The following letter was sent to news outlets on 8/22/25
Dear Editor,
I appreciate the opportunity to address the public regarding recent discussions and reporting surrounding the Lancaster County School District’s restructured organizational chart in the 2024-2025 school year. As Superintendent, transparency and fiscal responsibility remain foundational to our commitment to the families, educators, and taxpayers of Lancaster County.
Misinformation has been circulating in the community regarding the scope and financial implications of the reorganization of our district’s leadership team. Specifically, claims have been made that the district added seven new administrative positions at a cost of more than $1.2 million. While these figures are being discussed publicly, they do not reflect the facts of the restructuring process approved and implemented by the Board of Trustees.
The organizational changes were not a simple addition of positions; rather, they reflect a strategic realignment of roles, responsibilities, and support structures to better meet the evolving academic and operational needs of our students and schools. These updates involved renaming, reclassifying, and replacing existing positions. After accounting for positions gained through attrition, realignment, and grant funding, only one additional district-level position was added that directly impacted the general fund budget. The total financial impact of this strategic realignment was less than 1/5 of the $1.2 million that has been erroneously cited. As a matter of fact, the total number of district office staff is lower in the 2025-2026 school year than in previous years.
The restructuring of district office staff was not undertaken lightly. It followed careful analysis and planning to ensure that we could improve instructional leadership, strengthen school support, and build operational systems that increase efficiency and academic performance. The revised leadership structure reflects a sharper focus on student achievement, literacy, MTSS implementation, transformation at the middle level, and enhanced community engagement; all critical areas for a high-performing school system.
I am beginning my second full year as Superintendent. It is of great importance to note that the Lancaster County School District was removed from fiscal watch, received perfect financial audits with no findings, and received the best level/lowest financial risk score on the federal compliance assessment for the past 2 years. A comparison of the approved fund balance since fiscal year (FY) 20-21 will indicate the approved fund balance is lower in FY 25-26 than it has been in recent years, including FY 20-21 through FY 23-24, years in which fund balance was used in addition to ESSER funding. Please see the yearly approved fund balance below:
• FY 25-26 $4.4 million, 2.3% of budget
• FY 24-25 $6.9 million, 3.7% of budget
• FY 23-24 $3.9 million, 2.4% of budget
• FY 22-23 $7.5 million, 5.1% of budget
• FY 21-22 $7.5 million, 5.6% of budget
• FY 20-21 $7.6 million, 6.0% of budget
It is our duty to ensure that every child in Lancaster County receives a high-quality education, and that begins with having the right structures in place to support schools. Our district remains committed to fiscal accountability, educational excellence, and transparent communication with the public we proudly serve. Thank you for allowing us to clarify this matter and reaffirm our shared commitment to putting children first in every decision.
Furthermore, we firmly believe that open dialogue is essential to the success of our school district and the children we serve. We welcome the community’s feedback and questions and encourage you to reach out directly to the district.
Feel free to communicate with us through the following methods:
Phone: 803-286-6972 (main)
Email: communications@lcsd.k12.sc.us
District website contact form: https://www.lancastercsd.com
Contact Rodney Graves, Director of Employee and Community Relations
803-283-0537
rodney.graves@lcsd.k12.sc.us
In-person visits to the district office
District community forums
Participation in group, club, or organization meetings
Thank you for your continued partnership as we strive to ensure every child in Lancaster County receives a high-quality education.
Sincerely,
Raashad Fitzpatrick, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Lancaster County School District