South Carolina's Office of the Inspector General has released a report alleging malfeasance, conflicts of interest, policy violations and neglect of duty by an unnamed Charleston County school board member referred to as "Trustee X." The 27-page report claims the trustee improperly disclosed confidential information to the media and a district vendor, used their board position for personal gain, and failed to report roughly $248,000 in taxable income tied to Next Level Educational Services, LLC, an education consulting firm. It also questioned whether the trustee actually resided in Charleston County when elected in November 2022.
District 8 trustee Darlene Roberson, previously identified as the company's CEO, pushed back, saying she saw no clear violation of law or board policy and questioning the relevance of matters beyond her board service. The report outlines grounds under which South Carolina's governor could remove a board member following a felony charge, though no charges have been filed. Governor Henry McMaster's office, which requested the investigation, says it is reviewing the findings to determine next steps.
