Lawmakers Demand Audit of South Carolina’s Largest Charter School District
Concerns Over Charter Institute at Erskine’s Management and Operations
In South Carolina, state lawmakers are raising serious questions about the operations, management, and financial undertakings of the Charter Institute at Erskine, one of the state’s biggest charter school districts. This week, a cross-party group of legislators, from both the House and the Senate, urged for state audits of the charter school district, amidst concerns that state funds may have been mishandled or even laws violated.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Waste
“We are in receipt of information about and allegations against (the Charter Institute at Erskine) which, if true, indicate a culture of mismanagement, waste, fraud and abuse at the agency,” reads a letter issued by five state senators. The lawmakers stressed the importance of safeguarding public funds, especially those allocated for the state’s children’s education. The letter was subsequently sent to the governor’s office, requesting an inquiry from the inspector general.
Another letter, penned by six House members, appealed to the Legislative Audit Council. They sought an investigation into claims that the Charter Institute had entered into inappropriate financial dealings with for-profit management companies that run many of the charter schools under its supervision.
Charter Institute at Erskine Under Scrutiny
The Charter Institute at Erskine did not provide an immediate response to the requests for these investigations. Its CEO and Superintendent, Cameron Runyan, has consistently denied any wrongdoings. Several lawmakers have credited their call for an investigation to a series of revelations that uncovered worrying actions by Charter Institute leaders, raising ethical concerns.
Seeking Clarity and Oversight
State Sen. Brad Hutto, one of the five senators who signed onto the inspector general audit request, voiced his support for the review. His aim is to gain a clearer understanding of the Charter Institute’s finances and potential conflicts of interest. He emphasized the need for proper oversight of the charter school system.
Changes to the State Budget
In recent months, both the House and the Senate have added temporary measures to the state budget in response to concerns about the Charter Institute’s spending and compliance with South Carolina’s charter schools law. These additions, known as provisos, are designed to address some of these concerns. However, lawmakers agree that more needs to be done to strengthen the Charter Schools Act.
Proposed Reforms and Amendments
Sen. Nikki Setzler proposed an amendment to cap the amount of taxpayer money that can be retained by college and university authorizers for the supervision of the schools they oversee. Setzler expressed his hope that the Senate will pursue the issue in the coming legislative session.
Pledge for Accountability
Sending a strong message to his colleagues, Setzler urged them to take this issue seriously and consider making reforms to the law when they reconvene next year. He suggested possibly forming a task force during the off-session to delve deeper into the matter. The call for an inspector general audit of the Charter Institute signals an attempt by state lawmakers to honor Setzler’s wishes and guarantee accountability of public funds.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
