October 28, 2020 Edition

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News

GCS Students Score above State Average on ACT Test

ACT test results for the GCS graduating class of 2020 are in! The average composite score for Greenville County seniors was 19.8 on the ACTs 36-point scale. That’s higher than the state average of 18.1, but slightly lower than the national average of 20.6. However, Riverside, Eastside, J.L. Mann and Greenville High scored higher than the national average of 20.6. (On the SAT test, GCS students scored 8 points higher than the national average and 19 points higher than the state average.) The ACT subject test with the highest average score was Reading (20.5), followed by Science (19.9), Math (19.6), and English (18.7). The number of GCS seniors who took the ACT decreased from 2019 (2,727) to 2020 (2,545). This decrease was the result of student choice on the college entrance exam. In 2018, 11th grade students were given the opportunity by the South Carolina State Department of Education to participate in one no-cost school day test administration of either the ACT or SAT.

GCS to Provide Free Student Meals through end of School Year

Due to a recent USDA waiver, GCS is providing free school meals to all students for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. No application is needed. Breakfasts and lunches are available daily at all schools. This extension allows all students in our district to receive free meals regardless of their meal status. It applies to meals served to students when they are attending school in person, on days they are participating in eLearning and not in attendance, and meals served to students attending the Virtual Program. Read more about Free Student Meals.

GCS to host Virtual Interview Day

Greenville County Schools will host a Virtual Interview Day on Tuesday, December 8, from 10 AM - 6 PM. This virtual event is limited to candidates certified in middle level education, secondary education, special education, and foreign language. Registrants will receive information about teaching in Greenville County and have the opportunity to interview with a member of our recruitment team and/or school staff. Click here to register for Virtual Interview Day.

GCS Alternative Programs Earn Nation’s First Trauma-Skilled Schools Certification

Announcement Coincides with National Dropout Prevention Month
The National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC) is pleased to award the nation's first certification in Trauma-Skilled Schools (TSS) Model to the Alternative Program of Greenville County Schools. The certification is the result of a two-year process led by Dr. Kathie Greer, Director of Alternative Programs and who is herself a Trauma-Skilled Specialist and certified Trauma-Skilled Schools Model trainer. Read more about GCS Alternative Programs certification.

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

October 27, 2020

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance

Presentation of Awards and Recognitions

• Champion for Public Education Award - First Presbyterian Greenville
  • Presented by GCS Board Member and current President of the SCSBA Executive Board, Chuck Saylors in appreciation for First Presbyterian's service to the students of Hollis Academy.
• Boardsmanship Institute Level 6 - Glenda Morrison-Fair

Adoption of Consent Calendar

• Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - September 22, 2020
• Minutes, Special Called Meeting - September 22, 2020
• Minutes, Special Called Meeting - October 12, 2020
• Home Schooling Applications - 9
• Personnel Recommendations – 1
• Director of Planning and Demographics, Mr. Greg Stanfield
• Adoption of Public Comments – Approved recommendation from the Committee of the Whole to adopt the comments (submitted by email) and include them as part of the official minutes of the board meeting. At the May 12, 2020, Special Called Meeting, the Board of Trustees approved a Temporary Procedure for Public Input to Board Meetings during the Governor's current State of Emergency and any subsequent State of Emergency pertaining to the COVID-19 Pandemic and consistent with Board Policy KCA to allow the public to communicate their comments while also adhering to safety and health precautions and legal requirements.

Appearance of Visitors
Catherine Shumacher

Superintendent's Report
Dr. Royster presented his COVID update during a 5 p.m. workshop and did not have an additional Superintendent's Report.

Action Items

Protecting Students from Sexual Misconduct or Abuse: Training for Board Members – Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole stating as soon as is practical to do so, the Superintendent will provide the Board the direct expert training opportunity that principals and other District administrators receive pertaining to child sexual abuse prevention and that the district examine opportunities to offer more direct, interactive training, either in-person or virtually, to teachers and other necessary staff members rather than pre-recorded video training alone.

SCSBA Legislative Advocacy Program of the Year Nomination – Approved motion from the Advocacy Committee to nominate the Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees for the 2020 SCSBA Legislative Advocacy Program of the Year award. GCS has received this award in the past and this year escalated legislative advocacy efforts in the face of a global pandemic. Of particular note was the Board's focus on ensuring public funds are utilized only for public schools and not diverted to private institutions.

Purchasing Cards and Credit Cards Audit – Approved motion from Internal Auditing Services to accept the audit of Purchasing Cards and Credit Cards for the period of February 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019. This audit was performed to ensure proper usage of District Department P-Cards and credit cards.
 
Physical Education Exemption (Executive Session) – Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve the PE exemption of one student at Greer High School.

SCSBA Delegate Assembly – Approved motion from Mr. Saylors to formalize the selection of a delegate (Mrs. Lisa Wells) to the 2020 SCSBA Delegate Assembly.

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons

Committee / Liaison Reports
Mr. Meek indicated the Audit Committee Met on October 14.  The Superintendent will be bringing recommendations to the Audit Committee at a later date.

Monthly Finance Report – The external auditors are completing their work on the annual financial report. 

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.