January 27, 2021 Edition

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News

Registration Opens for 2021-22 GCS Virtual Program

Looking forward to next school year, Greenville County students have the opportunity to enroll in the full-time GCS Virtual Program. Registration for the 2021-22 GCS Virtual Program started last week and will continue through Tuesday, February 9. To register, students must be enrolled in Greenville County Schools and parents must have a BackPack account. This first registration window is for those who are certain they want to participate in the Virtual Program next fall. The program will be staffed based on this early signup. Greenville County Schools will reopen the window in April to create a waitlist. Read more about GCS Virtual Program.

Career Centers Accepting 2021-22 Applications

GCS high school students who are interested in enrolling in a career center program for the 2021-22 school year may apply online through March 19 using their GCS Backpack account. Interested students should click on "Programs" and "Apply to a Program" to access the appropriate Career Center. Applications must be completed by Friday, March 19 to be considered in the first round of applications. Students returning to the same Career Center program for a second year do not need to re-apply. Read more about Career Centers.

Board Meeting Summary

January 26, 2021

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance

Awards and Recognitions
Miracle Worker Award - Julie Gaitor
SCSBA School Board Years of Service Recognitions – Debi Bush, 25 Years, and Lynda Leventis-Wells, 15 Years

Adoption of Consent Calendar
Minutes, Special Called Meeting - December 8, 2020
Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - December 15, 2020
Minutes, Special Called Meeting - January 12, 2021
Home School Applications - 2
Personnel Recommendations – Nicole M. Puza, Principal, Lakeview Middle School; Steven Sokohl, Principal, Blythe Academy

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
Terrell Brown – School Board Appreciation Month

Superintendent's Report
Dr. Royster expressed appreciation to the Board for their service in honor of School Board Appreciation Month.  He shared a brief history of school boards in our nation, in fact pre-dating our nation, and the unique role of "Trustees."

Action Items

Resolution Regarding Teacher Step Increases – Approved recommendation from the Advocacy Committee to approve a resolution regarding teacher step increases and pay raises for all employees. The SC General Assembly is currently considering a House-introduced Joint Resolution (H.3609) that would restore teacher step increases that were suspended by Act 135 of 2020 due to financial uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 virus.

Property Acquisition for Fountain Inn High School (Executive Session) – This item was referred back to the administration without a vote.

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons

Mr. Lewis reminded Board Members about upcoming school visits.

Monthly Finance Report – The report was presented as information.

The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.