year, Snipes described her decision as challenging, yet asserts it was necessary to meet her children’s specific needs. She emphasizes that her choice to enroll her children in a private institution does not reflect negatively on Dutch Fork Elementary or the Lexington-Richland 5 district, but rather is a personal decision based on her family’s situation.
Snipes communicated her decision to the district’s superintendent, Akil Ross, prior to making it public to ensure he was informed. Ross has expressed support for her choice but hopes that families do not make permanent decisions to leave the district. The Snipes family has not determined whether her children will return to Irmo public schools in the future, indicating a level of uncertainty regarding their educational path moving forward.
Under state regulations, there is no requirement for school board members to have children enrolled in district schools while serving on the board. Snipes reassured the community that her decision is not indicative of a lack of commitment to the Lexington-Richland 5 district. She remains committed to serving all students in the district, stating that she still has family in the area and is just as dedicated as she was three years ago when elected.
This decision by a key figure in the district has triggered a range of responses from parents and community members, with Snipes encouraging families to prioritize what is best for their children, regardless of school zoning or alternative options such as the district’s online program, the FIVE program. The overall sentiment in the community seems mixed, as some view Snipes’s choice as an endorsement of the shortcomings in public schooling options in the area, while others see it as a personal decision that should not be scrutinized.
The Lexington-Richland 5 school district continues to provide educational services to its residents, while the debate around public versus private education options persists. As discussions unfold within the community, the impact and implications of Snipes’ decision may influence future conversations about school choice and educational quality in South Carolina.
FAQ
Who is Kimberly Snipes?
Kimberly Snipes is the chair of the Lexington-Richland 5 school board in the Midlands.
What school did Snipes enroll her children in?
Snipes enrolled her children in Heathwood Hall, a private Episcopal school in Columbia.
Why did Snipes move her children from Dutch Fork Elementary?
Snipes described her decision as difficult but ultimately felt it was the best choice for her children’s specific needs.
How long has Snipes served on the public school board?
Snipes has served on the public school board since 2022 and became chair this year.
Did Snipes communicate her decision to the superintendent?
Yes, Snipes communicated her decision to Akil Ross, the district’s superintendent, to ensure he wasn’t blindsided.
Will Snipes’s children return to Irmo public schools in the future?
Snipes’s family has not yet decided if her children will return to Irmo public schools in the future.
Is there a requirement for school board members to have children in district schools?
No, there is no requirement for school board members to have children enrolled in the district’s schools to serve on the board.
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Additional Resources
- The State: Columbia, South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Education in South Carolina
- Our Midland: Public Preschool Plan Debate
- Google Search: Preschool Education Debates
- WLTX: E-Learning Activities Due to Weather
- Google Scholar: E-learning in Schools
- Our Midland: Midland Voters Head to Polls
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Choice
- The State: Politics and Education
- Google News: Education Politics South Carolina
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