West Columbia, SC, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Brian Newsome, principal of Gray Collegiate Academy in West Columbia, SC, is under investigation for his consulting role with the Charter Institute at Erskine. Since May 2021, he has earned over $160,000 while receiving a salary of $322,544 annually. Critics are concerned about potential conflicts of interest and accountability issues due to his dual role in advising charter schools. As South Carolina lawmakers push for an investigation into the Charter Institute’s relations with charter schools, the future of Newsome’s positions remains uncertain.
West Columbia, South Carolina – Brian Newsome, principal of Gray Collegiate Academy, is under scrutiny for his role as a consultant with the Charter Institute at Erskine since May 2021, earning at least $160,000 for his services. Critics raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest and accountability issues stemming from Newsome’s dual position, which includes advising other charter schools and aiding in their development.
Newsome commands a substantial salary of $322,544, placing him among the highest-paid public school employees in South Carolina. His consulting role not only complicates accountability but also raises questions regarding the support he provides to establish and aid competing charter schools across the state. Experts argue that authorizers, which hold a fiduciary responsibility to oversee the schools they regulate, may experience conflicts due to such dual roles.
The Charter Institute at Erskine, which oversees Gray Collegiate Academy, has been established since 2017 by Erskine College and has faced numerous challenges concerning its regulatory role and the financial interests linked with charter school operators. As these concerns mount, South Carolina lawmakers have initiated requests for an investigation into the Charter Institute’s relationships and entanglements with charter schools.
Brian Newsome was acknowledged as the “Champion of the Year” by the Charter Institute during his first year with the district and has held board positions with Teach Right USA, a nonprofit associated with the Institute. His initial consulting agreement stipulated $3,200 monthly payments intended to support school leaders’ effectiveness and quality.
Newsome’s consulting began shortly after the Charter Institute resolved a lawsuit with Pinnacle Charter School Management Group, the former operator of Gray Collegiate. The legal disputes had centered around accusations of tortious interference and fraudulent conduct between Pinnacle and the Charter Institute, escalating tensions over financial mismanagement and misappropriation of public funds. The terms of Pinnacle’s settlement included provisions allowing Gray’s board direct authority over the school.
Another layer of concern arises from Newsome’s contract, which prohibits him from consulting for any other agency without prior board approval. Investigations are underway to determine if these procedures were followed. Notably, he did not disclose payments from Willie Jeffries’ charter school board, which he had assisted in selecting a principal.
As a consultant, Newsome participated in various activities, including discussions on human resources, board management issues, legislative meetings, and conferences focused on expanding charter educational opportunities. Furthermore, in late 2023, Newsome was involved with Teach Right USA’s initiative for new charter schools in Tennessee, although this effort was not carried forward.
The ongoing investigations by South Carolina lawmakers point towards potential reforms in charter school regulations, particularly concerning issues of conflicts of interest among school authorizers.
FAQ
Who is Brian Newsome?
Brian Newsome is the principal of Gray Collegiate Academy in West Columbia, South Carolina, and a consultant for the Charter Institute at Erskine.
How much has Brian Newsome been paid for his consulting role?
Brian Newsome has been paid at least $160,000 for his consulting service since May 2021.
What are the concerns regarding Newsome’s dual role?
Concerns include potential conflicts of interest and accountability issues, as authorizers have a fiduciary duty to oversee schools they regulate.
What is the Charter Institute at Erskine?
The Charter Institute at Erskine is an organization established in 2017 that oversees charter schools, including Gray Collegiate Academy, and has been involved in various controversies.
What is the current status of investigations regarding the Charter Institute?
South Carolina lawmakers have requested an investigation into the Charter Institute’s entanglements with charter schools as concerns regarding conflicts of interest continue to rise.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Principal’s Name | Brian Newsome |
| Consulting Start Date | May 2021 |
| Consulting Earnings | At least $160,000 |
| Annual Salary | $322,544 |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by South Carolina lawmakers |
| Organization Involved | Charter Institute at Erskine |
| Founded | 2017 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Gray Collegiate Academy Delays Opening of Irmo Campus
Disparities in Principal Salaries Spark Discussion in SC Education
Additional Resources
- 1819 News
- Wikipedia: Charter School
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Charter School Conflicts of Interest
- Town and Country
- Google Scholar: Charter School Consulting
- Post and Courier Education Lab
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
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