August 25, 2021 Edition
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News
Five GCS Schools Named National PTA Schools of Excellence
Greenville County Schools is proud to announce that five schools have been named 2020-2022 Schools of Excellence by the National PTA. They are Blythe Academy, Bryson Elementary, Fork Shoals School, Plain Elementary, and Sterling School. National PTA School of Excellence is a recognition program that supports and celebrates partnerships between local PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for all students.
Connected Back-to-School Newsletter
Our parent newsletter, Connected, is posted on the GCS website in English and Spanish. Connected contains valuable information for parents, including the school calendar, COVID-19 protocols, bus rules, student discipline, safety, and how to register for Backpack.
School Re-opening Report
In a workshop prior to the board meeting, Dr. Royster presented a School Opening Update that included employee vacancy data and COVID quarantine and isolation information. During the question and answer phase Royster stated he will not recommend defying the State’s Proviso prohibiting school districts from instituting mask mandates in school facilities because it is a legitimate legal requirement. This matter is currently being challenged in court, which is the appropriate way to confront a questionable law. "It is unreasonable to expect the families who do not agree with masking to follow a mask requirement that was imposed by GCS, when the only way to implement such a mandate is for us to ignore a requirement because we do not agree with it."
Board Meeting Summary
August 24, 2021
Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge given by Tripp Cowart, Northwest Middle School
Adoption of Consent Calendar
Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - June 15, 2021
Minutes, Special Called Meeting - June 15, 2021
Minutes, Special Called Meeting - August 3, 2021
Minutes, Special Called Meeting - August 7, 2021
Minutes, Special Called Meeting - August 7, 2021
Home Schooling Applications
Personnel Recommendations - 2
- J. Nicholas King, Assistant Principal, Simpsonville Elementary, Effective 8/2/21
- Damian Williams, Assistant Principal, Hollis Academy, Effective 8/2/21
Appearance of Visitors - Mr. Saylors made a motion to suspend policy KCA and allow all speakers. Lynda Leventis-Wells seconded and the board approved the motion.
Aaron Simmons
Christine Matthews
Elizabeth Wright
Michelle Simpson
Kathryn McElveen
Judith Tanzola
Taliyah Riddick-Waters
Jeff Magg
Atir Sveska
Lindsay Grainger
Luca Cassano
Grace Pouch
Ethan Carpenter
Kelly Dillavou
Kelly Simon
Alisah Simmons
Liz Liokumovich
Susana Saravia
Maryann Coleman
Catherine Schumacher
Dylan Flipse
Hunter Moore
Lynda Kimak
Susan Cothran
Dr. Michael Fields
Tina Bollinger
Jordan Hillstrom
April Richardson
Lynley Lapp
Sam Young
Jim Suter
Sarah Magg
Krystal Nierman
Crystal Ball O'Connor
Jonas Brown
Angela Laird
Action Items
Redesignation of ESSER Funds to Extend COVID Leave for Employees up to 80 Hours through August 31, 2022; for the Hiring of Permanent Substitutes; and for Temporary Personnel and/or Contract Services for Interpretation and Recording of PCR Test Results for Students and Employees, Tracking and Analysis of Quarantines and Isolations, and ESSER Funding Compliance - Approved recommendation from the Administration to redesignate $5.5 million of ESSER Funds to extend the District's current COVID leave program through August 31, 2022, providing up to 80 hours of leave for documented COVID-related circumstances (quarantine, isolation, or illness) following the same parameters as the GCS sick leave policy; for the hiring of permanent substitutes at 27 schools; and for temporary personnel and/or contract services for interpretation and recording of PCR test results for students and employees, tracking and analysis of quarantines and isolations, and ESSER funding compliance.
Budget Adjustment for Career and Technology Education Innovation Center at Roper Mountain - Approved motion from the Administration to utilize Fund Balance to increase the budget for the Career and Technology Education Innovation Center at Roper Mountain construction by $2,309,000 for a total estimated project cost of $12,808,037.
Approval of Greer Multi-County Industrial Park (Executive Session) - Approved the creation of a multi-county industrial park in Greer, South Carolina. The District was approached by the City of Greer and Greenville County regarding the creation of a multi-county industrial park (MCIP) in Greer near downtown. The District has been informed that a developer is ready to proceed with the redevelopment and that the project is expected to bring substantial investment into the area.
Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons
Mr. Lewis reported that the Advocacy Committee met on Tuesday and took action to invite the legislative delegation to Fountain Inn High School a tour prior to the building's dedication on September 2. They also decided to have small regional meetings with our legislative delegation, rather than one large meeting. Finally, the Advocacy committee will meet with local municipalities and county leaders to talk about the impact of growth and things like MCIP on the school district.
Glenda Morrison-Fair was selected as chair of the Board's Audit Committee.
Financial Report
Monthly Finance Report - The monthly Financial Statements are being presented as an information item.