Sumter School Board to Discuss Reinstating Curriculum Committee

Board Chairman says no vote will be taken, only a discussion on the merits of the committee

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Sumter, South Carolina school board will discuss the possibility of reinstating its former Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Committee at their upcoming meeting on Monday. Board Chairman Shawn Ragin says the discussion will not include a vote on the matter, but rather an examination of the merits of reinstating the committee which Ragin had previously dissolved after becoming board chairman in 2024.

Why it matters

The potential reinstatement of the curriculum committee is seen as an important issue for the school district, as it would impact the board's oversight and involvement in academic matters. The committee's previous dissolution by the board chairman has raised questions about the balance of power between the board and the superintendent's role as lead administrator.

The details

At the board's last meeting on February 9th, trustee Rev. Ralph Canty raised a motion to have a discussion on reinstating the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Committee. This motion was approved in a 5-2 vote. However, Board Chairman Shawn Ragin has stated that Monday's meeting will only involve a discussion of the committee and not an actual vote on its reinstatement. Ragin had previously dissolved the committee after becoming board chairman in 2024, citing concerns that it crossed over too much into the superintendent's role.

  • The Sumter school board will discuss the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Committee at their meeting on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • The previous motion to discuss reinstating the committee was approved at the board's February 9, 2026 meeting.

The players

Shawn Ragin

The current chairman of the Sumter school board, who dissolved the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Committee after becoming board chairman in 2024.

Rev. Ralph Canty

A Sumter school board trustee who raised the motion at the last meeting to have a discussion on reinstating the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Committee.

Phil Leventis

A Sumter school board member who had previously made motions to reinstate both the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Committee and the Facilities Committee, but were ruled out of order by Chairman Ragin.

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What they’re saying

“Please note that no action will be taken on this agenda topic. It is for discussion purposes only.”

— Shawn Ragin, Sumter School Board Chairman (The Sumter Item)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.