COLUMBIA – Richland School District Two is receiving national recognition for its efforts to create equity of opportunity and access for all students. K-12 Dive, a publication covering education news, has named Richland Two the 2021 District of the Year for its innovation and inclusive initiatives.
“Richland Two was the first school district in South Carolina to adopt an Equity Policy in August 2019. Our equity and inclusion efforts are exceedingly important to ensuring we prepare all students to lead and excel in their chosen pathways to success,” said Dr. Baron R. Davis, Richland Two Superintendent. “Richland Two is honored to be recognized by K-12 Dive for our commitment to using an equity lens when planning, making decisions and allocating resources. This award acknowledges the resolve of our school board, administrators, teachers and community partners to continuously grow and improve in these areas.”
K-12 Dive also applauded Richland Two for its 1:1 computing and being able to seamlessly transition to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic; the award-winning Richland Two Institute of Innovation Student Education Center; the R2 Innovates Program that encourages employees to share and implement their creative ideas; a successful $468 million bond referendum to support facilities improvements; and an increase in the number of underrepresented students taking Advanced Placement courses. Earlier this year, K-12 Dive placed Dr. Davis on a watch list of four progressive Superintendents to Watch for intentionally and unapologetically integrating diversity and inclusion to support the district’s mission.
Dr. Davis has successfully launched the Premier 100 initiative to recruit and retain minority male teachers. The PREMIER 100 initiative seeks to provide all students with a minority teacher during their kindergarten through 12th grade experience, with the ultimate goal of having at least one minority male teacher. The initiative was launched based on the result of an examination of data on the impact men of color have in classrooms, particularly African American men as it relates to African American children, and the impact it had on those students’ graduation rates and the students’ perceptions of themselves.
Richland School District Two is the largest school district in the Midlands area of South Carolina and one of the fastest-growing in the state. Richland Two serves nearly 28,000 Pre-K through 12th grade students in 41 schools and centers: 20 elementary schools, seven middle schools, five high schools, four magnet centers, one child development center, one virtual school program, one adult education center, one student innovation center and one alternative school. More than 40 themed magnet programs are offered. Richland Two’s mission, in partnership with our community, is to develop global citizens of tomorrow – citizens who are prepared to lead and excel in their chosen pathways.