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The Sumter County School Board held Awards April 17. The Sumter County School Board honored the following exemplary students. Sumter County Primary School students Krislyn Muff in Pre-K, Adhvik Jatothu in Kindergarten, and Kaja Davis in first grade.

Sumter County Elementary School students Tylen Cliatt in second grade and Harrison Bryant in third grade.

Sumter County Intermediate School students Rileigh French in fourth grade, Ellian Aparicio-Mall in fifth grade, and Ryan Lundy in sixth grade.

Sumter County Middle School students India English in seventh grade and Heavenly Hope in eighth grade.

Sumter County High School students Makenzie Mitchell in ninth grade, Heet Patel in tenth grade, Eric Bryant in eleventh grade, and Kenyon Walters in twelfth grade.

Lakeisha Kearse was recognized as a parent volunteer. Shakima Slappey was recognized for her work in nutrition. Student Jesstynie Scott was recognized for her athletic accomplishments, which include 2024-2025 region one double A offensive player of the year.

Agriculture teacher Benjamin Pope was recognized, along with paraprofessional Jeanette Mitchell and custodian Geneva Waters.

Craig Walker spoke during citizens comments. Walker had previously expressed his concern over the number of school fundraisers at the July 11, 2024 meeting, stating that parents had told him that they felt burdened by the constant requests to spend money.

The School Board sent a letter responded to his concerns, signed by the Chair Patricia Harris. “Sneaker Balls, food truck sales, selling of personal items by adults and/or teachers at school and alleged violations of the Smart Snack program will be looked into and will be addressed with all necessary parties at both the district and school levels.”

The School Board stated the goal of fundraisers. “Our goal with fundraising is to enhance the educational experience for all students by providing additional resources and opportunities that our standard budget may not cover.”

The letter still left Walker with questions, which he expressed to the Harris. “You’re the reason I’m here.” Walker described the letter he received signed by Harris was “bull hockey.” He gave a handout to several board members, calling it a “homework assignments.”

The hand out asked that they list each school that held a fundraiser called a Sneaker Ball. It also asked that the School Board release the total funds generated by these fundraisers and their use. “Please share with the citizens of Sumter Co. what additional resources and opportunities did these funds provide and how did it enhance the educational experience for our students. Because some parents are saying they experienced no relief in items they were again asked to purchase. How was the money raised from the “Sneaker Balls” spent and on what?”

Harris responded to the request. “You’re not allowed to give us homework assignments.”

Walker claimed the questions were from the citizens, and asked that the time lost from the Harris’s interjection be returned to him. Harris refused. Walker responded that he would “put you on my radar,” and declared that he would run for school board. He also said the Board should select a new Chair.

The Board had discussed concerns by Walker over fundraisers in the prior August 6 School Board meeting. At the time, Superintendent Walter Knighton had reported that he met with school administrators and went over some of the concerns. The Schools were directed to make a document of each and every fundraiser and what the money was used for, and whether it was spent on adults or students. At the time, Knighton noted there was short turn around providing the list to the Board, and that it was a general one. Knighton stated that the Board would be provided with fundraiser information for each month, and would receive it a quarter ahead of time so that they could vote on it.

When asked for a response to Walker, Harris declined comment.