April 24, 2019 Edition
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News
"Expressway to Tiger Town" Offers Accelerated Path from High School to Clemson University
Leadership from Greenville County Schools, Greenville Technical College and the Clemson University College of Education announced a collaborative partnership that will open a seamless pathway from high school to a degree in education from Clemson University. The partnership, "Expressway to Tiger Town," will identify, support and prepare students for a career as an educator.
The purpose of the teacher pipeline partnership is to provide curriculum pathways for high school students from Greenville County Schools to begin taking dual credit courses as early as the 10th grade. Students will then go on to earn an associate’s degree from Greenville Technical College and finally a teacher preparation bachelor’s degree from Clemson University. Read more about the "Expressway to Tiger Town" partnership.
League Academy Named Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School
League Academy has received a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools award for the 2018-2019 school year from the Flippen Group. Three years ago, League Academy began an initiative to transform the campus into an emotionally safe and relationally connected place for students, staff, and parents. After researching programs used by some of the nation’s most successful schools, League Academy leaders chose to join hands with the Flippen Group to bring Capturing Kids’ Hearts to its campus. Teachers and staff learned processes to increase students’ connectedness with both peers and adults on campus. They learned how to create a classroom environment where students are excited to enter and learn every day. As a result of implementing Capturing Kids’ Hearts, League Academy has enjoyed an extremely positive school culture shift. Read more about League Academy Named Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School..
Superintendent Surprises Teachers with Top 10 Finalists Announcement
Greenville County Schools Superintendent Burke Royster made surprise visits before Spring Break to the classrooms of ten teachers, telling them they have been named finalists for the 2019-2020 GCS Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced at a special breakfast in August. Top 10 Teacher of the Year Finalists Photos and more.
- Charnley DeMerritt, STEM Lab, Oakview Elementary
- Krista Ennis, Music, Woodland Elementary
- Susan McCoy, Science, Greer Middle School
- Jill Parker, Kindergarten, Skyland Elementary School
- Kathryn Polley, Music, Augusta Circle Elementary
- Lori Robbins, ESOL, Mauldin High
- Teresa Rozakos, Math, League Academy
- Benjamin Sinnett, Science, Greenville Middle Academy
- Brooke Tidwell, Four-Year-Old Kindergarten, Golden Strip Child Development Center
- Jamie Walden, Welding, Enoree Career Center
Greenville County Schools Hall of Fame Accepting Nominations
Greenville County Schools is accepting nominations for the GCS Hall of Fame. In addition to nominating someone as an outstanding GCS Graduate, individuals may also submit nominations in a new category for GCS Educators. Nominations for both Hall of Fame categories will be accepted through Wednesday, May 1, 2019.
The Hall of Fame Graduate distinction honors men and women who have graduated from Greenville County Schools and have made substantial or significant contributions at the local, regional, national, or international levels in any appropriate area of endeavor such as, but not limited to, academia and education, arts, athletics, business, media, public service, philanthropy, medicine, military, or science.
The new Hall of Fame GCS Educator distinction honors men and women for their contributions to the profession of education, specifically within the K12 public education sector, and their lasting and positive impact on students.
Unofficial Board Meeting Summary
April 23, 2019
Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Norberto Gordinez from Hollis Elementary School led the Board of Trustees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
According to his principal, Norberto is an outgoing, friendly, and diligent fifth-grade student. He is a member of the school's safety patrol, and always follows the school's Code of Honor—The 3 R's- Ready, Respectful, and Responsible.
Adoption of Consent Calendar
Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - March 26, 2019
Minutes, Special Called Meeting - April 9, 2019
Personnel Recommendations
Kimberly Brice, Assistant Principal, Simpsonville Elementary, Effective 8/5/19
Trey Forrester, Assistant Principal, League Academy, Effective 8/5/19
Joshua Rice, Assistant Principal, Chandler Creek Elementary, Effective 8/5/19
Candace Strickland, Assistant Principal, J. Harley Bonds Career Center, Effective 7/29/19
Awards Presentation
Miracle Worker Awards - Mayiber Quintana and Ed Cody
Appearance of Visitors - Katelyn Emberton
ACTION ITEMS
2019 District and School Strategic Plans Update – Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the District and schools' strategic plan updates. District Strategic Plans and School Renewal Plans are to be developed every five years and updated annually as required by the Early Childhood Development and Academic Assistance Act of 1993 (S.C. Code Ann §59-139-05 et seq.), the Education Accountability Act of 1998 (S.C. Code Ann §59-18-1300, 1310, and 1510) and the State Board of Education Regulation 43-261. District Strategic Plans and School Renewal Plans, as well as Annual Updates, are due by April 30th of each year, and the plans become effective on July 1.
Nomination for SCSBA Region 15 Director – Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the nomination of Lisa Wells for the office of SCSBA Region 15 Director.
Non-renewal of Contracts (Executive Session) – Approved recommendation from the Administration that the Board of Trustees conditionally accept the Superintendent's recommendation that the contract of ONE Annual Contract employee not be renewed for the 2019-20 school year, subject to the employee's appeal rights pursuant to Section 59-26-40 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
INFORMATION ITEMS
Board Officer Candidate Roster
Roster of Candidates:
Chair - Lynda Leventis-Wells, Derek Lewis, Chuck Saylors
Vice-Chair - Derek Lewis, Lisa Wells
Secretary - Derek Lewis, Glenda Morrison-Fair
Internal Auditing Services' Project Status Report – The report was presented as information.
INFORMATION / ACTION FROM BOARD COMMITTEES / LIAISONS
Committee / Liaison Reports – Mr. Lewis shared that the Advocacy Committee met today and discussed the Senate version of the bill that is the companion bill of House Education Reform. Both the House and Senate versions of the budget currently include the 4% raise for teachers (plus a step).
FINANCE REPORT
Monthly Financial Report – The report was presented as information.
The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.