Longtime Richland County School Board Commissioner Jamie L. Devine will resign from the seat effective Tuesday, November 3 as he prepares to serve on county council, representing District Four. Devine, who is running unopposed, has served as a member of the Richland County School District One Board of School Commissioners for over 17 years. Throughout his tenure, he has served as Chairman in 2013, 2019, and 2020, Vice Chairman in 2012, 2017, and 2018, and he currently serves as Parliamentarian.
Devine’s resignation marks the conclusion of a distinguished tenure focused on strengthening public education, supporting students and educators, and ensuring responsible governance for one of South Carolina’s largest school districts. First elected in 2008, he has served through multiple administrations and periods of significant growth, guiding decisions that have impacted thousands of students and families throughout Richland County.
Through his service, Devine championed educational excellence, fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and policies designed to improve opportunities for every child. Beyond the district, he also represented public education across the state through his leadership with the South Carolina School Boards Association. He also served on national boards, including the National Association of School Board’s Council of Urban Boards of Education and the Consortium of State School Boards Association United Boards Alliance.
His decision to step down comes as he seeks to continue serving the community in a broader capacity through county government. “Serving the students, families, educators, and taxpayers of Richland County School District One has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Devine. “I am deeply grateful for the trust the community has placed in me over the past 17 years. While this chapter is coming to a close, my commitment to public service remains as strong as ever. I believe the experience I have gained working with schools, neighborhoods, nonprofits, and community leaders has prepared me to help address the broader challenges and opportunities facing Richland County.”
In addition to his service on the school board, Devine serves as President and CEO of Community Assistance Provider, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating safe, affordable housing and expanding economic opportunities for individuals and families throughout South Carolina.
A graduate of Benedict College with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Devine has remained actively involved in numerous civic, faith-based, and community organizations across the Midlands. He and his wife, South Carolina Senator Tameika Isaac Devine, reside in downtown Columbia with their three children.
Devine remains optimistic about the future of Richland One and expressed confidence in the board’s continued leadership and commitment to serving students. “Richland County’s greatest asset is its people,” Devine added. “Whether serving on the school board or seeking to serve on County Council, my mission has always been to build stronger communities, create greater opportunities, and improve the quality of life for every resident. I look forward to continuing that work in a new capacity.”
Jamie L. Devine is running unopposed. For more information, visit https://votejamiedevine.com/.