SC Inspector General alleges ex-Jasper Co. school superintendent forged docs, misused funds
An investigation by the South Carolina Office of the Inspector General found potential ethical and criminal infractions committed by a former Jasper County School District superintendent during her almost seven-year tenure.
The report, released July 11, depicts fired superintendent Rechel Anderson’s alleged involvement in financial mismanagement, state ethics violations, unapproved business ventures and fraudulent activity, including forgery of documents. The findings were forwarded to the State Law Enforcement Division and local agencies for potential prosecution — a step not taken in previous internal reviews, according to the report. If charges follow, Anderson could face legal consequences beyond her termination.
This marks the second formal investigation to uncover serious misconduct by Anderson. The Jasper County Board of Education voted to fire her in October 2023, after a law firm — Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd — identified similar violations. Despite months of internal debate, the board ultimately agreed to pay Anderson $336,000, the equivalent of 18 months’ salary, as part of her separation.
But this isn’t the first time Anderson has left a school district under controversy.
During her prior role as superintendent of Florence School District 4, Anderson was fired after the district was placed in a state of emergency for financial mismanagement and declining enrollment. She was later reprimanded for withholding information from investigators, falsifying personnel reports and failing to return to the district after two students were killed in a school shooting.
She sued the Florence district, the state Department of Education and then-state Superintendent Molly Spearman, demanding over $115,000 in severance and payment for leave she had already used.
The Inspector General’s report details even more allegations from her time as superintendent in Jasper County — including fraudulent use of district funds, operating undisclosed private businesses using school resources and forging documents to falsely claim district residency, a requirement of her contract. That forgery allowed her to collect more than $660,000 in salary and benefits under false pretenses, according to the report.
What the Inspector General Found
Financial Mismanagement & Record Keeping
Anderson failed to submit annual audits for 2021–22 through 2023–24, leading to escalating state oversight: first Fiscal Watch, then Fiscal Caution and finally Fiscal Emergency.
Issued questionable payments — including unauthorized bonuses and dual employment wages — to select staff.
Did not correct significant violations found in a 2021 procurement audit of FY 2018–19.
Appointed unqualified individuals to key financial management roles.
Conflicts of Interest & Ethics Violations
Maintained paid ties with Cognia, the district’s accrediting agency, while serving as superintendent — a conflict of interest she did not disclose.
Failed to report $14,718 in income from Cognia on state ethics filings from 2017–2024.
Used her position and Cognia connections to influence investigations into the district.
Did not disclose outside business ventures or employment to the school board as required by law and her contract.
Unapproved Business Ventures & Misuse of Resources
Ran Island Vibez Cafe without board approval or proper disclosures.
Published a book under Hadassah’s Crown Publishing using district time and resources and without required disclosures.
Used school staff and resources to support her private ventures, including help writing a personal book.
Claimed a district-funded 403(b) retirement withdrawal was for a home purchase, but instead transferred the money to one of her businesses.
Submitted misleading loan and insurance paperwork that may constitute fraud.
Residency Deception & Document Forgery
Violated her contract and state law by not living in the district.
Forged a lease agreement and notary stamp to falsely claim residency.
Collected more than $661,000 in salary and benefits while not meeting that requirement.
Other Violations
Exceeded legal limits for campaign contributions and failed to report business income.
Submitted inconsistent, and in some cases allegedly fraudulent, documents across her financial, business and ethics filings.
What’s Next?
The Jasper County School Board is searching for a permanent replacement for the district’s superintendent role. Sam Whack Jr. is currently serving as acting superintendent.
Clarification: This story was updated on July 17 to more accurately represent Anderson’s relationship with Hadassah’s Crown Publishing. Hadassah’s Crown Publishing is owned by Sonia Cunningham Leverette.
This story was originally published July 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
