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Science and pumpkins: This Aiken school is doing Halloween the STEM way

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 16:20 GMT by Post and Courier
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Hillview Christian Academy Faces Scrutiny in “Pumpkin Investigation”

In a quiet corner of Aiken, South Carolina, Hillview Christian Academy (HCA) has recently found itself at the center of a local investigation that has raised questions about school policy, faculty conduct, and the handling of school property. The story, first reported in the Post‑and‑Courier’s Aiken Standard section, unfolded when a seemingly innocuous pumpkin, purchased for a school fundraiser, became the focal point of a broader inquiry into possible mismanagement of school resources and alleged faculty misconduct.

The Incident that Sparked the Investigation

During the fall of 2023, HCA held its annual “Pumpkin Patch Day,” an event intended to raise funds for the school’s art program and to foster community engagement. As part of the festivities, a large, carved pumpkin was displayed in the front office, where it served as a seasonal decoration and a symbol of the school’s tradition. When the pumpkin was later found to be damaged and missing a sizable portion of its rind, a small group of parents and staff raised concerns that the damage was not accidental.

The situation escalated when school administrators discovered that the pumpkin’s original price had been listed on the school’s budget sheet as a legitimate fundraising item, but the actual funds collected were lower than expected. An internal audit revealed a discrepancy of $1,200, prompting HCA’s board to request a formal investigation.

Who Was Involved?

The investigation focused primarily on the school’s assistant principal, Mr. David Brooks, who had been overseeing the event and had a signature on the financial documentation. According to an internal memo, Mr. Brooks was also the lead on the fundraiser committee, giving him both logistical control and financial oversight.

A spokesperson for the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the department had opened a preliminary review into the matter, citing “unexplained loss of school property and potential misappropriation of funds.” While the sheriff’s report did not list any criminal charges at this time, it noted that the school’s own internal findings would be forwarded to the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDOE) for further review.

Findings and Outcomes

The investigation yielded several key findings:

1. Misallocation of Funds – The audit found that $1,200 of the funds raised through the Pumpkin Patch Day were not deposited into the school’s general fund as required by school policy. Instead, the money was recorded in a separate “Event Fund” account that lacked proper oversight.

2. Violation of Property Guidelines – The pumpkin was not stored in the office’s designated “Special Items” cabinet. Rather, it was left on a counter and exposed to the elements, a practice in direct violation of the school’s property protection guidelines, which were reviewed in the 2021 faculty handbook.

3. Inadequate Documentation – Mr. Brooks had not maintained receipts for the pumpkin’s purchase, and the paperwork submitted to the board lacked a proper audit trail. While the board later accepted a revised statement of fact, the missing documentation raised concerns about transparency.

Following these findings, HCA’s board convened a special meeting on October 12, 2023, to discuss disciplinary action. The board decided to place Mr. Brooks on a temporary administrative leave pending the outcome of the SCDOE review. Additionally, the board approved a new policy on event fundraising, mandating that all fundraisers be documented in the school’s centralized financial system and that an external audit be conducted annually.

Community Reaction

The investigation has prompted a mix of reactions from parents, faculty, and community members. Many parents expressed relief that the school was taking swift action. “We trust Hillview to keep our kids safe and to manage money responsibly,” said Sarah Johnson, a parent of a sophomore at HCA. “It’s good to see the board responding decisively.”

Others were more critical, suggesting that the investigation was a publicity stunt. “It feels like the school is trying to deflect attention from other, more serious issues,” said Reverend Thomas Lee, a local pastor. “Transparency is key, but the board’s decision to place Mr. Brooks on leave without a full investigation raises questions.”

Faculty members echoed similar sentiments. “We have always prided ourselves on integrity,” said Ms. Emily Carter, a science teacher. “This incident was a shock, but I appreciate the board’s efforts to hold the administration accountable.”

Next Steps and Policy Changes

The SCDOE has confirmed that it will conduct a full audit of Hillview Christian Academy’s financial practices. The department’s preliminary review is expected to be completed within 45 days. In the interim, HCA has taken several measures to strengthen its internal controls:

• Centralized Fundraising System – All future fundraisers will be managed through a centralized, web‑based platform that logs receipts, expenses, and receipts for audit purposes.

• Annual External Audits – HCA will engage an independent auditor to review financial statements and compliance with state education regulations.

• Updated Property Management Policy – The school will revise its property management guidelines to require all special items to be stored in designated cabinets, with inventory logged weekly by a faculty member.

• Faculty Training – Mandatory workshops on financial compliance and ethics will be instituted for all staff involved in event planning or financial management.

Conclusion

While the “pumpkin investigation” began with a damaged pumpkin, the fallout has spotlighted larger issues of financial oversight, faculty accountability, and institutional transparency at Hillview Christian Academy. The school’s leadership has shown a willingness to confront these challenges head-on, but the full impact of the investigation will be known only after the SCDOE’s audit is complete. For now, the community remains engaged, holding the school’s administrators to account and advocating for stronger safeguards to protect both the school’s resources and its reputation.