November 28, 2018 Edition

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News

GCS Magnet Academies Accepting Applications

Apply to a Magnet Academy.

Greenville County Schools Magnet Academies are inspiring, supporting and preparing students for their next opportunities in life, education and employment. We have eleven Magnet Academies with a unique theme or focus that connect students to engaging classes and meaningful experiences.
Magnet academies attract students who want to explore a special interest, gift, talent or skill. Apply to your schools of choice between November 1st and December 4th.

School Choice - Change in Assignment School Choice Lottery Window Ends December 5

Complete details including Change in Assignment Lottery Process

Greenville County Schools' Change in Assignment (CIA) School Choice Lottery Window will be available from Monday, November 19 through Wednesday, December 5, 2018 where parents can submit a choice form for up to three schools for their child at their number one choice school.
Choice forms are available at every school (except magnet schools) and must be completed and submitted at the number one choice school. Since order of receipt of form does not impact assignment, parents will not be allowed to line up at schools.

Registration for kindergarten and first grade in Greenville County Schools will be held Tuesday-Friday, December 4-7, 2018. Children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2019 must enroll in public or private kindergarten, unless the parent or legal guardian signs a waiver. Any child who will be six years old on or before September 1, 2019 must enroll in first grade. Students who are currently enrolled in a GCS 4K or 5K program do not need to register. Visit your assigned Greenville County public school December 4-7, 2018 to register. For your child's school assignment and other information, visit the Kindergarten Registration website or call INFOLine at 355-3100.
To enroll a new student in kindergarten or first grade, a parent must present the following at registration:

State-issued Birth Certificate
Properly Completed Immunization Certificate or Religious Exemption Certificate
Two Forms of Proof of Residence (two documents required such as a current utility bill or copy of lease agreement)
Photo ID from Any State/Country

GCS Employee Spotlight Presented by Horace Mann

Profiles of Fall 2018 Spotlight Award Winners.

Eleven outstanding GCS employees have been selected for recognition as part of the Employee Spotlight Program presented by Horace Mann. The Employee Spotlight Program honors staff members who have made significant contributions or accomplishments on the job at Greenville County Schools. Any GCS employee in good standing may be nominated. The application includes a description of why the nominee is deserving, how the nominee goes above and beyond to exceed expectations, and what is different, better or improved because of the nominee.

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

November 27, 2018

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Nathan Brookey, a fifth-grader from Grove Elementary School, led the Board and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Oath of Office
The Oath of Office was administered to the following newly elected and re-elected members of the Board of Trustees:

Roy Chamlee
Lynda Leventis-Wells
Derek Lewis
Roger Meek
Chuck Saylors
Pat Sudduth
Lisa Wells

Adoption of Consent Calendar

Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - October 23, 2018
1 Home Schooling Application
Personnel Recommendations - None

Appearance of Visitors
No visitors.

Superintendent's Report
Dr. Royster introduced Julie Horton as the new GCS Director of Governmental Relations. Dr. Royster also expressed his appreciation to the Board Members for their service and willingness to participate in the political process.

Action Items

Comprehensive Annual Financial Report - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to accept the FY 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report as presented. This report details the financial operations of the District and includes an independent CPA opinion on the financial statements of the District. Included with the report is the External Auditor's Management Letter and accompanying District response.

Physical Education Exemption (Executive Session) - Approved recommendation from the administration to approve the PE exemption for one student at Greer High School.

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

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons - Mr. Lewis shared updates from the Advocacy Committee including news that with the addition of 21 propane-propelled buses, all of the 95-96 buses prone to thermal events will be removed from the GCS fleet. Additionally, all of these 95-96 buses are expected to be removed from all school bus fleets in the state by the New Year.

As chair of the Advocacy's Safety and Security subcommittee, Mrs. Grayson gave an update of their efforts. They plan to bring recommendations to the Board in the January Board Meeting. They are focused on public policies that would put SROs in more schools, increase mental health counselors in schools across the state, and encourage fire and law enforcement officials to work together to develop codes for new school facilities that increase safety and security related to potential active threats.

She also announced that GCS has applied to the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to allow the GCS Security Specialists, who are all former law enforcement officers, to carry weapons on school property. The next Safety and Security subcommittee meeting is tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. at the District Office.

Finance Report - The report was presented as information.

The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.