COLUMBIA – As Richland Two school leaders grapple with ethical and legal challenges, three of them are being feted with statewide awards and distinctions.
Board chair Amelia McKie, who’s facing nearly $52,000 in fines over previously unfiled ethics forms, has been elected Region 8 Director of the South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA).
McKie was elected at the association’s annual business meeting in December. Voting consisted of delegates from most of the state’s 81 school boards, according to a news release.
Region 8 includes Richland One and Richland Two school districts.
The meeting was held Dec. 7-9, several days after The Voice published a story that said McKie hadn’t filed required Statements of Economic Interest, or SEI, forms from 2015-2018.
Additionally, in July 2018, the S.C. Ethics Commission had already fined McKie $41,000 for failing to file multiple quarterly campaign disclosure reports. That fine increased to $51,750 on Jan. 1.
Several Richland Two parents and at least one school board member have called on McKie to either step down as chair or resign from the board altogether.
Monica Elkins-Johnson
Also receiving accolades in the wake of legal challenges is Monica Elkins-Johnson, board vice-chair.
At the Feb. 26 board meeting, she was recognized for achieving Level 6 board certification through the S.C. School Board Association Boardsmanship Institute, the highest level.
The institute “offers a year-round training curriculum focused on leadership skills for board members on state and national educational issues,” according to the group’s website.
The SCSBA awarded the Level 6 certification nearly a month after Elkins-Johnson was charged with disorderly conduct in relation to an altercation after the Jan. 22 board meeting, where tensions flared following a discussion of board member ethics.
A police report filed after the meeting states that Elkins-Johnson was cursing loudly and threatened the husband of board chairwoman Amelia McKie in the foyer of the Richland Two Institute for Technology.
A second report states that Elkins-Johnson shoved Erica Davis, state Sen. Mia McLeod’s sister, during the altercation.
Change of Venue
Pontiac Magistrate Andy Surles was originally assigned to preside over the Elkins-Johnson case, but it has since been transferred to the Hopkins office and reassigned to Hopkins Magistrate Valerie Stroman.
A Richland County magistrate office representative told The Voice that Judge Surles requested the recusal, prompting the change of venue.
An exact reason for the transfer wasn’t provided, though one explanation would be to avoid a conflict of interest since one of the victims is Davis, sister of state Sen. Mia McLeod.
McLeod’s senate district includes Pontiac, and state senators play a significant role in selecting magistrates.
In South Carolina, governors appoint magistrates “upon the advice and consent of the Senate,” according to the S.C. Judicial Department website.
In addition to the disorderly conduct charge, Elkins-Johnson also didn’t file several quarterly campaign disclosure reports due in 2016 and 2017 until Dec. 27, 2018, ethics commission records state.
Reports due in April 2018 and October 2018 were also filed late, ethics records show.
Dr. Baron Davis
Though not as serious as the penalties McKie and Elkins-Johnson presently face, Dr. Davis paid a $200 fine to the ethics commission after self-reporting late filings, namely his Statements of Economic Interest, or SEI, forms.
Davis disclosed the ethics fine during the Feb. 12 board meeting.
Eight days later, at the 5th Annual Columbia Impact Awards, Davis received The Cathy Novinger Trailblazer Award, which “honors an individual who has shown exemplary leadership in his/her industry, advocates for business, and positively impacts our community” according to a news release.
“In Richland Two, we talk about the pursuit of premier being relentless and unflinching. Trailblazers dare to chart their own paths even against conventional wisdom. But through challenging ourselves we often discover our purpose,” Davis said in prepared remarks.
Parent Asks Board If Daughter Can Ignore Her Detention
COLUMBIA – Calls for Richland Two board chair Amelia McKie to step down continued Tuesday night, with three residents saying she should step down, citing nearly $52,000 in ethics fines she owes.
Local Realtor Gary Dennis also criticized the board for shooting down a policy revision that, with cause, could have stripped board members of officer positions, such as chair or vice chair.
Dennis called the board a “laughing stock” in the state, likening recent events to a “comic strip.” He said one homebuyer interested in moving to Richland County now wants to move to Lexington or Chapin instead.
“As parents we must hold school board members to strict rules and regulations,” Dennis said. “I call on the chair to resign over the public issues that face her. Nothing is gained and everything is lost by staying on the board.”
Richland Two parent Dennis Rabon asked the board if his daughter could ignore the detention she received as punishment for a dress code violation as McKie ignored her ethics fines. He, too, called for McKie to step down.
“Character and accountability are just as important as GPAs and SATs,” Rabon said. “How can you hold your superintendent accountable when you can’t hold your board members accountable?
“In a county so rife with corruption and mismanagement, you had an opportunity to rise up and say enough,” Rabon continued.
Richland Two parent Rhonda Meisner not only called for McKie to step down, but she also accused the chair of manipulating the public input schedule in her (McKie’s) favor. She also said some of McKie’s supporters have harassed her for speaking out.
“After the [Jan. 22] meeting, several people supporting Ms. McKie verbally attacked me on several occasions,” Meisner said.
McKie did not respond to calls for her resignation, and during board member comments, she and other board members generally thanked each other and staff for their hard work.
