Letter to the editor: Ragin has used board position to advance personal goals

I read the article concerning the school district chairman starting a charter school. He can say whatever he wishes, but he did this behind most people's back. If he wishes to start another school, that is totally within his right. But to say he did it with transparency is missing the mark. By implicating Superintendent Wright into his little secret, he made the superintendent a co-conspirator. Mr. Wright should have never agreed to keep this secret from the rest of the board. He should have insisted Mr. Ragin at a minimum tell the other board members of his intention beforehand.

Mr. Ragin said, "I owe no explanations regarding my private endeavors, which are guided by my vision and faith." Sounds just like a quote from a politician.

If Mr. Ragin does not see a conflict of interest, he needs better glasses. And if he is so interested in keeping the focus on the essential work at hand, why didn't he wait till he serves the rest of his term before applying for his charter school? He can say what he wants to say, but I say he has done what a lot of pastors have done, used their congregations as steppingstones to advance their political aspiration. Mr. Ragin has used his time on the board to advance his personal goals. It is evident Mr. Ragin will have to close his private school and transfer the students to the charter school. The S.C. Supreme Court has ruled public money can't be used to pay for private religious schooling. How would he keep the private and public school's finances separate? Do you think school boards should have all this drama? I don't.

ROBERT JOHNSON

Sumter