December 16, 2020 Edition
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News
Schools and Offices Closed for Winter Break
Greenville County schools and offices will be closed December 21 through January 1 for Winter Break. Friday, December 18 is a half-day for all students. Half-day school hours are 7:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. for CDCs and elementary schools, 8:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. for middle schools; and 8:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. for high schools. There are no extended day programs on half-days.
ACE Awards Accepting Nominations
The Coaches for Character ACE Awards (Advocates for Character and Education) is an annual award given to 74 male and female students from each of the 36 Greenville County middle and high schools. Nominations for ACE Awards will be accepted through February 8, 2021. Students can be nominated by faculty and staff, parents, community members, and other students. This year, it will honor one male and one female from each middle and high school in grades 8 and 12 who are considered the true “unsung heroes” in their schools. These are students who might go unnoticed for one reason or another, students who are role models, who work hard and give their best effort, students who are all too often not recognized for their accomplishments, or students who demonstrate unusual commitment to academics despite various obstacles.
Berea Middle’s Steven Sokohl Named SC Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year
The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) has named Steven Sokohl the 2021 South Carolina Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year. Sokohl is an assistant principal at Berea Middle School. Read more about Steven Sokohl.
Lynn Crane Named Greenville County Math Teacher of the Year
Gateway Elementary math teacher Lynn Crane has been named the Greenville County Math Teacher of the Year by the Greenville County Council for Teachers of Mathematics. Read more about Math Teacher of the Year.
Two GCS Educators Named Math Teachers of the Year for 2019-20
Due to the COVID-19 closure of schools last spring, the Greenville County Council for Teachers of Mathematics did not announce the recipients of the 2019-20 Math Teachers of the Year. Two GCS educators earned the honor, one at the middle school level and one at the high school level. They are Andrea Coker from Greer Middle School and Heather Ellis from J. L. Mann High Academy. Read more about 2019-20 Math Teachers of the Year.
Board Meeting Summary
December 15, 2020
Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Awards Presentation
Miracle Worker Awards: Madison Dalton and Heather Dye
Adoption of Consent Calendar
Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - November 17, 2020
Home Schooling Applications - 2
Personnel Recommendations - None
Adoption of Public Comments - Approved recommendation from the Administration to adopt comments submitted electronically, 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
Chad Hart
Elizabeth McCuen
Superintendent's Report
Dr. Royster took this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Holiday season and a brighter, happier, and more normal 2021 and to thank everyone for their time and efforts.
Action Items
BEST Board Member Reappointments - Approved recommendation from the Administration to approve the reappointment of James W. Blakely, Jr., Duke McCall, William "Bill" Renninger, and Joseph F. Sullivan to serve an additional three-year term on the Building Equity Sooner for Tomorrow Board of Directors.
Proposed Action to Conclude the Lawsuit between the American Humanist Association and Greenville County School District (Executive Session) - Approved motion to conclude the American Humanist Association lawsuit by executing this agreement, which strongly affirms and protects the religious freedom of District students and employees in accordance with the United States Constitution, at no cost to the District through its previous insurance carrier.
Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons
Committee / Liaison Reports
Advocacy Committee - Mr. Saylors reminded everyone that the $7.8 million in CARES Act money discussed publicly over the last few days is not new or additional money. It is the same allocation that was announced earlier this fall. The money can be used for four different functions related to COVID: safety and personal protective equipment, the hiring or contracting of school nurses, tutoring or supplemental services and remediation, or technology.
Once the pre-filing date has closed for the upcoming legislative session the bills will be reviewed and those most likely to impact public education will be presented to the Advocacy Committee for discussion.
Audit Committee - Will meet in January or early February after the new internal auditor starts work.
Monthly Finance Report - The report was presented as information. Dr. Royster notified the board that the external audit has not been concluded because the federal government has not yet issued audit guidance on CARES Act funding; however the State is requiring the District to submit its external audit in January. As a result, an incomplete audit - missing the CARES Act funding - will be presented to the Board in January.
The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.