PALM Board Chair Receives Cease-and-Desist Letter as Directors Affirm Principal Ouster
CONWAY, S.C. — A fresh twist has emerged in the recent events surrounding the PALM Charter School as the Board Chair received a cease-and-desist letter earlier this month. This move comes around a little over a week following the decision by the four-member board to not renew the contract of Principal Avery Moore.
Board Accused of Illegal Actions
Issued by the prominent Massey Law Firm, the cease-and-desist letter alleges that the board’s recent decisions stand in direct violation of several state laws including the South Carolina Non-Profit Corporation Act, the South Carolina Charter Schools Act, the Charter and By-laws for the Palmetto Academy of Learning Motorsports, and potentially, the state ethics laws.
Claims of Nepotism
Ken Massey, the attorney behind the cease-and-desist letter, further claims that Ray Hicks, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, is guilty of nepotism – a serious violation of the state laws. According to Massey, this is because Hicks’ son is also an employee of PALM Charter School. The allegations, however, are yet to be responded by Mr. Hicks or any representative on his behalf.
Violation of School Charter
Apart from the case of nepotism, the letter raises another potential violation of laws. As it turns out, just one of the current members of the board has a child who attends the school. This practice is potentially one more violation of PALM Charter School’s charter. The law of the state requires a board to consist of seven members, yet, reports suggest that three members have recently resigned amidst the investigation into Principal Avery Moore.
Effect on Recent Board Decisions
The cease-and-desist letter calls for the board to halt further action and questions past decisions made by it, including the very dismissal of Principal Avery Moore. Attorney Ken Massey’s letter strongly insinuates that the board might have to face prosecution, which could be directed by the Governor of South Carolina, the Attorney General, or both.
Affirmation of Principal’s Ouster
On the other hand, the Board of Directors held a virtual session recently to discuss an “Employee Appeal”. In this session, the board members – apart from one – voted in favor of upholding their previous decision to not renew Principal Avery Moore’s employment contract for the upcoming academic year.
Presently, the details regarding the larger implications of these developments and the next steps to be taken by the stakeholders remain unclear. As the situation evolves, HERE News will continue to provide timely updates.
