School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties

School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties is a public school district that provides K-12 education to residents of Lexington and Richland Counties in South Carolina. The district operates a network of elementary, middle, and high schools that deliver core academic instruction, elective courses, and support services. It is funded through a combination of local property tax revenues, state aid, and federal programs. Governance is carried out by an elected board of trustees that sets policy and oversees the superintendent. The district’s administrative headquarters is located in the United States, as indicated in the organization context. It serves a diverse student population that reflects the demographic makeup of the two counties it encompasses.

The district’s distinguishing attribute is its jurisdiction over parts of both Lexington and Richland Counties, allowing it to serve a blend of suburban and rural communities. In June 2025, the district detected a data security incident within its network that prompted an immediate investigation involving law enforcement and external cybersecurity specialists. The breach disrupted payroll processing, causing delays in staff pay and the postponement of scheduled retention payments. District officials have stated they are working to restore affected systems and will provide updates as the investigation continues. No further details about the nature or scope of the incident have been released publicly at this time. This event highlights the growing cybersecurity challenges faced by public educational institutions.