York School District One is seeking to terminate Charles Drakeford, an assistant principal at York Comprehensive High School, following an investigation into a personnel matter. Drakeford has been placed on administrative leave, and the proposed termination requires school board approval.
The district has not publicly identified what prompted the investigation, according to Queen City News, which reported on Drakeford’s status Tuesday. The report said he was put on leave while the investigation proceeded and that the termination proposal is subject to board approval.
District Cites Confidentiality on Personnel Matter
York School District One says it cannot share more information about the case because it involves personnel matters, the station's report notes. That has left the specific conduct behind the investigation, and its findings, undisclosed to the public for now.
Superintendent Dr. Heath Branham spoke about the district’s expectations for employees without discussing Drakeford’s case. He said, according to WCNC, that school board standards apply to employees and that administrators are expected to set an example.
Branham Emphasizes Student Safety as Priority
Branham also described student welfare as a central district concern, WCNC reported. The district has not said whether student safety was a factor in the investigation, and the superintendent’s remarks did not identify any allegation against Drakeford.
Separately, South Carolina regulation R43-58.1 sets out reporting requirements for certain certified educators separated from school districts over qualifying misconduct allegations; it does not apply to every termination. The South Carolina Department of Education describes which separations must be reported, to whom, and what information must be provided.
State educator discipline and public records
The information cited here does not establish how many South Carolina educators have faced state credential discipline in recent years. Separately from a district employment decision, the South Carolina Department of Education says the State Board of Education may deny, revoke or suspend an educator certificate, or issue a public reprimand; its written disciplinary orders are public records.
For now, Drakeford's employment status remains unresolved. Whether the school board ultimately approves his termination, and what the underlying personnel matter involved, have not been made public.