Ethics did not get raised specifically by board members, though Lindsay Agostini thanked residents who have come to board meetings to voice their concerns. She urged others to do the same instead of resorting to posting on social media.
McKie has faced intense political pressure amid revelations in a series of investigative reports by The Voice that she owes $51,750 in unpaid ethics fines.
The S.C. Ethics Commission fined McKie for failing to file several campaign disclosure reports and statements of economic interest, or SEI, forms.
At the Feb. 12 meeting, the board voted 4-3 against a policy that would make it easier for the board to boot the chair, vice-chair or secretary from their board officer positions, but not from the board itself.
McKie would have potentially been impacted by the policy. She, Holmes, Cheryl Caution-Parker and James Shadd voted against it. Agostoni, Monica Elkins-Johnson and James Manning voted for the policy.
Earlier in the meeting, the board spent 20 minutes debating an agenda item concerning board policy about adding agenda items.
Board member Agostini asked the board to table discussion of the policy, which empowers the superintendent and board chair to develop the agenda. Her motion failed 5-2 after substantial debate.
Agostini and board member Teresa Holmes voted for tabling the discussion. However, only Agostini voted against approving the agenda with the board policy discussion left intact.
Superintendent Dr. Baron Davis said the new policy is designed so agendas aren’t unilaterally decided. He also said nothing prevents board members from suggesting agenda items.
According to the policy, other board members and the public can suggest agenda items, but ultimately the work of crafting the agenda rests with the superintendent and board chair.
“This removes one person from driving the agenda. It also removes the superintendent having complete autonomy over the agenda,” he said.
Holmes, however, said the policy was unclear.
“I’m concerned, like Ms. Agostini, because I don’t see where it says we can vote to put a policy in. As it stands right now, it does not say that,” Holmes said.
Later in the meeting, board member Monica Elkins-Johnson tried to amend the motion to approve the policy.
She wanted board members to have the ability to help craft the agenda, but her proposed amendment wasn’t taken up. The board voted 4-3 for the policy, with Agostini, Holmes and Elkins-Johnson voting against.
Members Vote 4-3 Against Removing Officers For Cause
COLUMBIA – Despite several members facing ethical and criminal sanctions, the Richland Two Board of Trustees voted against a policy designed to increase their accountability.
On Tuesday night, the board voted 4-3 against a board policy revision that would have empowered the board to discharge office holders by a supermajority vote.
“The board may, with a vote of five members, remove a board officer from his/her office, for cause, as determined by the board,” the proposed policy change states.
“In such a case, or in any case where there is a vacancy in a board office, the board may as soon as practical elect a member to fill the vacated office for the remainder of the term.”
Board chair Amelia McKie and board members James Shadd III, Cheryl Caution-Parker and Teresa Holmes voted against the policy change.
Board members James Manning, Lindsay Agostini and Monica Elkins-Johnson voted to support the policy.
The vote comes in the wake of a disorderly conduct charge filed against board secretary Monica Elkins-Johnson.
A Richland County Sheriff’s Office report states Elkins-Johnson was involved in a shoving match with Erica Davis, the sister of state Sen. Mia McLeod, following the Jan. 22 board meeting.
A second report states that Elkins-Johnson threatened Stacy McKie, husband of Amelia McKie.
It also comes amid the S.C. Ethics Commission fining Amelia McKie $51,750 for failing to file numerous campaign disclosure reports.
Several other board members failed to file various ethics reports, doing so only after a series of investigative reports by The Voice.
Elkins-Johnson issues statement
Elkins-Johnson, 51, turned herself in to the sheriff’s office on Jan. 31 and was charged with disorderly conduct. She was released on a $237.50 personal recognizance bond, and the next court date is scheduled for March 18, according to Richland County court records.
At Tuesday’s board meeting, Elkins-Johnson read a prepared statement, her first public remarks since Jan. 31.
In her statement, she apologized for “the language that I used” following the Jan. 22 board meeting, and also thanked friends and family for their support.
However, she also placed some blame on “the misconduct of others,” though she didn’t identify those people by name. She said her behavior after the meeting was out of character.
“When several people violated my space, it took me to an unfamiliar level, which I am not proud of as a servant leader and as a result I ask for your forgiveness,” Elkins-Johnson said.
“As always I have learned from this and will certainly use this as a teachable moment. Therefore, one moment out of my character does not and will not define me.”
Caution-Parker also addressed board behavior, saying all board members are responsible for their own actions.
“When we’re going to criticize a board member, take everybody into consideration, not just one,” Caution-Parker said. “We’re responsible for our passions, no matter what we do, no matter the circumstances. We are fully grown people and we are responsible for what we do and what we don’t do.”
Board member Teresa Holmes summed up her own comments with, “Let’s just all hold hands and say kumbaya.”
Board members mull policy
Those voting against the policy Tuesday night said it was too vague. McKie took issue with the phrase “for cause.”
Shadd III, who was fined $13,000 by the ethics commission in 2014, also took issue with the “for cause” terminology.
He suggested the policy proposal was reactionary, saying sanctions for legal troubles some board members face already exist in state law.
