South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has formally requested that the state’s top internal watchdog investigate the governing board of Ascent Classical Academy, escalating scrutiny of the Fort Mill charter school following complaints about financial irregularities and institutional mismanagement.
In a letter dated April 13, 2026, McMaster directed State Inspector General Brian D. Lamkin to initiate an investigation, review, and analysis of the conduct of one or more board members of Ascent Classical Academy. The governor cited authority under Chapter 6 of Title 1 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
McMaster wrote that his office had received a complaint from members of the South Carolina House of Representatives alleging financial irregularities and institutional mismanagement, and that a copy of that complaint was enclosed with his letter.
SC Lawmakers Ask Governor to Order Inspector General Investigation of Ascent Classical Academy
The governor also instructed Lamkin to investigate any other fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, misconduct, violations of state or federal law, and wrongdoing discovered in the course of the inquiry.
Should the inspector general find reasonable cause to conclude that board members willfully committed or engaged in malfeasance, misfeasance, chronic unexcused absenteeism, conflicts of interest, misconduct in office, or persistent neglect of duty, McMaster asked to be informed so he could evaluate whether removal of any such official is authorized and appropriate. The letter also directed Lamkin to report any evidence of criminal conduct to the appropriate law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities.
Source: Letter from Gov. Henry Dargan McMaster to State Inspector General Brian D. Lamkin, April 13, 2026.
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