October 28, 2016 Edition
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News
Elks Lodge Awards Grants to Five Schools
The Elks Lodge #858 presented nearly $5,000 in grant money to five GCS schools who submitted exciting plans to improve their music education programs. The winning programs were A.J. Whittenberg Elementary, Alexander Elementary, Cherrydale Elementary, Lakeview Middle, and Robert E. Cashion Elementary. The Elks Lodge partners with The Music Club of Greenville to provide grants to school music programs.
Job Fair - Bus Drivers, Aides, Custodians, and Food Service Workers Needed
GCS will host a Job Fair for persons interested in these positions on Tuesday, November 15, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Enoree Career Center, 108 Scalybark Road, Greenville, 29617. Great benefits including health and dental insurance, retirement, sick leave, and free life insurance, are available for employees who work 30 or more hours per week.
U.S. Marine Band Performs at Mauldin High
"The President's Own" United States Marine Band performed on October 27th at Mauldin High School. The program was one of 29 concerts in 11 states presented throughout the Southeast this month.
Woodmont High Students Perform Play in Sign Language and the Spoken Word
WHS Theatre Teacher Harry Culpepper, who grew up with two deaf parents, has prepared his students to perform The Taste of Sunrise on October 28 - 30. The play takes place in the mind and memory of Tuc as he journeys through his childhood from the loss of his hearing, to the language of nature, to the Deaf school where he learned to sign. Tickets are $5. Performances are 7pm on Friday and Saturday and 2pm on Sunday.
"Work Ready" Students
Almost 90% of last school year's almost 5,000 Greenville County high school juniors earned a bronze certificate or higher on the ACT WorkKeys, a new state assessment which replaced the high school exit exam. It was administered for the first time in spring 2015. The certificate can assist students with finding part-time or summer jobs, internships, and employment. In South Carolina, over 1,400 employers recognize the certificate.
Unofficial Board Meeting Summary
October 25, 2016
Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance - Mrs. Rohleder
Recognition of Students in the Audience - Mrs. Leventis-Wells
Adoption of Consent Calendar
- Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - September 27, 2016
- 2 Home School Applications
- Personnel Recommendations - None
Appearance of Visitors
Ms. Tabatha Crawford
Superintendent's Report
Dr. Royster reported that October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and that GCS has been recognized for a number of years as a Champion of cyber security. He noted that in this school year, the staff has already made 125 presentations to more than 11,500 people. He introduced security staff members Spencer Benham, Noel Adams, Leslie Lambert, and Rick Floyd to the Board.
Action Items
Innovative Courses
Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the Innovative Courses as presented.
- The Studio Art course which encompassed (1) Ceramics, (2) Design, (3) Drawing, Painting and Printmaking (4) Photography are being broken out to better help colleges identify an area of focus for students.
- The Woods and Brass Chamber course is being combined from separate courses since students meet at the same time for Chamber.
- Additional Levels of Honors 5-8 for various courses are being added to accommodate more level options for students who are at the Fine Arts Center for four years.
P.E. Waiver from Riverside High School
Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve the P.E. Waiver request from one student.
SCSBA Delegates
Approved motion from Mr. Meek to designate all GCS trustees as attendees to the SCSBA Delegate Assembly Conference as voting delegates and alternates.
Revision of Policy MBC: The Roper Mountain Science Center (RMSC)
Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the revisions to Board Policy MBC. The revisions create a more detailed process for the functions of the RMSC Advisory Council, clarify the role of the RMSC Association, and update the priority among different entities in the use of the RMSC.
Revision of Policy IAA: Academic Freedom & Deletion of Policy IKB: Controversial Issues
Approved recommendation from the Committee of the Whole to approve revision of Policy IAA and deletion of Policy IKB. The new policy combines the current policies.
Revision of Policy IC: Curriculum Development
Approved recommendation from the Committee of the Whole to approve the revision of Policy IC: Curriculum Development. The purpose of Policy IC is to support a research-based curriculum development process that is comprehensive, rigorous, and innovative, and promotes the personalization of learning.
Revision of Policy IDD: Support Programs
Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the revision of Policy : Support Programs. The purpose of Policy IDD is to reaffirm the Board's commitment to provide support programs and services to meet students' instructional needs.
Revision of Policy IDDF: Students with Disabilities
Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the revision of Policy IDDF: Students with Disabilities. The purpose of Policy IDDF is to reaffirm the Board’s commitment to the principles articulated in federal and state law, including providing a free and appropriate public education to all students with disabilities, protecting the rights of all students with disabilities, and honoring the principle that every student can learn and succeed.
Revision of Policy IEK: Charter Schools
Approved motion from the Ad Hoc Committee to approve the revision of Policy IEK as amended. The revised policy uses the precise language of the South Carolina Statute regarding the closure of charter schools when they receive the lowest performance level rating as defined by the federal accountability system for three consecutive years.
City of Mauldin Sewer Easement at Mauldin High School
Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the right-of-way with the City of Mauldin at Mauldin High School as presented. The City of Mauldin requested a right-or-way for a distance of approximately 255.39 feet and a width of 25 feet for the amount of $6,078.41. The purpose of this right-of-way is to install a sanitary sewer pipe for an adjoining property.
Naming of M.T. Anderson Video Production Studio
Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve naming the Video Production Studio at M.T. Anderson Support Center the "Oby G. Lyles Video Production Studio." Meredith Murray, longtime videographer/editor for Greenville County Schools, submitted a request for the school district's studio to be named in honor of Mr. Lyles, who retired in September after 28 years at the helm of the District's Communications Department.
Amendment of Capital Projects Budget - Sara Collins Elementary
Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the revision of the Projects Budget-Sara Collins Elementary.
Sale of Old Teen Parent Facility (Executive Session)
Approved amended motion from Mr. Meek to approve the sale of the former Teen Parent Building to Janus 28 Incorporated for $925,000.
Extension of Closing Period for Tindal Avenue Property
Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve the amendment of the Tindal Avenue contract to provide until November 22, 2016, for closing. The closing for this contract was previously scheduled for October 25, but the buyer had requested an extension due to a death in his family.
Information Items
Internal Auditing Services' Project Status Report
The report was presented as information.
Committee / Liaison Reports
No Reports
Finance Report
Monthly Financial Information - No presentation
The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.