November 16, 2016 Edition

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News

American Education Week - November 14-18, 2016

Greenville County Schools is celebrating American Education Week with other schools and districts across the nation with the theme Inspiration happens here every day.

As the nation's 44th largest school district, GCS staff understands and encourages the active involvement of parents, volunteers, and the community as our more than 5,000 teachers inspire young people to become college and career ready by the time they graduate.

Fine Arts Center Accepting Applications

Applications are now open for the 2017-18 school year to attend the Fine Arts Center, one of the nation's outstanding arts schools, with 19 disciplines, over 400 students, master teachers, and the first Architecture and Fiber Arts Programs in the country. Apply today at www.fineartscenter.net.

Magnet Academy Applications Accepted Now

Applications are currently being accepted for Greenville County Schools' 11 magnet academies.
There are three elementary magnet academies: Blythe Academy of Languages, East North Street Academy of Math and Science and Stone Academy of Communication Arts. Middle School magnets include Beck Academy International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, Greenville Middle Academy of Global Studies, Hughes Academy of Science and Technology, and League Academy of Communication Arts. Four high school magnet academies include Carolina High and Academy of Engineering Technology and Health Professions, Greenville High Academy of Law, Finance and Business, J.L. Mann Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology, and Southside High International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma Programs. Applications will be accepted through December 7. Magnet School Applications.

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary
November 15, 2016

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance - Mrs. Rohleder

Mrs. Leventis-Wells introduced students in the audience from Furman University, USC Upstate, and Greenville Tech. She also introduced the newest Board member, Michelle Goodwin-Calwile, who was recently elected to serve Area 25 and takes office on Friday, November 18.

Adoption of Consent Calendar - Approved
Minutes, Special Called Meeting - October 11, 2016
Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - October 25, 2016
Personnel Recommendations - Teri Brinkman, Executive Director for Strategic Communications and Engagement; Beth Brotherton, Director of Communications

Appearance of Visitors
Bethany Du and Jennifer Kirchner

Superintendent's Report
Dr. Royster introduced Teri Brinkman as the Executive Director for Strategic Communications and Engagement, and Beth Brotherton as the Director of Communications. He recognized Board member Kenneth Baxter for his service, and expressed appreciation for the manner in which he served. Dr. Royster and Board Chairman Lisa Wells presented Baxter with a plaque.

Action Items

Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Year Ended June 30, 2016 - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to accept the FY 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report as presented.

Amendment of Capital Projects Budget - Enoree Career Center - Approved motion from the Board to approve the amendment to the Capital Projects Budget - Enoree Career Center. The winning bid for Enoree Career Center's renovation and expansion came in $1.3 million above budget, bringing the revised total to $7,598,131 due to a number of market conditions, including a substantial increase in construction volume and labor shortages, as well as increases in commodity prices such as steel, concrete, and glass. The expenses will be offset by a $500,000 excess from the FY 16 capital projects budget and $802,000 from the J.L. Mann expansion project, which came in under budget.

Indefinite Delivery Contract (Mechanical Engineering) - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve all five firms (Peritus Engineers; H2L; ESD - Engineered System Design; Crow & Bulman; and Delta) for Mechanical Engineer Design Services for use in an indefinite delivery contract format. The decision was made due to the anticipated work load.

Indefinite Delivery Contract (Electrical Engineer) - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve Burdette Engineering to provide Electrical Engineering Design and Construction Services for the QZAB Lighting upgrade project for the District.

Information Items

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

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons

Committee / Liaison Reports
Mrs. Grayson reported that the Advocacy Committee's request for a waiver from the State Department of Education for online testing of third through fifth graders, effective next school year, was approved. She also stated that the Board is invited to meet with William Timmons at a lunch tentatively set for November 30 at noon at Sara Collins Elementary School.

Dr. O'Connor reported that the Instructional Policies Committee will bring additional recommendations for policy changes to the December Committee of the Whole.

Finance Report

Monthly Financial Information - The report was presented as information. Mr. Knotts noted that color-coded charts have been added to the report to bring emphasis to specific line items in the report.

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.