LANCASTER, S.C. — A nonprofit that runs student support and family engagement programs in Lancaster County schools has lost a substantial share of its federal funding, its director told the Lancaster County School Board on July 14.
Angelica Barrett, executive director of The Children’s Council, said the cuts have reduced programming, staffing, and services for students and families. She said the loss came from a nationwide shift in federal spending priorities rather than from anything tied to how the organization performed locally.
The Children’s Council partners with the Lancaster County School District on programs covering student success, family engagement, conflict resolution, and youth leadership. Barrett said the work centers on building the protective factors that help children make healthy decisions, maintain strong relationships, and do well in school.
Barrett also drew a line around the organization’s health education curriculum, telling the board it emphasizes abstinence, healthy relationships, and decision making. She said it is not comprehensive sex education and does not include instruction on contraception.
The organization plans to continue serving Lancaster County through existing programs, new partnerships, and additional grant applications, Barrett said.
The district serves roughly 15,000 students across Lancaster County, including the fast growing Indian Land area at the northern end of the county.
Procurement reports
Trevor Hammond, the district’s procurement director, presented two annual reports to the board.
The first covered minority business participation for the 2025 to 2026 year. The district issued 14 solicitations and awarded $53,630.13 to firms certified by the state as minority owned.
The second report summarized purchases made outside the standard competitive bidding process. The district completed 36 sole source procurements totaling $1,595,263.42 and three emergency procurements totaling $33,202.78. No purchases involving traded in equipment were made during the reporting period.
Board actions
Every vote taken at the meeting passed 6 to 0.
Coming out of executive session, the board approved administrative, certified, and noncertified employment recommendations for the 2026 to 2027 school year. Members also approved a list of resignations, retirements, and terminations, along with transfers involving foreign exchange students.
The board granted three procurement exemptions. One went to JG Environmental for wastewater plant testing, one to Thyssenkrupp Elevator for elevator service, and one to the South Carolina School Board Insurance Trust for workers compensation coverage and property and casualty insurance.
Members also approved an easement request from the Lancaster County Natural Gas Authority and authorized the board chair to sign the agreement and make any amendments needed after consulting the board’s attorney.
In open session, the board approved its consent agenda and gave second reading approval to policy KBA, which governs the public’s right to know and the district’s handling of Freedom of Information Act requests.
New newsletter for the coming year
The district told media partners it will begin distributing a recap of each board meeting starting with the 2026 to 2027 school year. District officials said the recap is not a substitute for official minutes and is meant as a faster way to circulate meeting information, along with video clips, photos, and student and staff recognitions.
The next regularly scheduled board meeting is August 18, beginning with executive session at 5 p.m. Agendas and meeting documents are posted on the district’s BoardDocs site. Questions can be directed to [email protected].
Source: Lancaster County School District Board Meeting Highlights newsletter, July 14, 2026 meeting.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
