Former BCSD superintendent paid more than $371K to consult district

BERKELEY COUNTY, SC (WCSC) -

A former Berkeley County School District superintendent has been paid more than $371,000 to consult the district.

Dr. Tony Parker resigned in 2011 due to what he said was issues with the school board at the time.

Parker was paid $121,000 as part of the district's contract settlement.

Last year he was asked to come back as a consultant to help the district find a new superintendent, trim expenses and also come up with a comprehensive master plan for schools.

School district officials say Parker's consulting firm has saved the district millions and guided them through their biggest crisis ever, the embezzlement of more than a million dollars by former superintendent Brantley Thomas.

"They made the very wise move to bring Dr. Parker early on to help them navigate what has been an extremely turbulent seas," school district attorney Josh Whitley said.

Some on social media said the hiring of Parker's firm is a waste of tax dollars.

Parker says he has earned the payment.

"I stand by it and we certainly gave the district a quality effort in everything that we have done. And certainly my firm has been paid well for what we have done," Parker said. "Everybody has their own opinion of what occurred, what may have happened and I understand that. But I was called to come back and help the school district out of a very difficult situation."

On Tuesday night, the school board will vote on whether to renew Parker's contract.

The terms and number of years will be revealed at the meeting.

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