Letter to the editor: School board members need to hold people accountable

This is a reply to Mr. Reginald Evans' letter to the editor in the May 17-20 edition of The Sumter Item. Mr. Evans, I have no supporters. And peace does not require silence; dictators require silence. And I read the Romans 12:3; grace has nothing to do with Mr. Ragin starting a charter school. The issue I brought up was him doing it without informing the other board members or the public. And I still say Superintendent Wright should have insisted that Mr. Ragin not make him appear to be a co-conspirator.

When Mr. Thompson began the process of starting Liberty STEAM Charter School, he resigned from his advisory position on the school board and informed the public. Mr. Ragin did neither. It is his right to do that, but why do it behind the other board members and the public's back? It is not the Sumter legislative delegation's job to inform the public concerning Mr. Ragin's quest. Mr. Ragin should have done that. Mr. Ragin did not need our approval before submitting his application for a private charter school. Was he afraid the public would object?

Mr. Evans, I cannot go to the school board meeting because I have a disability that would be disruptive to the meeting. I am a real person; just Google me. My face has appeared a few times on the front page of The Sumter Daily Item. My main concern is my tax money paying for any and every kind of private charter school, even a madrasah, and this is where we are headed. Yes, our public school system has problems that must be worked on, but starting your own to fit your religious beliefs has grave implications. I have no agenda other than what I have stated. Mr. Evans, are you setting the stage for your next run for office? As I stated before, I have no supporters out there. I just want the school board to stand, hold people accountable and do its best in leading the school system. Money is not unlimited. And one final thing, Mr. Evans, if you see anyone out there who would make a good supporter, send them my way.

ROBERT JOHNSON

Sumter