VIP E-Newsletter

December 19, 2019 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

AA/AP Pool Application Window

The application window for the Administrative Assistant and Assistant Principal (AA/AP) Pool closes January 17, 2020. Any person who possesses the required certification for Elementary or Secondary Principal or will possess such certification before the 2020-2021 school year is encouraged to apply to become an Administrative Assistant or Assistant Principal. Click for more details.

Director of Athletics Darryl Nance Receives NIAAA’s Award of Merit

Darryl NanceGreenville County Schools Director of Athletics Darryl Nance has been named the recipient of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association's (NIAAA) Award of Merit. The Award of Merit is presented to an individual in recognition of outstanding leadership and personal commitment to the values of interscholastic athletics and is the NIAAA's highest individual award. Read about Coach Nance's career.

Debra WorkmanRalph Chandler Teacher “Outstanding New Educator” National Finalist

Ralph Chandler Middle School Gateway to Technology teacher Debra Workman is one of five finalists nationwide for the National Association for Alternative Certification (NAAC) "Outstanding New Educator" Award. Read more about Debra Workman.

School Board Members Saylors, Wells Elected to SCSBA Board

Congratulations to GCS Board of Trustees members Chuck Saylors and Lisa Wells. Saylors was installed as President of the South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA) and opened his term with a speech on the importance of civility. Wells was elected to serve as the Region 15 representative to the SCSBA Board. Click for more details.

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

December 18, 2019

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge – Dallas Sitton, Wade Hampton High School Junior
Student Performance: Fine Arts Center Voice Studio led by Danielle Knox.

Adoption of Consent Calendar
3 Home Schooling Applications
Personnel Recommendations

Appearance of Visitors
None

Superintendent's Report
Dr. Royster wished the members of the Board of Trustees a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Action Items

Revision of Policy GBRK: Vacations and Holidays – Approved recommendation from the Committee of the Whole to approve the proposed revision to Board Policy GBRK. The revisions to GBRK focus on the ability for the Superintendent or designee, based upon extenuating circumstances, to allow employees to use vacation leave that was earned the prior fiscal year up until June 30 of the subsequent fiscal year.

Revision of Policy GBRIB: Personal Leaves and Absences: Illness – Approved recommendation from the Committee of the Whole to approve the proposed revision to Board Policy GBRIB. The revisions to GBRIB include an introductory paragraph to the policy that emphasizes that regular and consistent employee attendance is important to advancing the District but also recognizes that employees are afforded sick leave and can take that leave in accordance with the policy, administrative rule, and relevant law.

Approval of Fund Balance Expenditures – Approved recommendation from the Committee of the Whole to assign $25,483,541 in Unassigned General Fund – Fund Balance monies to meet a number of one-time security, academic/CTE, capital, and other needs. This assignment will not impact meeting the requirements of Board Policy DM, or the financial activity of the FY 20 General Fund Budget. Currently, the Board-required amount is $55,683,551. Approval of this request will reduce the Unassigned Fund Balance to $128,572,674 which is 19.2% of FY20 Budget. The FY19 year-end financial activity showed an increase in the unassigned General Fund – Fund Balance of $31.4 million. This increase is due to a combination of additional revenue received and the underspending of budgeted expenditures.

Budget Adjustment for Summit Drive Elementary School Addition – Approved recommendation from the Committee of the Whole to increase the budget for the Summit Drive Elementary School addition by $2,399,400, for a total estimated project cost of $13,485,670. As we moved out of the conceptual design phase for the expansion to Summit Drive Elementary School, from which the most recent LRFP cost estimates were built, into schematic design, the estimated cost for the project increased. Much of the additional cost is due to increased scope of work associated with the site development package, the majority of which is related directly or indirectly to fire protection and life safety.

Physical Education Exemption (Executive Session) – Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve a physical education exemption for one student at Mauldin Middle School.

Audit of Student Activity Funds Analytical – Approved recommendation from Internal Auditing Services to accept the audit of Student Activity Funds Analytical, July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018. This audit was performed to review financial activity for Student Activity Funds.

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

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaison – Advocacy Committee met today and had a presentation from Jason Zacher with the Greenville Chamber.  Of particular note, the recent chamber survey on policy had over 1400 responses and almost half were teachers.  Increasing teacher pay to the national average is their number one education priority.  Mr. Lewis indicated the Advocacy Committee will bring a resolution encouraging employees, students, and staff to participate in the 2020 census to the January Board Meeting.

Finance Report
Monthly Finance Report – The report was presented as information.

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.