March 10, 2015 Edition
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News
Change in Assignment Choice Lottery Results Posted
Space by Grade Level Will Later Determine Assignments
Results of the Change in Assignment Choice Lottery have been posted on the GCS website, providing the order of selection for each student for each requested school. Parents can access their student's information by using their choice form number. Students' names are not listed.
The lottery order, step three of the process, does not guarantee placement. Space by grade level will later determine school choice assignments. That information will be determined based on student projections for each school by grade. Student choice assignments will be determined and assignment letters sent to all parents no later than Friday, March 27, 2015.
Roper Mountain Science Center Association to Host Celebration of Science on Albert Einstein's Birthday
On Saturday, March 14, 2015, the Roper Mountain Science Center Association (RMSCA) will present a whimsical celebration of Albert Einstein's 136th birthday during their first annual fundraising dinner, It's Relative! Happy Birthday Einstein!
Albert Einstein's birthday party will offer humor and entertainment while celebrating innovative science education and achievement. The highlight of the evening will be unveiling the first recipients of The Spirit of Einstein Awards. The awards will honor an individual, an educator and a business or organization demonstrating excellence in scientific innovation and encouragement of the study of science.
To learn more about the Einstein's birthday event, the Spirit of Einstein Awards or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, visit the website at ropermountain.org, or via email to Tommie Reece at treece@greenville.k12.sc.us.
Unofficial Special Called Board Meeting Summary
March 10, 2015(Rescheduled Date Due to Inclement Weather on February 24, 2015)
Board Members Present (8): Lisa Wells, Chairman; Dr. Crystal Ball O'Connor, Vice Chairman; Debi Bush, Secretary; Kenneth E. Baxter, Sr., Derek Lewis, Glenda Morrison-Fair, Danna Rohleder, Pat Sudduth. Absent (4): Joy Grayson, Lynda Leventis-Wells, Roger Meek, Chuck Saylors.
Adoption of Consent Calendar - Approved.
- Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - January 27, 2015
Personnel Recommendations:
- W. Daniel Bruce, Principal, Greer Middle, Eff. July 1, 2015
- Dawn Hooker, Principal, E. North Street Academy, Eff. July 1, 2015
- Donna Ketron, Principal, Welcome Elementary, Eff. July 1, 2015
- Anthony Reabold, Principal, Fountain Inn Elementary, Eff. July 1, 2015
- Susan Stevens, Program Principal, Child Development Centers, Eff. July 1, 2015
- Ryan Streetman, Principal, Robert E. Cashion Elementary, Eff. July 1, 2015
- Michael Weeks, Director, Roper Mountain Science Center, Eff. March 1, 2015
- Todd Hardy, Director, Academic Support Services, Eff. July 1, 2015
Appointments and Transfers
- Darryl Nance, District Athletic Director, Eff. July 1, 2015
- Cynthia Wade, Program Administrator, Satellite Diploma Program, Eff. Feb.9, 2015
Appearance of Visitors - None
Superintendent's Report - Mr. Royster reviewed the extensive process used to determine whether schools are open, closed, delayed or dismissed early due to inclement weather. He noted more than two dozen employees are involved, including many who check roads and school campuses and others who monitor weather forecasts.
Action Items
Policy KNBA: Complaints: About Instructional Materials - Approved recommendation from the Committee of the Whole to approve the revision to Board Policy KNBA as presented. The revisions add clarity to the process of selecting Material Review Committee members and remove ambiguity from the complaint process. The most substantive change is to limit the frequency that a book or material can be challenged. The revisions prohibit a book or reading material from being challenged again for a five-year period once the Committee renders a decision on that book or material.
Long Range Facilities Plan/Capital Improvement Plan - Approved recommendation from the Committee of the Whole to approve the 2015 Long Range Facilities Plan and Capital Improvement Plan, including the use of $5,438,300 million of general fund-fund balance for FF&E associated with four construction projects. The 2015 revision reflects GCS's most recent student demographics, including growth pattern changes among GCS schools. GCS's student population growth is district-wide with concentration in and around the City of Greenville, including the west side of the county. This represents a shift from pre-recession growth and follows the national trend of increasing urban households. The 2015 revision addresses renovation needs at Roper Mountain Science Center, funds for Furniture, Fixture, Equipment, and Technology (FF&E) for four projects, and sets fall 2021 as the opening date for Fountain Inn High School. Additionally, the plan addresses the need for additional elementary seats in and around the City of Greenville. This revision requires no increase to the debt service millage in the fall of 2015 or 2016. A possible increase of 4.5 mills is projected in fall 2017.
Renewal of Lease at Old Bryson Elementary - Approved recommendation from the Committee of the Whole to approve a new lease agreement with The Center for Community Services, which uses this site to provide services to the community.
BEST Board Resolution - Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve the BEST Bond Resolution, which authorizes the Superintendent to refinance BEST Bonds in accordance with the BEST Bond Resolution. Based on the current interest rate environment and expectations in the near term, it may be possible to advance refund some portion or all of the outstanding Series 2006 Bonds and achieve a net present value savings to the School District of not less than 5%. The 5% savings is generally recognized as the standard base refinancing level net of issuance expenses. Savings are calculated by comparing payments for the new bonds versus payments for the old bonds. Refinancing would not extend the final BEST bond payment date, nor would the final payment dates of the new BEST bonds exceed the final date of the refinanced bonds.
Student Activity Fund Audit - Approved recommendation from Internal Auditing Services to accept the Audit of Student Activity Funds for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2014. The audits were performed to determine compliance with the Student Activity Funds Accounting Handbook and policies. In general, the 42 audited schools meet the requirements. Schools were listed for low audit errors, significant improvement from the previous audit, and a high percentage of the total audit errors. It was noted that significant issues were reduced by about half.
The meeting adjourned at 1:08 p.m.