April 26, 2023 Edition

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News

Two Mauldin High seniors recognized as district’s first Expressway to Tiger Town students

Mauldin High seniors Caroline Wilson and Hunter Wilson (not related) began the next phase of their Expressway to Tiger Town journey during a special signing ceremony. The partnership between Greenville County Schools, Greenville Technical College and Clemson University was developed for the purpose of recruiting teachers into the profession. As Expressway participants, Caroline and Hunter took dual credit courses in high school. When they graduate next month, both will study for one year at Greenville Technical College with an automatic acceptance into the College of Education at Clemson University. There, they will have the opportunity to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education in just two years, with the option of staying an additional year to earn a master’s degree through Clemson’s teacher residency program. More details about Expressway to Tiger Town

2023 graduation schedule and ticket allotments announcements

This year’s graduating class of seniors will cross the stage at either Bon Secours Wellness Arena (BSWA) or Furman University the week of May 30 - June 1. Each graduate will receive 10 tickets. Additional tickets may be available for purchase through the school. Students or their parents should contact the school for availability. More details and the complete graduation schedule

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

April 25, 2023

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance – Stella Ebner, Skyland Elementary School

Award Presentation
Board Chair Debi Bush presented the GCS Miracle Worker Award to Chrissy Faasse, administrative assistant at Taylors Elementary School, who recently rendered aid to someone in the community during a crisis. She later told her principal that her "district training kicked in" and helped her know how to respond. Thank you to Ms. Faasse for her heroic efforts!

Adoption of Consent Calendar
3.01 Minutes, Regular Board Meeting – March 28, 2023
3.02 Minutes, Board Workshop – April 4, 2023
3.03 Minutes, Board Special Called Meeting – April 11, 2023
3.04 Minutes, Board Workshop – April 12, 2023
3.05 Minutes, Board Budget Work Session – April 12, 2023
3.06 Home Schooling Applications – 1
3.07 Personnel Recommendations

• Assistant Principals (6):
• Jami Christian – Monarch Elementary School
• Jake Gambrell – Gateway Elementary School
• Jordan Hudson – Greenville Middle Academy
• Mac McDougal – Fountain Inn High School
• Joy Sims – Golden Strip Child Development Center
• Sarah Burke White – J.L. Mann High School

Appearance of Visitors

• Gregory Fielder Aman – Rules
• Jennifer Buzzell – Bullying
• Michael Joy – Reminders, Strategy and Goals

Superintendent's Report
In addition to welcoming this month's personnel recommendations (listed above), Dr. Royster also introduced several others who had been previously recommended for new positions:

• Kate Malone – Assistant to the Superintendent and District Ombudsman
• Jennifer Woody – Principal, Summit Drive Elem
• Meri Acton – Assistant Principal, Rudolph Gordon School
• Chelsea Stewart – Assistant Principal, Blythe Academy

Dr. Royster highlighted students attending the meeting from the Future Educators Program at Mauldin High School. Among the group was Caroline Wilson and Hunter Wilson who were recognized during a recent signing event for the Expressway to Tiger Town program, which is a partnership between Greenville County Schools, Greenville Technical College and Clemson University developed for the purpose of recruiting teachers into the profession.

Action Items

Nomination of Glenda Morrison-Fair as SCSBA Region 15 Director
The Board of Trustees voted to nominate Glenda Morrison-Fair for the office of SCSBA Region 15 Director for the term beginning December 2023. Morrison-Fair currently holds that position.

Long Range Facilities Plan-Capital Improvement Program
The Board voted to approve the April 2023 Long Range Facilities Plan and Capital Improvement Program as presented, along with the transfer of $85,077,560 of Unassigned General Fund-Fund Balance to the Building Fund in order to fund the Capital Improvement Program.

Architect Selection for Woodland Elementary School Addition Project (Executive Session)
The Board approved the selection of the architectural firm with which successful fee negotiations are achieved for the proposed new addition project at Woodland Elementary School.

Lease Agreement Renewal at Hollis Academy Between the School District of Greenville County and YMCA of Greenville
Board members approved the lease agreement between the School District and YMCA of Greenville for approximately 1.5 acres of property on the Hollis Academy Campus.

Annual Audit Plan
Board members approved the 2023-24 annual audit plan ensuring that CARES Act/ESSER fund expenditures are not double-counted and that the District is complying with all SC Department of Education guidance related to ESSER funds.

Property Acquisition for Bryson Middle School Replacement (Executive Session)
The Board of Trustees approved the purchase of 73.8 acres of property along Fairview Road and Wilson Bridge Road for the future construction of the Bryson Middle School replacement.

Legal Representation of an Employee (Executive Session)
The Board agreed to provide legal representation for GCS employee Marcia Williams in accordance with Board Policy GAEA in the matter of 2023-CP-23-01549.

Information Items

Board Officer Candidate Roster
The Board accepted the list of members who wish to be considered for one or more offices. The list includes:

Chair: Debi Bush, Carolyn Styles
Vice-Chair: Lynda Leventis-Wells, Glenda Morrison-Fair
Secretary: Ann Marie Middleton, Angie Mosley

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons
Advocacy Committee – Mr. Saylors – This past Wednesday, the South Carolina School Boards Association hosted their annual visit to the state capital, which Mrs. Middleton and Mr. Saylors attended. It was a good opportunity to connect with members of the delegation. The Senate was working on the budget, which has since been approved. This week, the House started debate on the legislation regarding the education scholarship accounts. There were two presentations by two former state representatives, Wendy Brawley and Rita Allison. The Advocacy Committee will reconvene once the administration's research is ready about impact fees.

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