“What does ‘just cause’ mean?” Shadd III asked. “Failing to file reports with the ethics commission; there is a consequence to that. Failure to pay fines; there is a consequence to that.”
Caution-Parker said she would only support the policy revision if it went into effect July 1. She vehemently opposed any application of the policy that went into effect immediately.
“I have a major, major problem about how this all came about,” Caution-Parker said. “It’s almost like a mob mentality. Somebody did something, so we’re going to pass this.”
Manning said all policies the board has ever passed went into effect immediately upon approval and asked why this one should be different. He also disputed assertions that the policy targets anyone. He said it has many hypothetical applications, including absenteeism, misrepresentation or other actions.
“It’s made us review the policy and realize there’s a gap in the policy that needs to be addressed,” he said. “We have a gap that needs to be corrected, not a mob mentality about any individuals.”
Agostini emphasized the policy wasn’t designed to remove a member from the board, only to strip them of officer positions, which include chair, vice-chair and secretary.
“This policy is not removing somebody from the board,” she said.
Later in the meeting, Agostini read aloud an email from a constituent who expressed embarrassment over McKie’s ethics fines amid the recently approved $468 million bond referendum funding various school construction projects.
“How can I reasonably expect that our chairwoman can manage nearly a half billion dollar bond when she cannot manage a simple ethics filing,” Agostini said, reading from the letter.
Superintendent addresses ethics
In related matters, Dr. Baron Davis, district superintendent, acknowledged a blemish existed in his own ethics filings.
Reading from a prepared statement, Davis said shortly after his hiring in 2017, he was unfamiliar with an ethics commission requirement that superintendents file Statements of Economic Interest, or SEI, forms.
Davis said while filing his 2019 forms, he noticed that he didn’t file his 2018 form (for the 2017 year) within 10 days of officially becoming superintendent.
“I did not know that and I did not file. I admitted those things once I started overlooking the process of our filings,” he said. “After realizing my oversight I quickly alerted the commission who never contacted me about the oversight.”
Davis said he’s since filed an amended SEI form and paid a $100 fine.
“I share this information on my own free will and in an effort to remain transparent and honest in my community,” he said. “That’s something I wanted to share publicly so we can close the chapter and move forward with the day to day operations of this outstanding district.”
COLUMBIA – A Richland Two school board member has been criminally charged for her role in an altercation that involved a state senator, the senator’s sister and spouse of the school board chairwoman.
Elkins-Johnson
Monica Elkins-Johnson, 51, of Columbia, was charged Thursday with disorderly conduct, according to online police and court records.
On Jan. 31, Elkins-Johnson turned herself in to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, where she appeared for a bond hearing.
Elkins-Johnson posted a $237.50 personal recognizance bond. Her next scheduled court date is March 18, according to the Richland County Public Index.
As a condition of her bond, Elkins-Johnson has been ordered to have no contact with any of the victims, identified in court records as Sen. Mia McLeod; Erica Davis, McLeod’s sister; and Stacy McKie, husband of board chair Amelia McKie.
A Richland County Sheriff’s Office news release says Elkins-Johnson “did attack several individuals,” and cursed and threatened them.
The incident was caught on video, the release said. A police report said the altercation occurred around 9:30 p.m., shortly after the board meeting adjourned.
Footage released to The Voice shows a scrum of individuals in the foyer of the Richland Two Institute for Technology, moments after the Jan. 22 school board meeting adjourned.
The footage shows security guards separating Elkins-Johnson from the group.
Shortly before 10 p.m., The Voice observed Elkins-Johnson and another board member in the parking lot standing near a vehicle. Two security guards stood close by.
Two police reports were filed in relation to the altercation that followed the Jan. 22 board meeting at the Richland Two Institute for Technology.
One report stated that as McLeod and her sister were leaving the meeting, the suspect aggressively approached one of the sisters.
A second report stated the suspect called Stacy McKie several “offensive words,” and threatened to kill him.
Elkins Johnson filed a petition for a restraining order against Stacy McKie, claiming in court records that he cursed at her and alleged harassment. A magistrate denied Elkins-Johnson’s petition.
Things turned heated after the Jan. 22 board meeting, a meeting in which the board discussed proposed policy revisions that would make it easier to remove board members from officer positions, such as board chair, vice-chair or treasurer.
The proposed policy changes come following an investigation by The Voice into Richland Two board members failing to file required ethics forms with the S.C. Ethics Commission.
McKie was fined $51,750 for failing to file several campaign disclosure reports.
Elkins-Johnson didn’t file several quarterly campaign disclosure reports from the 2016 campaign – dating back to April 2017 – until Dec. 27, 2018, according to the ethics commission online database.
It is unclear what ethics fines, if any, Elkins-Johnson faces. An ethics commission spokesperson couldn’t be reached for comment.
COLUMBIA – Richland Two school board Vice Chair Monica Elkins-Johnson (seen in the surveillance video wearing a pink jacket) was arrested Thursday and charged with disorderly conduct. The altercation occurred Jan. 22 following a school board meeting at the Richland Two Institute of Innovation on Fashion Drive in Columbia.
