May 24, 2023 Edition

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News

GCS seeks input from community on 5-year Strategic Education Plan

Every five years, Greenville County Schools pursues a comprehensive revision of its Strategic Education Plan. The purpose of the strategic planning process is to ensure GCS meets the diverse needs of students. After five successful in-person meetings and a well-attended virtual meeting, the District is now asking parents and community members to offer their input by completing an online survey by June 2. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and is available in both English and Spanish. It is a way to make sure everyone's voice is heard. Access the survey.

Seven GCS orchestra programs win top award from SC Music Educators Association

Seven middle and high school orchestra programs in Greenville County Schools have earned the top award from the South Carolina Music Educators Association. Eastside High School, