February 23, 2022 Edition

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News

Fisher, Northwood Middle Schools Named 2022 Schools to Watch

Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School and Northwood Middle School are among the latest South Carolina middle schools to be named Schools to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. The schools’ emphasis on strong academics, sensitivity to young adolescents’ needs and interests, and commitment to providing all students equal access to a high-quality education resulted in the well-deserved recognition. Schools are recognized for a three-year period, at the end of which they must apply for re-designation and demonstrate that they are continuing to meet the National Forum’s rigorous criteria. The schools will be recognized at the South Carolina Middle School Conference in Myrtle Beach on March 5, 2022 and will be recognized this summer in Washington, DC at the National Schools to Watch Conference in June 2022.

Career Centers Accepting 2022-23 Applications

GCS high school students who are interested in enrolling in a career center program for the 2022-23 school year may apply online through March 18 using their GCS Backpack account. This is a great opportunity to explore careers and earn certifications in fields such as culinary arts, machine tool, mechatronics, aircraft maintenance, welding, building construction, barbering, automotive technology, and firefighting. Interested students should click on "Programs" in their Backpack account to access the appropriate Career Center. Applications must be completed by Friday, March 18 to be considered in the first round of applications. More about Career Center Applications.

Nominate an Outstanding Graduate or Educator for the GCS Hall of Fame

Greenville County Schools is now accepting nominations for the GCS Hall of Fame. Nominations are being accepted in two categories: GCS Graduates and GCS Educators. Nominations will be accepted until Sunday, May 1, 2022. The Hall of Fame Graduate distinction honors men and women who have graduated from Greenville County Schools and have made substantial or significant contributions at the local, regional, national, or international levels in areas including academia and education, arts, athletics, business, media, public service, philanthropy, medicine, military, or science. The Hall of Fame GCS Educator distinction honors men and women who were employed by Greenville County Schools for at least 10 years for their contributions to the profession of education, specifically within the K12 public education sector, and their lasting and positive impact on students. More about Hall of Fame nominations.

Board Meeting Summary

February 22, 2022

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance - Gabriella Cain from Mitchell Road Elementary School

Adoption of Consent Calendar
Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - January 25, 2022
Minutes, Special Called Meeting - January 27, 2022
Home Schooling Applications - 4
Personnel Recommendations:
Principals (5)

• Cameron Brice, Principal - A. J. Whittenberg Elementary School, Effective 3/1/22
• Cassandra Davis, Principal - Chandler Creek Elementary School, Effective 7/1/22
• Shannon Gibson, Principal - J.L. Mann High School, Effective 7/1/22
• Jennifer Holman, Principal - Mitchell Road Elementary School, Effective 7/1/22
• Jordan O'Toole, Principal - Brook Glenn Elementary School, Effective 7/1/22

Directors (2)

• Greg Cooke, Director - Enoree Career Center, Effective 7/1/22
• Michelle Michael, Director - Golden Strip Career Center, Effective 7/1/22

Appearance of Visitors
Sasha Patton - Recess and Child Health
Jennifer Hausman - Bullying
Judith Tanzola - Books
Suzanne Pickens - DHEC Data
Alecia Brewster - ESSER Funds
Edward Anderson - OnTrack Greenville and ESSER
Sara Merrell - Critical Race Theory and Social Emotional Learning

Superintendent's Report
The Superintendent welcomed and introduced new administrators.

ACTION ITEMS

Innovative Course Approvals - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the Local Board Courses as presented.

• Honors level courses under the new South Carolina Honors Rubric:
• Leadership Honors (High School Related Arts)
• Probability and Statistics Honors (High School Math)
• Civics Honors (High School Social Studies)
• Securities and Investments Honors (High School CTE)
• Innovative courses:
• AVID Excel 6th Grade (Middle School Related Arts)
• AVID Excel 7th Grade (Middle School Related Arts)
• Banking Services II (High School CTE)

ESSER Funding Expenditure Plan - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the ESSER III expenditures as presented, which are included in the ESSER Funding Expenditure Plan preliminarily approved by the State Department of Education. Details can be found here:
020822 ESSER Expenditure Plan Details.pdf (224 KB)
020822 APR - ESSER III Allowable Activities.pdf (109 KB)

Fund Balance Expenditure Recommendations - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to assign $13,213,500 of the General Fund - Fund Balance to fund the non-recurring items as presented. Details can be found here:  020822 Fund Balance Expenditure Items Details.pdf (131 KB)

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons
Advocacy Committee - Mr. Lewis - The Advocacy Committee will host the Board Luncheon with the Golden Strip City Councils on Monday, April 25.

Finance Report
Monthly Finance Report - The report was presented as information.