VIP E-Newsletter

January 27, 2016 Edition

Welcome to VIP E-News, an electronic newsletter that is distributed to GCS employees and community leaders to update them about important GCS news and events. If you have any questions about the Board meeting or news articles, please contact the Communications Department.
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News

Materials Review Committee Members Needed

Members of the community are needed to serve on the Elementary, Middle and High School Materials Review Committees. The committees are responsible for handling complaints from the public concerning the appropriateness of instructional materials. The deadline for submitting letters of interest is February 15, 2016. Read more about Materials Review Committee Members.

College Financial Aid Workshops for Parents

Parents are invited to attend one of four college financial aid workshops sponsored by Greenville County Schools. All workshops are open to the public. Hear from school counselors and college financial aid officers regarding the most current financial aid information and strategies for successfully navigating the financial aid process.

  • Thursday, February 4, 2016 - 6:00 PM - Hillcrest High
  • Thursday, February 11, 2016 - 6:00 PM - Carolina High Academy
  • Thursday, February 18, 2016 - 6:00 PM - Greer High
  • Thursday, February 25, 2016 - 6:00 PM - Travelers Rest High

All types of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, FAFSA, and loans will be discussed. Parents will also receive information about the GCS Sirrine Scholarship Program. For more information call 355-3391 or 355-3392. You may also visit the Scholarships and Financial Aid page on our website.


Unofficial Board Meeting Summary
January 26, 2016

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, Regular Board Meeting - December 15, 2015
Minutes, Special Called Meeting - January 12, 2016
Personnel Recommendations - None.

Appearance of Visitors - Mr. Terrell Brown

Superintendent's Report - Dr. Royster reviewed the Inclement Conditions Evaluation (ICE) Team's activities during the recent inclement weather, noting that the 25-member team is responsible for checking road conditions and visiting every campus to assess whether the district can safely operate schools. He noted the decision to close or delay school was communicated through the local media, GCS social media, and our automated phone system.

Dr. Royster also recognized three Board members for their years of service: Mrs. Lynda Leventis-Wells, 10 years, Dr. Crystal Ball O'Connor, 15 years, and Mrs. Debi Bush, 20 years. He also commended the Board for their advocacy efforts and support for students as part of School Board Appreciation Month.

Action Items

Proposed Master Internal Audit Plan for the 2016 Calendar Year - Approved recommendation from the Internal Auditor to approve the Proposed Master Internal Audit Plan for the 2016 Calendar Year.

SCDOT Communications Tower at Roper Mountain Science Center - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve a five-year agreement between the South Carolina Department of Transportation and the School District of Greenville County for a communications tower. In lieu of paying for the use of property at RMSC, SCDOT agrees that the tower will become the property of the School District upon completion of use by SCDOT. SCDOT will pay for the construction and maintenance of the communications tower for the duration of the agreement. Removal of two existing towers from the RMSC property is also included.

Information Items

Internal Auditing Services' Project Status Report - The report was presented as information.

Information / Action from Board Committees/Liaisons - Dr. O'Connor noted that the Instructional Policy Committee has identified priority areas and the next step in the process is to gather input from principals.

Mrs. Grayson noted that the National School Board Advocacy Conference has been rescheduled to June due to weather. She will provide the Board with the committee's meeting calendar.

Finance Report - The report was presented as information.

The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.