The Bridges Preparatory School Board of Directors voided the contract of new Head of School Dr. Benjamin Rollins after learning of discrepancies with his professional certifications and significant omissions on his resume.
The Bridges Prep board met in emergency session Wednesday night and approved voiding Rollins’ contract. Board Chair Dee Matthews informed Rollins of the decision Thursday afternoon.
“It’s an unfortunate situation for all involved, but we will move forward,” Matthews said. “We’ve come a long way in a short amount of time, despite issues with finding the ideal Head of School. We will continue that progress.”
The Board of Directors likely will discuss leadership options with the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina, Matthews said. Students at Bridges Prep return to class Aug. 12.
“We have an experienced staff, dedicated families and a deep well of administrative talent at our school and in the Beaufort community from which to draw,” Matthews said. “This pool of talent, along with assistance from both the State Charter District and the Charter School Alliance, will help as we transition into our next school year.”
Bridges Preparatory School, chartered by South Carolina in mid-2012, opened at near capacity in August 2013. Since that time the school has grown and solidified its presence in historic downtown Beaufort but has suffered the growing pains of multiple Heads of School.
Voiding Rollins’ contract is a personnel matter protected by privacy laws. “Due to information we recently received, irregularities in both his resume and in his administrative certification for being a head of school prevent him from being able to fulfill his contract,” Matthews said. “We have voided the contract and we are moving ahead for the next school year.”
The Board hired Rollins in June and he officially started at the state charter school July 1.
To learn more about Bridges Preparatory School, visit www.bridgesprep.org.