School Board Vice Chair Monica Elkins Johnson arrested
COLUMBIA – A Richland Two school board member has been criminally charged for her role in an altercation moments after a recent board meeting.
Elkins-Johnson
Monica Elkins Johnson, 51, of Columbia, has been charged with disorderly conduct, according to online police and court records.
Elkins Johnson was charged Thursday. Bond information was unavailable as of Thursday afternoon.
The charge comes following a heated exchange that also included State Sen. Mia McLeod and Stacy McKie, husband of Richland Two chairwoman Amelia McKie.
A Richland County Sheriff’s Office news release says Elkins-Johnson “did attack several individuals,” and cursed and threatened them. The incident was caught on video, the release said.
Elkins-Johnson turned herself in at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, where as of Thursday afternoon she was awaiting a bond hearing, the release continued.
Two police reports were filed in relation to the altercation that followed the Jan. 22 board meeting at the Richland Two Institute of Innovation.
One report stated that as McLeod and her sister were leaving the meeting, the suspect aggressively approached one of the sisters.
A second report stated the suspect called Stacy McKie several “offensive words,” and threatened to kill him.
Elkins Johnson filed a complaint a petition for a restraining order against Stacy McKie, claiming in court records that he cursed at her and alleged harassment. A magistrate denied Elkins-Johnson’s petition.
Things turned heated after the Jan. 22 board meeting, a meeting in which the board discussed proposed policy revisions that would make it easier to remove board members from officer positions, such as board chair, vice-chair or treasurer.
The proposed policy changes come following an investigation by The Voice into Richland Two board members filing to file required ethics forms with the S.C. Ethics Commission.
McKie was recently fined $51,750 for failing to file several campaign disclosure reports.
Elkins-Johnson didn’t file several quarterly campaign disclosure reports from the 2016 campaign until Dec. 27, 2018, according to the ethics commission online database.
It is unclear what ethics fines, if any, Elkins-Johnson faces. An ethics commission spokesperson couldn’t be reached Thursday.
This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.
Updated: R2 Board meeting ends in melee
COLUMBIA – An altercation involving a state senator, the spouse of the Richland Two school board chair and a second board member, erupted following a recent board meeting, according to public records obtained by The Voice.
The skirmish resulted in two separate police reports being filed against the subject (the reported school board member), whose name is redacted in the report, and a petition for a restraining order against Stacy McKie, spouse of board chair Amelia McKie.
A heavily redacted Richland County Sheriff’s Office report lists the incident type as “simple assault” in one report and “all other offenses” in the other. One report states the subject “was threatening to kill” McKie’s husband.
Although the police report contained significant redactions, Richland Two board member Monica Elkins-Johnson is named in the restraining order petition.
Elkins-Johnson sought a restraining order against Stacy McKie, alleging harassment, court documents state.
“I felt threatened and would ask that he not be allowed to come near me,” Elkins-Johnson wrote.
Daniel Coble, associate chief magistrate for Richland County, sided with Stacy McKie, and denied Elkins-Johnson’s petition.
Elkins-Johnson couldn’t be reached for comment. Amelia McKie, board chair, also couldn’t be reached.
In one of the police reports, McLeod and her sister are identified as saying they wish to prosecute. Attempts to reach McLeod have been unsuccessful.
Reports redacted
Sen. McLeod’s name is unredacted in the narrative. McKie, the school board chair, is also identified in the report by her elected post.
All other names of subjects, victims and witnesses were blackened. The only redactions in the restraining order petition were the plaintiff’s (Elkins-Johnson) and defendant’s (Stacy McKie) addresses and contact information.
Jay Bender, an attorney with the S.C. Press Association, of which The Voice is a member, said there’s no legitimate reason to redact the names of elected officials in any incident report, especially if they’re involved in an altercation following a school board or other public meeting.
“Taking the names out doesn’t mean it didn’t happen,” Bender said. “The law is very clear, when you’re involved in a matter of public interest and at a public meeting getting into a fracas, there is no right of privacy.”
Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Capt. Maria Yturria said the names were redacted because the investigation is ongoing. Yturria said no arrests have been made.
Bill Rogers, executive director of the S.C. Press Association, disputed the sheriff office’s interpretation of state law.
“I think this is an example of over-redaction. This is not something that’s going to hinder an investigation, it’s just covering up,” Rogers said. “These are public officials and the public has a right to know what they’re doing.”
Board members react
Things turned chippy shortly after last Tuesday’s meeting in which the board discussed proposed changes in board policy that would allow for the removal of the chairman, vice-chairman and secretary with cause.
The policy change comes in response to investigative reports by The Voice into board member ethics violations.
In June 2018, the S.C. Ethics Commission fined McKie $41,000 for failing to file several ethics reports. The fine jumped to $51,750 on Dec. 31 when she failed to pay the first $21,000 in fines.
Several other board members also failed to file various ethics reports on time during the 2018 election cycle, public records show.
At last week’s board meeting, but before the filing of police reports and restraining order petitions, board member Lindsay Agostini publicly called for McKie to step down as the board’s chairman, but not from her board post.
