March 25, 2015 Edition
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News
Golden Strip Career Center Senior Receives President's Volunteer Service Award
Amy Elizabeth Mays, a student at Golden Strip Career Technology Center and J.L. Mann High Academy, has been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President's Volunteer Service Award.
The award recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country. The award is presented by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of the President.
Over the summer of 2014, Amy volunteered at the Bon Secours St. Francis Downtown Hospital gift shop. Through this experience Amy gained valuable on-the-job training in retail, learned to work well with others, and learned how to best serve customers in an accurate, courteous, and professional manner.
Ralph Chandler MS Media Clerk Named Media Paraprofessional of the Year
Suzette Cornish, media clerk at Ralph Chandler Middle School, was named the South Carolina Media Paraprofessional of the Year during the South Carolina Association of School Librarians Conference in Columbia. Ms. Cornish has served as media clerk at Ralph Chandler Middle School for more than six years, and has previous library experience in New York. She is manager of the school website and is proficient at providing technology support for teachers and students.
Unofficial Board Meeting Summary
March 24, 2015
Board Members Present (12): Lisa Wells, Chairman; Dr. Crystal Ball O'Connor, Vice Chairman; Debi Bush, Secretary; Kenneth E. Baxter, Sr., Joy Grayson, Lynda Leventis-Wells, Derek Lewis, Roger Meek, Glenda Morrison-Fair, Danna Rohleder, Chuck Saylors, Pat Sudduth. Absent (0): None.
Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance - Mrs. Rohleder
Adoption of Consent Calendar
- Minutes, Special Called Meeting - March 10, 2015
- Minutes, Special Called Meeting - March 10, 2015
- 1 Home School Application
- Personnel Recommendations for 2015-16 - New principals and district staff were introduced, including those approved during the March 10, 2015 meeting (rescheduled date) and those listed below who were approved during the meeting.
- Christopher Kilian, Principal, Mauldin Middle
- Jeffrey Jenkins, Assistant Principal, Fisher Middle
- Kristy Qualls, Assistant Principal, Welcome Elementary
- Elizabeth Shouse, Assistant Principal, Brushy Creek Elementary
Appearance of Visitors - Students from Furman and USC-Upstate and scouts were recognized. The following visitors spoke:
Sale of Tindal Avenue Property - Mrs. Sandra Freeman, Mr. Doug Smith, Mrs. Susan Smith, Mr. Britt Seay, Mr. Ben Leaphart
Sale of Old Berea Elementary Property - Mrs. Gwen Williams, Mrs. Judith Ferig
Superintendent's Report - Mr. Royster stated the District received the Award of Merit (highest possible recognition) from the SC Chapter of the Council of Educational Facility Planners International for the design of Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School. He noted the School Board was recognized for their leadership and support during the design process.
Mr. Royster's report highlighted the recruitment and selection process of quality teachers, including the recent Shining Stars Recruitment event that was attended by approximately 400 candidates. Mr. Royster noted the strong partnership with many community and business sponsors who provide financial and/or in-kind support.
Action Items
Audit Firm for Procurement Audit - Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve the firm of McKinley, Cooper & Company, LLP to audit the District's procurement activities for July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2014. The state requires that an audit of the District's procurement transactions be performed every three years by a firm approved by the State Budget and Control Board.
Request to Hear Personnel Termination Appeal (Executive Session) - Approved recommendation from the Administration to uphold the decision and deny the request to hear the personnel termination appeal.
Information Items
Internal Auditing Services' Project Status Report - The monthly report was presented as information.
Information/Action From Board Committees/Liaisons
Committee / Liaison Reports
Advocacy Meeting - Mr. Meek stated several Board members attended the Day at the Capitol and met with local legislators to discuss various issues. He noted a meeting will be scheduled in the future with other local elected officials.
Communities in Schools - Mr. Baxter noted two fundraising events for the organization will be held in the near future.
Finance Report - The report was presented as information.
The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.