Columbia, South Carolina, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Kimberly Snipes, chair of the Lexington-Richland School District 5 Board, has moved her children from public school to private education, igniting community discussions about school choice. While she emphasizes that this decision reflects her family’s unique needs and not the quality of public education, mixed reactions from residents highlight concerns about public school governance. The district’s superintendent expressed support for Snipes’ choice, but the community remains engaged in debates about educational options available to families.
Columbia, South Carolina – Kimberly Snipes, the chair of the Lexington-Richland School District 5 Board, has enrolled her children in a private school, sparking a wave of discussions within the community. Snipes has moved her fourth and sixth-grade children to Heathwood Hall, a private Episcopal school located in Columbia, having previously attended Dutch Fork Elementary School in the Chapin-Irmo area school district.
Snipes confirmed her decision, describing it as a difficult choice that she believes is in the best interest of her children. She has been serving on the public school board since 2022 and took on the role of chair in the current year. Her decision has prompted residents within the school district to engage in discussions regarding school choices and educational options available to families.
The board chair made it clear that her choice to enroll her children in a private institution does not reflect poorly on the quality of education at Dutch Fork Elementary or the Lexington-Richland 5 district as a whole. Snipes explained that her parenting decisions are based on her family’s unique needs and personal circumstances, reinforcing the idea that parents should feel empowered to choose what is best for their children, regardless of the local zoning for schools.
Akil Ross, the district’s superintendent, was informed about Snipes’ decision prior to its public announcement, allowing for transparency and avoiding any unforeseen surprises. Ross expressed his support for her choice, conveying hope that her children might return to public schools in the future. As of now, Snipes has not decided whether her children will transition back to Irmo public schools.
It is noteworthy that there is no requirement for school board members to ensure their children are enrolled in district schools. Despite her children’s transition to a private educational setting, Snipes has reiterated her ongoing commitment to the district and its students, emphasizing her roles and responsibilities as chair of the school board.
This recent action by a school board leader has highlighted the variety of educational paths available to families and may encourage families within the Lexington-Richland 5 area to consider their options. As the discussion surrounding educational choice continues, Snipes’ decision stands as a testament to the complexities and personal considerations that influence parental decisions regarding their children’s education.
Community Responses
While discussions have been sparked by Snipes’ decision, feedback from the community has been mixed, with some residents expressing concern about school board members setting a precedent by enrolling their children in private schools. Others have suggested that her choice highlights a need for the district to reassess how it addresses the needs of families within its schools.
Conclusion
Kimberly Snipes’ enrollment of her children in a private school illustrates the personal complexities involved in education choices. As community discussions evolve, the Lexington-Richland 5 district may see shifts in perceptions and conversations about educational opportunities.
FAQ
What school has Kimberly Snipes enrolled her children in?
Kimberly Snipes has enrolled her children in Heathwood Hall, a private Episcopal school in Columbia, South Carolina.
What schools did her children attend before?
Her children previously attended Dutch Fork Elementary School in the Chapin-Irmo area school district.
Has Snipes made any statements about her decision?
Snipes stated that her decision was challenging but she felt it was in the best interests of her children, emphasizing that it does not reflect negatively on the public school system.
Did the superintendent support Snipes’ decision?
Yes, Akil Ross, the district’s superintendent, expressed support for her decision and hopes her children might return to public schools in the future.
Is there a requirement for school board members to have their children in district schools?
No, there is no requirement for school board members to have children enrolled in district schools.
Key Features of the Education Decision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Kimberly Snipes |
| Current Enrollment | Heathwood Hall (Private School) |
| Previous School | Dutch Fork Elementary |
| Reason for Change | In the best interest of her children’s needs |
| Superintendent’s Support | Akil Ross |
| Public School Board Tenure | Sserved since 2022, Chair since 2023 |
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Additional Resources
- The State: Discussion on School Choices
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- WISTV: Lexington-Richland 5 Cyberattack
- Google Search: Lexington-Richland 5 School District
- Post and Courier: Budget Shortfall in Lexington-Richland 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public School
- Lexington Chronicle: Data Breach Update
- Google News: Lexington-Richland School District
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