August 26, 2015 Edition
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News
Shiree Turner Fowler Named 2015-16 GCS Teacher of the Year
Hollis Elementary Academy kindergarten teacher Shiree Turner Fowler was recently named GCS Teacher of the Year during the Teacher of the Year Awards Breakfast.
Shiree wanted to become a social worker so she could create empowering, community-based programs for at-risk youth. Once she began working with youth, she realized that although the children needed the programs, they were in need of something much greater. "To improve their lives, they first needed a quality education," she said. "I became committed to teaching in Title I schools, which are schools with at least a 40 percent poverty rate, because of my commitment to the young people I worked with." Shiree has been a teacher for 12 years, and taught at Hollis Elementary Academy for the past two years. Read more here about Teacher of the Year Awards.
Two Emerging Teachers of the Year Named
Molli McDaniels, a second grade teacher at Berea Elementary School, was named the Elementary Level Emerging Teacher of the Year, and Amy Hegarty, Greenville High Academy Science and Freshman Academy Teacher, was named Secondary Level Emerging Teacher of the Year.
The Emerging Teachers of the Year Program, sponsored by Greenville Federal Credit Union, recognizes two second- or third-year teachers for outstanding performance. Each winner receives $500, a crystal award, and $500 for his or her school. Read more here about Two Emerging Teachers of the Year.
Unofficial Board Meeting Summary
August 25, 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
Special Presentation
Champions for Public Education - Hubbell Lighting was presented a SCSBA Champion for Public Education Award. Hubbell Lighting Regional Vice-President Paul Ross accepted the award from Scott Price, Executive Director of SCSBA, and Robert Gantt, SCSBA Board of Directors. Hubbell Lighting was recognized primarily for their contributions to the Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle school facility and the school's mentoring program.
Adoption of Consent Calendar - Approved.
Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - June 16, 2015
Minutes, Special Called Meeting - August 11, 2015
Home School Applications - Approved 22 applications, including eight new applications.
Recognition of Personnel (Approved during previous meeting)
- David Schoolfield, AP, Bryson Middle
- Cory Terry, AP, East North St. Academy
- Jordan O'Toole, AP, Cherrydale Elementary
- Chawana Goodwin, AP, Woodmont High
- Nadine Trimble, AP, West Greenville
- Beth Brotherton, Assistant Director, Communications
Appearance of Visitors - Mr. Bob Davis, Ms. Traci Fant
Board Members Recognized for Professional Development - Four Board members were recognized for earning recognition for achievement in the South Carolina School Boards Association 2014-15 Boardmanship Institute. Mr. Baxter, Mrs. Morrison-Fair and Mrs. Wells earned Level Three recognition and Mr. Lewis earned Level One.
Superintendent's Report - Mr. Royster presented a video reviewing the work undertaken by departments during the summer to prepare for the new school year.
Action Items
Revision of Policy JCDA: Behavior Code - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the revision to Board Policy JCDA regarding the use of cell phones to no longer require automatic confiscation. A committee of principals and administrators unanimously recommended, and the Administration agreed, that the separate distinction for cell phones and electronic devices should be removed from the behavior code. As a result, the discipline related to these devices would be absorbed into the level of offenses contained in the policy. For example, if a student refuses to put away a cell phone when asked then that student would be disciplined for failing to follow the directives of the school. Likewise, a student would be disciplined for bullying as a result of sending a threatening or demeaning text message to another student.
Engineer Selection for the Design of the New Waste Water Treatment Plant at Blue Ridge High School (Executive Session) - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve Firm E to design the new waste water treatment system at Blue Ridge High School.
SHARE/Headstart Lease Agreement Renewal at Northwest Crescent CDC - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve a lease agreement renewal with SHARE Head Start. SHARE Head Start uses this site to provide services to the community.
Purchase of Property for Summit Drive Elementary (Executive Session) - Approved recommendation from the Administration to purchase property for access, parking and other potential use.
Purchase of Property for Stone Academy (Executive Session) - Approved recommendation from the Administration to purchase property for access, parking and other potential use.
Internal Auditing Services' Project Status Report - The report was presented as information.
Information/Action From Board Committees/Liaisons
Advocacy Committee - Mr. Meek noted the Board will host four meetings with Delegation members in October. In Spring, the Board will meet with the economic development staffs from the county and cities.
Communities in Schools - Mr. Baxter noted the annual golf tournament will be held September 28 to raise funds.
Finance Report - No report.
The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.