Lexington, October 10, 2025
News Summary
The Lexington-Richland School District Five has garnered recognition as the number one school district in the Midlands, reflecting a commitment to quality education. Spring Hill High School earned the School of Excellence title, highlighting its focus on higher education access. Financially, the district received an award for excellence in reporting. Additionally, Richland One is organizing a career fair for students, and the Columbia Borough School District reported a surplus. Job Point has proposed a YouthBuild-Workforce Charter School aimed at developing workforce skills for older students.
Lexington
The Lexington-Richland School District Five has achieved top rankings and recognitions, establishing itself as a leader in the Midlands education system. The district has been ranked the number one school district in the Midlands by niche.com and has also earned the title of the number one Best Place to Teach in Columbia, indicating a strong commitment to quality education and teacher support.
In addition to these accolades, Spring Hill High School has been designated as a School of Excellence by the S.C. Commission on Higher Education and the American College Application Campaign. This recognition highlights the school’s efforts in promoting higher education access and success for students.
On a financial note, the Office of Finance for Lexington-Richland School District Five has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). This award was granted for the district’s annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending in 2024, underscoring the district’s transparency and sound financial practices.
In broader educational updates, Richland One is organizing its Fall Career Fair on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at W.J. Keenan High School located at 361 Pisgah Church Road. This event aims to connect students with potential employers and provide career resources.
Furthermore, Lexington Two’s STAR Family Partnership/Early Childhood program has been recognized with the statewide Growing Strong District Distinction Award from the South Carolina Partnerships for Inclusion. This award reflects the district’s commitment to implementing evidence-based early childhood practices for young children and their families.
In recognition of individual achievements, South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis designated Dowanda Bryant, a financial literacy and career readiness teacher at Hopkins Middle School, as the Educator of the Month for September in the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program. This acknowledgment showcases the impact of dedicated educators in shaping student futures.
During a recent Columbia Borough school board meeting on October 7, district business manager Keith Ramsey presented the final expenses for the 2024-25 year. Pre-audit figures reveal a revenue of $34.1 million and expenditures of $33.3 million, resulting in a surplus of $782,383. Ramsey recommended that the surplus be transferred to the capital improvement fund for future construction projects, with a board vote scheduled for October 16. If approved, this surplus will increase the capital improvement fund balance to $3.32 million, aiding in construction needs across the district.
The Columbia Borough School District has also undertaken construction projects totaling $885,162 for the 2024-25 year. These initiatives include new doors for Park Elementary and replacing handrails at Taylor Middle School.
In discussions regarding future funding, the state’s Act 1 base index for the 2026-27 school year is set at 3.5%, with the adjusted amount for the Columbia Borough School District calculated at 5.2%. Contracts are being reviewed to renew a one-year agreement with Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 for English language development services and with Compass Mark for drug and alcohol prevention services.
Looking ahead, Job Point has submitted a proposal to the Missouri Charter Public School Commission to open a YouthBuild-Workforce Charter School in Columbia. This proposed charter school aims to focus on workforce-related skills for students aged 17 and older and is not expected to open until fall 2027. While charter schools offer independent operation from traditional public school regulations and rely on taxpayer funding, local opposition has arisen over concerns about funding and the potential impact on traditional schooling options. The first charter school in Columbia would follow the successful model of YouthBuild programs, which assist at-risk youth with education and job training.
FAQ
What recognition has the Lexington-Richland School District Five received?
The Lexington-Richland School District Five has been ranked the number one school district in the Midlands by niche.com and recognized as the number one Best Place to Teach in Columbia by niche.com.
What award did the Office of Finance for Lexington-Richland School District Five receive?
The Office of Finance for Lexington-Richland School District Five has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending in 2024 by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO).
What event is Richland One organizing?
Richland One is organizing its Fall Career Fair on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at W.J. Keenan High School, located at 361 Pisgah Church Road.
How did the Columbia Borough School District perform financially?
The Columbia Borough School District posted a revenue of $34.1 million and expenditures of $33.3 million, resulting in a surplus of $782,383 for the 2024-25 year.
What is Job Point proposing to the Missouri Charter Public School Commission?
Job Point submitted a proposal to open a YouthBuild-Workforce Charter School in Columbia, which will focus on workforce-related skills for students aged 17 and older, expected to open in fall 2027.
Main Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| District Ranking | Ranked number one school district in Midlands |
| Best Place to Teach | Ranked number one Best Place to Teach in Columbia |
| School of Excellence | Spring Hill High School designated as a School of Excellence |
| Financial Reporting Award | Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting |
| Career Fair | Fall Career Fair on November 8 at W.J. Keenan High School |
| Surplus Funds | Columbia Borough School District report $782,383 surplus |
| Proposed Charter School | Job Point proposing YouthBuild-Workforce Charter School in Columbia |
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Additional Resources
- LancasterOnline: Columbia School Board to Vote on Allocating Surplus Funds
- Wikipedia: Columbia, Missouri
- Columbia Missourian: Proposed Charter School Faces Opposition
- Google Search: Missouri Charter Schools
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Local Education News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WDAM: School Accountability Scores
- Google News: Columbia School Board
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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