“After being informed by media of missing documents which took over a month for the chair to complete, she has taken no ownership of any wrongdoing,” Agostini said from the dais. “As you try to straighten things up for you and your family, I at a minimum ask that you step down as chair. A premier district deserves a premier board.”
Reached by phone Monday, Agostini declined to comment on the altercation described in the two police reports, or whether the proposed board policy changes should apply to last Tuesday’s incident as well.
Agostini would only say she’s saddened by the attention that’s being drawn to board member conduct.
“It saddens me that we are going through this experience,” she said. “I’m grateful that our administration is continuing to focus on our students and our teachers.”
Board member James Manning, who said he had no knowledge of the altercation beyond media reports, said the proposed board policy changes aren’t aimed at a specific individual or type of conduct.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s an ethics issue or some sort of police report,” he said. “The issue is when does one of our officers become ineffective in carrying out their roles and responsibilities?”
Documents detail drama
According to one incident report, as McLeod and her sister were leaving last week’s board meeting, the subject had an altercation with McKie’s spouse.
The subject, the report said, then aggressively approached one of the sisters whose name is redacted, while the other (also redacted) moved between them, the report continues.
The subject then pushed one of the sisters and cursed at McLeod and others according to the incident report. There were no injuries, but McLeod said she was in fear for her safety, and security had to restrain the subject, the report stated.
In the parking lot after the meeting, The Voice observed board member Monica Elkins-Johnson and at least one other board member near a car. Two security guards stood nearby.
Superintendent Dr. Baron Davis was present too, though he is not named in any of the police reports or court documents obtained by The Voice.
A second police report filed by a man who sources say is McKie’s spouse stated that the subject called him several “offensive words” and threatened to kill him. He said in the report that the subject also punched another person.
The altercation continued into the parking lot. When the subject approached McKie’s spouse a second time, she had to be restrained, the report continued.
“[Complainant/Victim] is concerned about the subject possibly approaching him again in a volatile and confrontational manner,” the report states.
On the following day, Elkins-Johnson sought a restraining order against Stacy McKie, saying in court records that the two were involved in a confrontation following the Jan. 22 school board meeting.
The confrontation occurred around 9:30 p.m. at the Richland Two Institute for Innovation, where board meetings are held.
“The defendant’s wife has been accused of ethics violations,” Elkins-Johnson wrote in the complaint. “Therefore, she invited her allies (about 30) to attend the meeting.”
Elkins-Johnson goes on to say in the complaint that she was speaking with some church members when she noticed Stacy McKie standing off to her left.
“I spoke to him. He loudly said to me, [expletive], don’t speak to me. I don’t [expletive] with you like that,” the document states. “The discussion continued and then he came closer to me and asked ‘what do I want to do?’”
Richland Two board member Monica Elkins-Johnson, right, was denied a restraining order against Board chair’s husband. | Barbara Ball
COLUMBIA – An altercation involving a state senator, the spouse of the Richland Two school board chair and a second board member, erupted following a recent board meeting, according to public records obtained by The Voice.
The skirmish resulted in two separate police reports being filed against the subject (the reported school board member), whose name is redacted in the report, and a petition for a restraining order against Stacy McKie, spouse of board chair Amelia McKie.
A heavily redacted Richland County Sheriff’s Office report lists the incident type as “simple assault” in one report and “all other offenses” in the other. One report states the subject “was threatening to kill” McKie’s husband.
Although the police report contained significant redactions, Richland Two board member Monica Elkins-Johnson is named in the restraining order petition.
Elkins-Johnson sought a restraining order against Stacy McKie, alleging harassment, court documents state.
“I felt threatened and would ask that he not be allowed to come near me,” Elkins-Johnson wrote.
Daniel Coble, associate chief magistrate for Richland County, sided with Stacy McKie, and denied Elkins-Johnson’s petition.
Elkins-Johnson couldn’t be reached for comment. Amelia McKie, board chair, also couldn’t be reached.
In one of the police reports, McLeod and her sister are identified as saying they wish to prosecute. Attempts to reach McLeod have been unsuccessful.
Reports redacted
Sen. McLeod’s name is unredacted in the narrative. McKie, the school board chair, is also identified in the report by her elected post.
All other names of subjects, victims and witnesses were blackened. The only redactions in the restraining order petition were the plaintiff’s (Elkins-Johnson) and defendant’s (Stacy McKie) addresses and contact information.
Jay Bender, an attorney with the S.C. Press Association, of which The Voice is a member, said there’s no legitimate reason to redact the names of elected officials in any incident report, especially if they’re involved in an altercation following a school board or other public meeting.
“Taking the names out doesn’t mean it didn’t happen,” Bender said. “The law is very clear, when you’re involved in a matter of public interest and at a public meeting getting into a fracas, there is no right of privacy.”
Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Capt. Maria Yturria said the names were redacted because the investigation is ongoing. Yturria said no arrests have been made.
Bill Rogers, executive director of the S.C. Press Association, disputed the sheriff office’s interpretation of state law.
“I think this is an example of over-redaction. This is not something that’s going to hinder an investigation, it’s just covering up,” Rogers said. “These are public officials and the public has a right to know what they’re doing.”
