April 27, 2022 Edition
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News
Woodmont High School Named a 2022 Model School
Woodmont High has been named a 2022 Model School for its focus on relationships and rigorous and relevant academics to impact student growth. According to the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE), the educators at Woodmont recognize opportunities for collaboration, have built a strong culture, and maintain high expectations for all students. Woodmont is one of 16 Model Schools from across the United States that will share its best practices at ICLE’s 30th Annual Model Schools Conference in Orlando this summer. The event provides a forum for thousands of passionate teachers and leaders to share replicable and creative strategies that can be implemented in any school. Read more about the WHS Award.
Two GCS teachers selected for teaching excellence awards
Greenville County Schools teachers Langdon Kennedy and Barrett Taylor have been named recipients of the Childers Education Foundation Teaching Excellence Award from Furman University. Kennedy, a fourth-grade teacher at Buena Vista Elementary School, and Taylor, a fifth-grade teacher at Fork Shoals School, both earned bachelor’s degrees in elementary education from Furman University in May of last year. They each received a $1,500 award during a special ceremony on April 20. A committee of Furman faculty, along with school administrators and mentor teachers who worked closely with award nominees, used three main criteria in selecting this year’s Childers Award winners: love of content, love of teaching, and love of student. Read more about this award.
Spring 2022 End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) for All Middle and High Schools
The South Carolina Board of Education requires participation in the End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) for students enrolled in gateway courses which are awarded credit in English 2, Algebra 1, Biology 1, and the United States History and the Constitution (USHC). With the exception of USHC, the EOCEP examination scores count 20% in the calculation of the student’s final grade for the course. In addition to the required USHC EOCEP exam, schools will administer a district-created USHC exam which will count 10% in the students’ final grade for the course. EOCEP testing will be conducted at brick-and-mortar schools during specified test days in May and early June for identified Greenville County students (in-person and virtual attendance plans) who are enrolled in one of the participating courses. Per the SC Department of Education (SCDE), remote testing is not available. Click here for more information about EOCEP.
Board Meeting Summary
April 26, 2022
Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance - Austin Tucker of Plain Elementary School
Adoption of Consent Calendar
Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - March 15, 2022
Minutes, FY 23 Budget Work Session - April 13, 2022
Minutes, Special Called Meeting - April 21, 2022
Home Schooling Applications -1
Personnel Recommendations:
- Principals (2):
- Brianna Falvey, Berea Middle School
- Ashley Wardlaw, Blue Ridge High School
- Assistant Principals (8):
- Travis Cash, Bryson Middle School
- Heather Gordon, Greenville Middle School
- Lindi Metcalf, Bell's Crossing Elementary School
- Greg Montjoy, Southside High School
- Jessica Preisig, Fountain Inn Elementary School
- David Rushton, Southside High School
- Chad Smith, Hillcrest High School
- Darrell Tate, Lakeview Middle School
- Director (1):
- Elizabeth House, Director of School Counseling
- Program Directors (2):
- Desmond Criss, A. J. Whittenberg Elementary School
- Katie Porter, Innovation Center/Roper Mountain Science Center
Appearance of Visitors
Judy Tanzola - Favorite Teacher
Samuel Albury - Restrictions on School Wi-Fi
Janice Curtis - Schools Overcrowding
Alice Ratterree - ARMES Program
Traci Fant - Metal Detectors
Cindy Farrow - Metal Detectors
Janice Butler - Expression of Appreciation
Stan Tzouvelekas - Christian Learning Centers
Jennifer Hausman - Bullying
Lee Greivell - Critical Race Theory, Guns, Sex Ed.
Cassie Walls - Critical Race Theory
Daniel Trull - Curriculum
Casey Brewer - #TeachGCS Night
Thomas Bailey - Illegal Dismissal of Student
Caitlin Scott - Teacher Forum
Wanda Hunt - Metal Detectors
Sasha Patton - Recess and Social Emotional Health
Sara Merrell - LGBTQ Doctrine
Haley Jackson - Sensory Garden at Mauldin High School
Joey Muolo – Life as LGBTQ+ Student and Future Educator
Sarah Magg - Education
Olivia Phillips - Teacher Cadet Program
Superintendent's Report
The Superintendent welcomed and introduced new administrators.
Action Items
2022 District and School Strategic Plans Update
Approved the motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the district's and schools' Strategic Education Plan, which is developed every five years and updated annually. Strategic Plans Update details can be found here.
Administrative Waiver for 2023 Strategic Education Plan
Approved the motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the Administrative Waiver for the 2023 Strategic Education Plan, which will adjust the timelines for both the Strategic Education Plan and re-accreditation due to setbacks created by the pandemic.
Naming of Augusta Circle Elementary Gymnasium
Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to name the Augusta Circle gymnasium after Physical Education teacher Mark Kish, who is retiring this year after 42 years of service at the school.
Letters to Responding Agencies and School and District Staff
Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the letters of appreciation to First Responders and School and District staff for their heroic response to the tragedy at Tanglewood Middle School on March 31, 2022.
Select Facilities Study and Long-Range Facilities Plan-Capital Improvement Program
Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve the April 2022 Select Facilities Study recommendations and other Long-Range Facilities Plan - Capital Improvement Program (LRFP-CIP) additions as presented. The 57-page updated plan can be viewed here.
Sale of Property on Fairforest Way and Ridge Road (Outparcel at J.L. Mann HS) (Executive Session)
Approved a motion from the Administration to approve the sale of ±1.37 acres of property across from J L Mann High School on Fairforest Way and Ridge Road that was declared surplus by the Board of Trustees on March 22, 2016.
General Obligation Bonds Resolution
Approved the motion from the Administration to approve the April 2022 General Obligation Bonds Resolution includes funding for the June 1, 2022 BEST Bond payment, which includes funding for the December 1, 2022 BEST Bond payment, Facilities Operations, and the June 1, 2023 BEST Bond payment.
Annual Audit Plan
Approved the motion from the Audit Team Committee to approve the 2022-23 annual audit plan for the External Auditor, prioritizing (1) Ensure that CARES Act/ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund) fund expenditures are not double-counted and (2) Ensure that the District is complying with all SC Department of Education guidance related to ESSER funds.
Audit Firm for Procurement Audit
Approved the motion from the Administration to approve the firm of McKinley, Cooper & Company, LLP to audit the District's procurement transactions for the period July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021.
Information Items
Board Officer Candidate Roster
Trustees reviewed Board Policy BBAA, as revised in December 2017, outlining the Board of Trustees Officer election process. The roster of candidates includes Roger Meek for Board Chairman, Debi Bush for Vice Chair and Dr. Carolyn Styles for Board Secretary.
Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons
Advocacy Committee – Mr. Lewis – We had a productive and positive meeting yesterday with representatives from the Mauldin, Fountain Inn and Simpsonville City Councils, along with the City Administrators.
Finance Report
Monthly Finance Report – The report was presented as information.
The meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m.