VIP E-Newsletter

January 25, 2017 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

A.J. Whittenberg, Monarch Elementary Schools Named Finalists for Palmetto’s Finest Award

A.J. Whittenberg Elementary and Monarch Elementary are among nine finalists for the 2017 Palmetto’s Finest Schools Awards after extensive evaluations by fellow educators and previous Palmetto’s Finest winners. The application process includes elements on student achievement, instructional programs, professional learning communities, and school culture.

Students and staff at the finalist schools will gather on Tuesday, March 21, at 1:45 p.m. to learn the winners. The announcement will be streamed live to each of the finalist schools.

At-Risk 4K Pre-Registration for 2017-2018

At-Risk 4K pre-registration will be held Wednesday, January 25, through Friday, March 10. Pre-registration will NOT be accepted after March 10. To be considered, children must turn four years old on or before September 1, 2017, and meet certain criteria. Parents may pre-register at any district elementary school or child development center until March 10. Children do not have to live in the school attendance area to pre-register at that location.

GATE Logo

Greenville Alternative Teacher Education (GATE) Program

The Greenville Alternative Teacher Education (GATE) program is hosting a series of information sessions for individuals who are looking for a new pathway to a career in teaching. The first district-based, job-embedded alternative certification program in South Carolina is designed to increase the number of exceptional math and science teachers in Greenville County middle level and secondary schools.

In partnership with Public Education Partners (PEP), GATE provides rigorous preparation in best educational practices to selected individuals who have a strong commitment to teach and a bachelor’s degree with a major or an emphasis in math or science. More: https://goo.gl/KKwcM0

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary
January 24, 2017

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance - Mrs. Rohleder

Adoption of Consent Calendar

  • Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - December 13, 2016
  • Minutes, Special Called Meeting - January 4, 2017
  • Minutes, Special Called Meeting - January 12, 2017
  • 2 Home Schooling Applications

Personnel Recommendations

  • Scott Rhymer, Asst. Superintendent for School Leadership - High Schools
  • Jeff McCoy, Associate Superintendent for Academics

Appearance of Visitors
Bob Davis, Terrell Brown, Valerie Bynum

Superintendent's Report
Dr. Royster and Dr. O'Connor presented a proclamation and a crystal award to Grier Mullins, retired executive director for Public Education Partners, in recognition of her many contributions to public education throughout her career.  Debi Bush also present Mullins with flowers.

Dr. Royster presented awards to Pat Sudduth and Chuck Saylors in recognition of their 15 years of service to Greenville County Schools. Boardmanship awards were presented to Joy Grayson, Glenda Morrison-Fair, and Lisa Wells for reaching Level Four, and Derek Lewis, Dr. Crystal Ball O'Connor, and Pat Sudduth for reaching Level Two.

Action Items

Signing of SCSBA Ethics Statement - As part of SCSBA's School Board Recognition Month, the Board held a public signing of the South Carolina School Board Member Ethical Principles statement, publicly pledging to uphold effective governance principles and pledging to improve public education in our district.

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

Extension to Sale of Sue Cleveland Elementary - Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve the extension of the closing period for the Old Sue Cleveland Elementary School.

Saint Matthew Baptist Church has submitted an amendment requesting an extension to the closing in order to complete financing arrangements. This amendment will be valid until February 28, 2017, for closing and will add an additional $5,000 of earnest money which shall be non-refundable and fully applicable to the purchase price.

Sale of Additional Land at Sue Cleveland (Executive Session) - Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve the sale of ±1.75 acres at 3 Church Street and S. Piedmont Highway to DDR Properties, Inc. for $150,000.

Proposed Master Internal Audit Plan for the 2017 Calendar Year - Approved recommendation from Internal Auditing to approve the Proposed Master Internal Audit Plan for the 2017 Calendar Year.

Information Items

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

Committee / Liaison Reports
Mrs. Grayson gave a report on the upcoming National School Boards Association Advocacy Institute in Washington, D.C.

Mrs. Wells gave an update on the work of the Instructional Policies Committee and the recent South Carolina School Boards (SCSBA) Board of Directors Retreat.

Finance Report - The report was presented as information.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.