Richland One Schools Saluted for Rolling Out The 'Red Carpet'

Four Richland One elementary schools - Forest Heights, Carver-Lyon, Brennen and Gadsden - have been cited by the S.C. Department of Education for creating family-friendly environments and providing excellent customer service to callers and visitors.

These schools are among 98 statewide to be named recipients of this year’s Red Carpet awards. The schools will receive actual red carpets to display in their lobbies proclaiming the coveted designation.

"We are obviously pleased to be recognized as a Red Carpet school," said Dr. Charles DeLaughter, principal of Gadsden Elementary. "This recognition is the product of a firm commitment to excellence on the part of faculty, staff and the Gadsden Elementary community."

More than 300 schools across the state applied for the Red Carpet award. Schools had to submit a detailed written application and copies of their communication plans. Schools that passed the written application phase were then screened by a panel of independent judges who rated how telephone callers and visitors were treated. Judges did not identify themselves during telephone calls or site visits, which were unannounced.

The addition of this year’s four Red Carpet schools brings to 19 the number of Richland One schools that have earned the distinction.