May 24, 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.
subscribe | update your information.

Please "Like" us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/gcschools) and follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/gcschools). Our Facebook page is updated daily with new and exciting information about our students, staff, and schools. We also encourage you to share GCS Facebook posts with your friends. Ask them to "Like" us on Facebook so they can be informed about their public schools.

News

Royster Named SC Superintendent of the Year

Greenville County Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster has been named the 2018 South Carolina Superintendent of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.

Dr. Royster was recently recognized nationwide by Education Week as a "Leader to Learn From."

“Dr. Royster continues to lead with a keen awareness of what needs to be done and with a focus on action to improve student engagement and success! His knowledge of, and attention to detail in operations, academics, athletics, financial health, and support for personnel sets an outstanding example for our state,” O’Connor said.

Five Staff Members Named GCS Employees of the Year

Greenville County Schools and Greenville Federal Credit Union announced the winners of the Greenville County Schools Employee of the Year Awards at last week's Salute to Education banquet. Each award winner received $500 cash and a special award commissioned by Greenville Federal Credit Union. Their school or department also received $500 cash so all employees can share in the honor. Read more: Read more about Staff Members Named GCS Employees of the Year

• Kim Brice, Instructional Coach, Bethel Elementary School, School Support Staff Employee of the Year
• Marilyn Masters, Bus Driver, Donaldson Bus Center, Operations Employee of the Year
• Joseph Foster, Freshman Class Assistant Principal, Wade Hampton High School, Assistant School Administrator of the Year
• Michael Weeks, Director, Roper Mountain Science Center, School Administrator of the Year
• Dr. Jason McCreary, Director, Accountability and Quality Assurance, District Professional Employee of the Year

Four GCS Seniors Graduate with 12 Years of Perfect Attendance

Four seniors have completed 12 years of school without missing a single day. Students are allowed by State law to miss up to 10 days of school per year, but these Greenville County Schools seniors completed 2,160 days without missing a day, either excused or unexcused. Seniors with 12 years of perfect school attendance are recognized by the South Carolina Department of Education. They each received a special certificate and congratulatory letter from State Superintendent of Education Molly M. Spearman.

• Malenah Lewis, Hillcrest High School
• Jakhaya Sullivan, Hillcrest High School
• Kendall Bayne, J.L. Mann High Academy
• Emily Leopard, Travelers Rest High School

Last Days of School and Graduation Schedule

The last three days of the school year - Wednesday, May 31 - Friday, June 2 - will be half-days for all students. Lunch will be served each day and buses will pick up students as per the adjusted half-day schedule (2.5 hours early). School times are as follows:

• CDCs and Elementary: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Middle: 8:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
• High: 8:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary
May 23, 2017

Welcome, Prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance - Mrs. Rohleder

Awards Presentation
Miracle Worker Awards presented to David Scott, Zachary Pearce, Donald Thomus, and Kyle Underwood for the heroic actions following a bus wreck on April 26, 2017.

Consent Calendar
Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - April 25, 2017
Minutes, First Reading of FY 18 General Fund Budget - April 27, 2017
Personnel Recommendations - One Principal, 10 Assistant Principals

• Principal, Amanda Lecaroz, Child Development Centers, Effective July 1, 2017
• Assistant Principal, Tracy Burns, Phinnize Fisher Middle, Effective 8/7/17
• Assistant Principal, Thomas Greg Cooke, Bryson Middle, Effective 8/7/17
• Assistant Principal, Yolanda Crittendon-Jones, Berea Middle, Effective 8/7/17
• Assistant Principal, Jennifer Couch, Woodmont Middle, Effective 7/24/17
• Assistant Principal, Karon Dailey, Sevier Middle, Effective 8/7/17
• Assistant Principal, Lisa Gilliard, Welcome Elementary, Effective 8/7/17
• Assistant Principal, Adam Massey, Mauldin High, Effective 7/31/17
• Assistant Principal, Erica Scott, Riverside High, Effective 7/31/17
• Assistant Principal, Nurit Sexton, Woodland Elementary, Effective 8/7/17
• Assistant Principal, Angel Stepp, Southside High, Effective 7/31/17
• Assistant Principal, Jennifer Woody, Beck Academy, Effective 8/7/17

Appearance of Visitors

• Sonny Anderson
• Lawson Wetli
• Asha Marie
• Amber Magnuson
• Ethan Magnuson
• Matt Purinton
• Ramona Schaetzle
• Jalen Elrod
• Rev. Pat Jobe
• Rev. David Taylor
• Mary McGowan
• Sandy Miller
• Mindy Cornelison
• Nancy Welch

Superintendent's Report - Dr. Royster's Superintendent's Report was on the outstanding academic achievement of Greenville County Schools' 2016-17 athletes and the research that shows how much better students perform academically when they are involved in extracurricular activities. His report noted that the District's 484 varsity athletic teams and 6,865 athletes posted a cumulative GPA of 3.74. A total of 91 GCS teams posted cumulative GPAs of 4.0 or better.

Action Items

Appeal of Termination (Executive Session) - Approved recommendation from the Administration to affirm the decision of the administration and deny hearing the appeal of termination.

Sex Education Advisory Committee Video Recommendations - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the new sex education videos to update the curriculum.

Appointments to Coordinated School Health Advisory Council - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve members of the CSHAC Committee with the addition of Susan Haire. The committee is made up of 2 board members, 4 district staff members, 6 school representatives, 2 students, 2 parents, and 4 community members.

Nomination of Mr. Saylors for SCSBA VP and Mrs. Wells for Region 15 Director - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to accept the nomination of Chuck Saylors as Vice President and Lisa Wells for Region 15 Director for the South Carolina School Boards Association.

J.E. Sirrine Scholarships (Executive Session) - Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve the new and renewal scholars for Sirrine Scholarships in the amounts specified by the Sirrine Scholarship Program Report.

Long Range Facilities Plan - CIP - The motion coming to the Board from the Committee of the Whole was to approve the 2017 Long Range Facilities Plan and Capital Improvement Plan as presented, including the use of $10,500,000 of Fund Balance from General Fund. Mr. Saylors requested and Mrs. Wells seconded that the Board amend the Committee of the Whole motion to add to the Roper Mountain Science Center Environmental Education Center a multi-purpose room and seating area to accommodate 200 and to include the Career Centers in the facilities study using an additional $1,665,000 from the General Fund Fund Balance. The amended motion carried through voice vote. The motion as amended received final approval through voice vote.

Surplus of Outparcel at Blythe Academy - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the surplus of 0.84± acres of property across from Blythe Academy.

Naming of Blue Ridge High Baseball Field - Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve the naming of the Blue Ridge High School baseball field for Mr. Jerry Henson. The Blue Ridge High School community has expressed strong support for honoring Coach Jerry Henson, who taught and coached at the school for 42 years, and continues to volunteer his time with the baseball team since his retirement.

Additional Audit Request - Approved motion from Internal Auditing Services to approve the additional audit project to review the internal controls at the Food and Nutrition Services Department.

Information Items

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

Committee/Liaison Reports - Mrs. Grayson gave a report on the work of the Advocacy Committee and an update on the status of the state's budget.

Finance Report

Monthly Financial Report - The report was presented as information.

The meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.