Board members react
Things turned chippy shortly after last Tuesday’s meeting in which the board discussed proposed changes in board policy that would allow for the removal of the chairman, vice-chairman and secretary with cause.
The policy change comes in response to investigative reports by The Voice into board member ethics violations.
In June 2018, the S.C. Ethics Commission fined McKie $41,000 for failing to file several ethics reports. The fine jumped to $51,750 on Dec. 31 when she failed to pay the first $21,000 in fines.
Several other board members also failed to file various ethics reports on time during the 2018 election cycle, public records show.
At last week’s board meeting, but before the filing of police reports and restraining order petitions, board member Lindsay Agostini publicly called for McKie to step down as the board’s chairman, but not from her board post.
“After being informed by media of missing documents which took over a month for the chair to complete, she has taken no ownership of any wrongdoing,” Agostini said from the dais. “As you try to straighten things up for you and your family, I at a minimum ask that you step down as chair. A premier district deserves a premier board.”
Reached by phone Monday, Agostini declined to comment on the altercation described in the two police reports, or whether the proposed board policy changes should apply to last Tuesday’s incident as well.
Agostini would only say she’s saddened by the attention that’s being drawn to board member conduct.
“It saddens me that we are going through this experience,” she said. “I’m grateful that our administration is continuing to focus on our students and our teachers.”
Board member James Manning, who said he had no knowledge of the altercation beyond media reports, said the proposed board policy changes aren’t aimed at a specific individual or type of conduct.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s an ethics issue or some sort of police report,” he said. “The issue is when does one of our officers become ineffective in carrying out their roles and responsibilities?”
Documents detail drama
According to one incident report, as McLeod and her sister were leaving last week’s board meeting, the subject had an altercation with McKie’s spouse.
The subject, the report said, then aggressively approached one of the sisters whose name is redacted, while the other (also redacted) moved between them, the report continues.
The subject then pushed one of the sisters and cursed at McLeod and others according to the incident report. There were no injuries, but McLeod said she was in fear for her safety, and security had to restrain the subject, the report stated.
In the parking lot after the meeting, The Voice observed board member Monica Elkins-Johnson and at least one other board member near a car. Two security guards stood nearby.
Superintendent Dr. Baron Davis was present too, though he is not named in any of the police reports or court documents obtained by The Voice.
A second police report filed by a man who sources say is McKie’s spouse stated that the subject called him several “offensive words” and threatened to kill him. He said in the report that the subject also punched another person.
The altercation continued into the parking lot. When the subject approached McKie’s spouse a second time, she had to be restrained, the report continued.
“[Complainant/Victim] is concerned about the subject possibly approaching him again in a volatile and confrontational manner,” the report states.
On the following day, Elkins-Johnson sought a restraining order against Stacy McKie, saying in court records that the two were involved in a confrontation following the Jan. 22 school board meeting.
The confrontation occurred around 9:30 p.m. at the Richland Two Institute for Innovation, where board meetings are held.
“The defendant’s wife has been accused of ethics violations,” Elkins-Johnson wrote in the complaint. “Therefore, she invited her allies (about 30) to attend the meeting.”
Elkins-Johnson goes on to say in the complaint that she was speaking with some church members when she noticed Stacy McKie standing off to her left.
“I spoke to him. He loudly said to me, [expletive], don’t speak to me. I don’t [expletive] with you like that,” the document states. “The discussion continued and then he came closer to me and asked ‘what do I want to do?’”
COLUMBIA – An altercation involving a state senator, the spouse of the Richland Two school board chair and a person who sources have told The Voice is a Richland Two School Board member, erupted following Tuesday night’s Richland Two school board meeting, according to police records obtained by The Voice.
The skirmish ended with two separate police reports being filed against the subject (the reported school board member).
The incident type is listed as “simple assault” in one report and “all other offenses” in the other. One report states the subject “was threatening to kill” board chair Amelia McKie’s husband.
Names of elected officials and two relatives are redacted in the report, though Sen. Mia McLeod’s name is unredacted in the narrative. McKie, the school board chair, is also identified in the report by her elected post.
In one of the reports, McLeod and her sister are identified as saying they wish to prosecute.
Jay Bender, an attorney with the S.C. Press Association, of which The Voice is a member, said there’s no legitimate reason to redact the names of elected officials in any incident report, especially if they’re involved in an altercation following a school board meeting.
“Taking the names out doesn’t mean it didn’t happen,” Bender said. “The law is very clear, when you’re involved in a matter of public interest and at a public meeting getting into a fracas, there is no right of privacy.”
Things turned chippy shortly after Tuesday night’s meeting in which the board discussed proposed changes in board policy that would allow for the removal of the chairman, vice-chairman and secretary with cause.
The policy change comes in response to investigative reports by The Voice into board member ethics violations.
In June 2018, the S.C. Ethics Commission fined McKie $41,000 for failing to file several ethics reports. The fine jumped to $51,750 on Dec. 31 when she failed to pay the first $21,000 in fines.
Five other board members have had missing ethics forms as well, according to the ethics commission.
According to the incident report from Tuesday night, McLeod and her sister were leaving Tuesday night’s board meeting after the subject had an altercation with McKie’s spouse.
The subject, the report said, aggressively approached one of the sisters whose name is redacted, while the other (also redacted) moved between them, the report continues.
The subject then pushed one of the sisters and cursed at McLeod and others according to the incident report. There were no injuries, but McLeod said she was in fear for her safety, and security had to restrain the subject, the report stated.
A second report filed by a man who sources say is McKie’s spouse stated that the subject called him several “offensive words” and threatened to kill him. He said in the report that the subject also punched another person.
The altercation continued into the parking lot. When the subject approached McKie’s spouse a second time, she had to be restrained, the report continued.
“[Complainant/Victim] is concerned about the subject possibly approaching him again in a volatile and confrontational manner,” the report states.
The subject couldn’t be reached for comment Friday evening.
In the parking lot after the meeting, The Voice observed two board members waiting near a car, with two security guards standing close by. Superintendent Dr. Baron Davis was present too, though he is not named in any of the police reports obtained by The Voice.
This story will be updated as more information is available.
Board Opens Door for Removal of Members from Office
COLUMBIA – Calls for the resignation of Richland Two school board chair Amelia McKie grew Tuesday night, with a fellow board member joining in those calls.
Meantime, two other board members are suggesting publicity of missing school board ethics forms has been “racially motivated.”
During the Board and Superintendent Comments portion of Tuesday’s board meeting, board member Lindsay Agostini publicly called for McKie to step down as chair.
Agostini said McKie has been evasive and dishonest in addressing unfiled ethics reports and subsequent fines from the state.
“After being informed by media of missing documents which took over a month for the chair to complete, she has taken no ownership of any wrongdoing,” Agostini said. “As you try to straighten things up for you and your family, I at a minimum ask that you step down as chair. A premier district deserves a premier board.”
In prepared remarks, McKie apologized later in the meeting for not filing her ethics forms. She said her forms are now current, and that she’s working with legal counsel to address nearly $52,000 in fines she owes the S.C. Ethics Commission.
“I am responsible and I am not running from those problems,” she said in prepared remarks.
McKie went on to state she’s faced numerous personal attacks since her ethics problems came to light.
“I have a problem that my character is maligned. Everything that I have said has been accurate at the time. My filings are accurate with the commission,” she added. “Not necessarily everything you have read or seen is accurate. I will not have my character maligned when there are two sides to a story.”
McKie’s statement didn’t address whether or not she planned to resign.
After the meeting, she declined to comment, deferring The Voice to her prepared statement.
Board members float race issues
At the Jan. 8 meeting, Board member Teresa Holmes thanked The Voice for its news coverage of missing ethics forms, including her own.
“I’m brand new to this, I had no idea,” Holmes said. “I’m glad that you actually did the story. Nobody tells you these things when you’re running.”
But at the Tuesday night meeting, Holmes did an about face, questioning the accuracy of the news reports about ethics issues, hinting race factored into it.
“All of the stuff you saw in the paper wasn’t necessarily factual,” Holmes said. “Some of it was racially motivated, I really do believe that.”
When asked after the meeting what specifically was reported incorrectly, Holmes would not comment.
Board member Monica Elkins-Johnson challenged the accuracy of news reports as well, but also could not say what was incorrect.
“I hope that we will not judge people on their skin tone, on mistakes, on their actions,” Elkins-Johnson said. “Give people an opportunity to prove themselves. People don’t know what’s going on in your household. Sometimes the media doesn’t always report things accurately.”
Stephen Gilchrist, a board member with the Richland Two Black Parents Association, said following state ethics laws is not about race.
“It’s not a racial issue from our perspective,” Gilchrist said. “This is about ethics issues Ms. McKie is dealing with, and of course the board in Richland 2.”
Similar messaging appears on the association’s website and Facebook page.
“Ethics is not synonymous with race! Let’s not draw that association,” the group’s Facebook page states. “When an issue is about personal ethics, let’s not attempt to draw parallels to our turbulent socio-politically, charged racial climate. Wrong is wrong and right is simply right!”
Jay Bender, an attorney with the S.C. Press Association, of which The Voice is a member, noted that in 2012 about 250 Republican candidates for state office were booted off the ballot for not properly filing ethics forms.
Most of the candidates were white, Bender said.
“Ethics problems in South Carolina appear to be as neutral as anything,” he said. “The threshold is are you a public official, not whether you are white or black.”
The Ethics Commission’s debtor list, a running public list of individuals with unpaid ethics fines, also consists of a clear mix of black and white candidates and lobbyists.
More resignation calls
Richland Two parent Rhonda Meisner once again asked McKie to resign during public comments. She also asked McKie to return any public money she’s received as a board member.
“I know that is not a very nice message, but that is a message that needs to be addressed in my opinion,” Meisner said.
Columbia resident Gus Philpott called for McKie’s resignation as well.
“In view of the $52,000 amount of her fines from the ethics commission, I request that she immediately and voluntarily step down from the board,” Philpott said. “If she fails to step down, I believe that the board must remove her.
“Matters of ethics are definitely not a distraction,” Philpott added. “This is an ethical issue, please address it now.”
Calling McKie a “doer,” Innocent Ntiasagwe spoke in support of the board chair.
