VIP E-Newsletter

April 27, 2016 Edition

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News

Four GCS High Schools Earn Top Rankings in U.S. News Best High Schools Report

Wade Hampton, Mauldin, Greenville Senior High Academy, and Riverside High Schools are among the top-ranked high schools in South Carolina and the nation, according to the 2016 U.S. News Best High Schools rankings. The schools earned Silver Medals for their accomplishments.

  • Wade Hampton High ranks #4 in South Carolina and #888 in the nation.
  • Mauldin High ranks #9 in South Carolina and #1,298 in the nation.
  • Greenville Sr. High Academy ranks #11 in South Carolina and #1,452 in the nation.
  • Riverside High ranks #14 in South Carolina and #1,611 in the nation.

More: https://goo.gl/ScsrAS.

Health Careers Night - Wednesday, May 4

On Wednesday, May 4, the Greenville Drive, Greenville Health System and Greenville County Schools will host "Health Careers Night" at Fluor Field. The evening will showcase the wide array of careers available in the healthcare industry. Greenville County students and staff will be recognized on field. Medical-themed games and races will occur during game breaks. More: https://goo.gl/fp8oqG.

Greenville Alternative Teacher Education (GATE) Program

Greenville County Schools is implementing the state's first district-based alternative certification program to prepare outstanding middle and secondary level math and science teachers and is seeking qualified candidates.

In partnership with Public Education Partners, the Greenville Alternative Teacher Education Program (GATE) will integrate content, best teaching practices and professional knowledge within a supportive school teaching experience.

Candidates who have a commitment to teach, a bachelor's degree with a major or an emphasis in science or math, a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, and a passing score on the appropriate PRAXIS content exam will be considered. More information: https://goo.gl/ciZuE9.

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary
April 26, 2016

Board Members Present (10): Lisa Wells, Chairman; Dr. Crystal Ball O'Connor, Vice Chairman; Kenneth E. Baxter, Sr., Joy Grayson, Lynda Leventis-Wells, Derek Lewis, Roger Meek, Glenda Morrison-Fair, Chuck Saylors, Pat Sudduth. Absent (2): Debi Bush, Secretary; Danna Rohleder.

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance - Mr. Baxter

Adoption of Consent Calendar - Approved.

  • Minutes, Regular Board Meeting, March 22, 2016
  • Minutes, Special Called Meeting, April 6, 2016
  • Minutes, Special Called Meeting, April 12, 2016
  • Home School Applications - 3
  • Personnel Recommendations
    • Mr. Mark Drango, Assistant Principal, Eastside High School

Principals approved during the last special-called meeting were also introduced.

  • Greenbrier Elementary - Ms. Le'Keisha Brown
  • Monaview Elementary - Mr. Brian Williams
  • Pelham Road Elementary - Mrs. Kristy Qualls
  • Thomas E. Kerns Elementary - Mr. Mark Adams

Appearance of Visitors - Ms. Gaelyn Jenkins

Visitors - Students from Furman and Anderson Universities were recognized.

Superintendent's Report - Dr. Royster reviewed the many events for the "Celebration Season" including high school graduations, school programs, and Salute to Education. He noted each graduating class set a high performance bar for the next class with increasing financial scholarships and improving ACT and SAT college entrance test results. He stated the Class of 2015 received college scholarships totaling $118.5 million and had the district's highest graduation rate of 84.2%. Dr. Royster noted the graduation rates for all ten student subgroups (ethnicity, gender, etc.) are also improving.

Action Items

Education Plan Update and Portfolios - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the district's and schools' strategic plans. A thoroughly reviewed and vetted five-year, strategic plan, complete with updated strategic initiatives was presented to the Board of Trustees. The updated, electronic plan describes in detail key data outcomes and progress made within each of the five goal areas and the annual performance objectives. The plan summarizes the most recent progress for each strategy, additions and modifications. This is the third annual update to the 2014-18 plan. New this year is the inclusion of the district's Read to Succeed Plan. The action goals included in the plan represent the literacy focus for 2016-2017. School plans will be developed using the district reading plan and will be submitted to the State Department of Education.

Revision of Policy BDF: Review of Administrative Rule - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the revision to Board Policy BDF. The revision removes the requirement that the Board is informed of changes to administrative rules at the following Board meeting. The new language requires the Administration to provide notice to the Board of any changes within 10 days of the implementation. This revision reflects the ability to use technology, such as email, to provide notice to the Board, as compared to waiting until the next meeting. In addition, the first paragraph of the current policy is deleted as the Board implements policies, not administrative rules, to comply with legal obligations.

P.E. Exemption at Eastside High School (Executive Session) - Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve the P.E. exemption for one student at Eastside High School.

P.E. Exemptions at Mauldin High School (Executive Session) - Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve the P.E. exemption for two students at Mauldin High School.

P.E. Exemption at Wade Hampton High School (Executive Session) - Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve the P.E. exemption for one student at Wade Hampton High School.

Request from GTCHS to Terminate Charter Contract with GCS - Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve, Pursuant to Section 59-40-115 of South Carolina Code of Law, the request by Greenville Tech Charter High School that its charter contract with the School District of Greenville County be terminated, effective June 30, 2016. Greenville Tech Charter High School petitioned the South Carolina Public Charter School District for membership and has been accepted. As a result, GTCHS requested that Greenville County Schools release them from their charter contract. Greenville County Schools will no longer be financially connected to GTCHS as of July 1, 2016.

Lease with Greenville Little League (Hughes) - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve a lease agreement renewal with Greenville Little League for the baseball fields at Hughes Academy.

Lease with City of Greenville for Playground at Blythe Elementary Academy - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the Revised Lease - Kiwanis Park with the City of Greenville for the playground area and playing fields known as Kiwanis Park at Blythe Academy. The City of Greenville uses this site to provide recreation services to the surrounding community.

External Audit Services Contract - Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve the accounting firm of Greene, Finney, & Horton, LLP to provide external audit services to the School District of Greenville County. In compliance with Board policy and District Procurement Code, proposals were solicited from accounting firms for external auditing services. Through the solicitation process, responses were received from five accounting firms. A team of finance personnel independently reviewed and evaluated the proposals.

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

Information / Action from Board Committees / Liaisons

Committee / Liaison Reports

Instructional Policies Review Committee - Dr. O'Connor noted the committee continues its work to review and revise instructional policies for consideration by the Board, including receiving input from principals.

Advocacy Committee - Mrs. Grayson stated the Board had met earlier on Tuesday with other elected officials to discuss ways the various organizations could work together for the betterment of the community.

Finance Report - The report was presented as information.

The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.