Dear Citizens of Richland School District One,

Before I came to Richland One in July of 2005, I had heard and read of a school district with strong fiscal management, numerous innovative programs, improving student achievement and a progressive school building program.

Now, as I begin my second year as superintendent, I am even more convinced that Richland One is poised to move from being a good school district to being a great school district.

Richland One offers programs for all students - from remedial classes designed to catch students up academically, to Montessori, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs for students who need to be challenged. PACT scores and SAT scores have shown improvement over the years, and we are preparing to build upon this record. The district has been recognized as having one of the finest music education programs in the country, and all of our elementary students have an opportunity to study a foreign language. Our students learn in new or renovated schools thanks to the community supporting our construction bond referenda.

We are working to spread our islands of excellence throughout the district. We are accomplishing this by raising the bar for all students. Richland One students are expected to read on grade level by third grade and to be prepared to take algebra by grade eight. High-quality instruction and increased rigor are expected in all classrooms. The district is developing a plan to recognize and reward teachers for achievement gains. We have developed a leadership training program to provide our administrators with the skills and knowledge to provide high quality leadership for continuous school improvement. The central office has been reorganized to provide our schools with increased service and support, and we are seeking ways to redirect additional resources to our classrooms and schools.

In short, much is happening in Richland One.

Richland One is unique in its capital city location - our state’s urban center. The City of Columbia is undergoing a renaissance as THE place for families to live, learn, work and play, and Richland One plays a vital role in this exciting transformation.

We invite everyone to visit our schools and ‘Discover the Urban Advantage’ of Richland School District One.

Allen Coles
Superintendent