November 18, 2020 Edition

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News

GCS Middle Schools to Return to 5-day In-person Instruction

Beginning next week, Greenville County Schools will start the process of returning middle school students to full-time in-person instruction. After consulting with medical professionals from DHEC and Prisma Health and reviewing our internal metrics, we believe GCS students and staff are safer from COVID-19 while at school than they are outside of school. We also recognize that students perform better academically in a face-to-face setting. Thankfully, GCS has received updated guidance on the use of plexiglass panels in classrooms. DHEC officials say students wearing masks can sit 3-feet apart instead of 6-feet while separated by a plexiglass barrier. It's important to understand that our decision to return middle school students to 5-day-a-week in-person instruction was not reached overnight. Read more about middle school returning.

Change in Assignment School Choice Lottery Window Opens November 16

Greenville County Schools' Change in Assignment (CIA) School Choice Lottery Window will be available from Monday, November 16 through Wednesday, December 2, 2020 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. Order of receipt of CIA form at schools during the CIA Lottery Window does not affect lottery ranking or assignment.

All parents/guardians interested in applying for a possible CIA school choice slot at a school other than their assigned school based on their resident address should apply during the Change in Assignment Choice Lottery Window. Parents of kindergarten students should apply during the CIA Lottery Window (do not wait until kindergarten registration).

American Education Week - November 16-20, 2020

Greenville County Schools is celebrating American Education Week using the hashtag #GCSStrong. We will post staff stories on our website and social media all week long, highlighting employees groups including School Support, Transportation, Educators, Operations and Maintenance, and District staff. Read more about American Education Week.

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

November 17, 2020

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance - Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Morrison-Fair

Oath of Office
Given by the Hon. Alex Kinlaw, Jr.

Debi Bush
Sarah Dulin
Michelle Goodwin-Calwile
Glenda Morrison-Fair
Angie Mosley
Carolyn Styles

Adoption of Consent Calendar
Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - October 27, 2020
Home Schooling Applications - 2
Personnel Recommendations - None.
Adoption of Public Comments - Approved recommendation from the Committee of the Whole to adopt submitted comments and include them as part of the official minutes of the board meeting.

Appearance of Visitors - no visitors

Superintendent's Report - Given by GCS Teacher of the Year Angelica Childes

Action Items

International Baccalaureate Elementary Programs - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to eliminate the IB Primary Years Programs at Chandler Creek and Heritage Elementary Schools based on staff and community input. Heritage Elementary and Chandler Creek Elementary have both shifted focus to increase student achievement and test scores. As a result, their test scores have significantly improved the last two years. Both schools and communities desire to continue the focus on increasing test scores and academic rigor and have found that the requirements of the IB Primary Years Program detract from this focus. Both schools will continue to emphasize the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.

Waiver of Grade 5 and 8 MAP Testing for 2020-21 - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to waive MAP testing for grades 5 and 8 for the 20-21 school year. The waiver was requested in response to additional state requirements for pre- and post-testing. Second grade will still take MAP due to the requirement for Gifted and Talented identification.

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons

Committee / Liaison Reports
The Advocacy Committee will meet on the day of the next Committee of the Whole (Dec. 8).  They will be addressing a number of issues that have come up or are expected to come up in the next legislative session.

Finance Report
The external audit has not been concluded because the guidance for CARES Act audit standards has not been completed. Based on information we are receiving from Columbia, we do not expect any mid-year budget reductions this year.

Monthly Finance Report - The report was presented as information.

The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.