Hyatt Park Elementary School has made history by becoming the first school in South Carolina to earn the prestigious Visible Learning Plus certification, a significant achievement recognized at the Richland 01 Board Meeting on May 29, 2025. This certification highlights the school's commitment to implementing effective teaching methods and is the highest honor among three awards available in the program.

The board expressed excitement about formally recognizing Hyatt Park's accomplishment at an upcoming meeting, underscoring the importance of this milestone for the school and the district.

In addition to this achievement, the meeting celebrated the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year, with congratulations extended to students and staff for their hard work. Summer programs and camps will kick off on June 2, providing educational opportunities for students of all ages across the district.

The board also highlighted the federally funded Summer Break Café food service program, which will offer meals to children 18 and under at 28 school sites, ensuring that no child goes hungry during the summer months.

Recognition was given to outstanding staff members during the meeting, including Lateria Scott from Columbia High School and Jordan DeBeckway from Dreher High School, who were named Teachers of the Year. Zacy Jones from Carverlyon Elementary was honored as the Richland 1 Teacher of the Year for 2025-2026, while Keith Wilder received accolades as the Classified Employee of the Year.

As the district prepares for summer, a career fair for certified and classified positions is scheduled for June 5 at W. J. Kenan High School, inviting prospective educators to join the Richland 1 team. The meeting concluded with a reminder of the upcoming changes to the work schedule, with employees transitioning to a summer schedule starting June 2.