“It’s good for us to pay attention to look at the good in the work that we do, not just some innuendos that may arise every now and then,” Ntiasagwe said. “Some people only look back and see what is wrong and don’t offer solutions.”
In June 2018, the ethics commission fined McKie $41,000 in connection with multiple violations of not filing campaign disclosure reports.
McKie was ordered to pay $21,000 by Dec. 31, 2018. When she didn’t, the fine jumped to $51,750, agency records state.
Board proposes policy change
Almost unnoticed, the district unveiled proposed revisions to a board policy relating to the election of officers, such as chairperson, vice-chair and secretary.
According to the proposed change, a supermajority can vote to remove a Board officer from his or her office, which would require five votes.
“In such a case, or in any case where there is a vacancy in a board office, the board may as soon as practical elect a member to fill the vacated office for the remainder of the term,” the revision states.
If enacted, the board under the policy could strip a board member of their office position, but not their board seat.
“I’m saddened that we had to revise this policy, but I’m grateful for those who’ve worked expeditiously to get this to us tonight,” Agostini said.
Board member James Manning said the purpose of the policy is to address edge cases. He cautioned against using it for political purposes.
“It gives us an opportunity should the need arise for us to address potential issues,” Manning said. “It really has to be a high bar for cause.”
No votes were taken on the policy Tuesday night. That would likely occur at the next meeting scheduled for Feb. 12.
The policy proposal comes in response to an investigation by The Voice into McKie and other board members with previously unfiled ethics forms. Six of seven board members either filed late or failed to file.
Manning, previously believed to have filed his forms, told The Voice on Tuesday that he was recently fined $200 for two late filings. That information, Manning told The Voice, was only released by the Commission last week.
He said the ethics commission reviewed all board members’ ethics filings after The Voice’s reports, and that he has since paid the fine.
Other board members filed missing forms in December and January following reports in The Voice, public records show.
COLUMBIA – Calls for the resignation of Richland Two school board chair Amelia McKie grew Tuesday night, with a fellow board member joining in those calls.
Meantime, two other board members are suggesting publicity of missing school board ethics forms has been “racially motivated.”
Board member Lindsay Agostini led the charge of those calling for McKie’s resignation.
“As you try to straighten things up for you and your family, I at a minimum ask that you step down as chair,” Agostini said. “A premier district deserves a premier board.”
In prepared remarks, McKie apologized later in the evening for not filing her ethics forms. She said her forms are now current, and that she’s working with legal counsel to address nearly $52,000 in fines she owes the S.C. Ethics Commission.
“I am responsible and I am not running from those problems,” she said in prepared remarks.
She declined to comment on calls for her resignation, referring The Voice to her prepared statement.
At least two board members injected race into the ethics debate.
Board members Monica Elkins-Johnson and Teresa Holmes said news reports have been inaccurate, but, when asked, wouldn’t say what was incorrect.
“All of the stuff you saw in the paper wasn’t necessarily factual,” Holmes said. Some of it was racially motivated, I do believe that. “Some of it was racially motivated, I really do believe that.”
Stephen Gilchrist, a board member with the Richland Two Black Parents Association, said following state ethics laws is not about race.
“It’s not a racial issue from our perspective,” Gilchrist said. “This is about ethics issues Ms. McKie is dealing with, and of course the board in Richland 2.”
Read more about this story in Thursday’s edition of The Voice.
COLUMBIA – Once again the Richland Two school board plans to discuss ongoing ethics issues behind closed doors.
Only this time the board is also slated to discuss board policies that address how board officers are chosen, suggesting changes to one or more leadership positions.
An agenda for Tuesday night’s meeting lists six executive session items, including one for the “receipt of legal advice regarding Ethics Act issues and Board Policy BD.”
Board Policy BD involves “Organization of the Board,” according to the school district’s website.
Among other things, the policy details the process for the election of officers: chairman, vice-chairman and secretary. Officer elections occur in June, the policy states.
Legally, the board couldn’t proceed with electing officers at Tuesday’s meeting.
Recent changes in state law prohibit public bodies for taking action on an executive session item without also stating on the agenda that action may be taken.
Tuesday night’s agenda lists three executive session items that may receive a vote, but the ethics discussion isn’t among them.
At the board’s Jan. 8 meeting, concerned parent Rhonda Meisner called for board chairwoman Amelia McKie to resign.
Meisner cited a section of state law that says elected officials failing to file Statements of Economic Interest forms with the S.C. Ethics Commission can’t be legally sworn in to office.
A week later, the board scheduled a special meeting that consisted of a single agenda item – an executive session to “receive legal advice concerning Ethics Act issues.” The session lasted an hour and a half. No action was taken in public session.
An investigation by The Voice found that McKie and four other board members failed to file either SEI forms or quarterly campaign disclosure reports, also required under state law.
In June 2018, the ethics commission fined McKie $41,000 and ordered her to pay half by Dec. 31, 2018. When she didn’t, the fine jumped to $51,750, agency records state.
Tuesday’s meeting will be held at the Richland Two Institute of Innovation at 763 Fashion Drive, Columbia. The executive session starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by a business meeting at 7 p.m.
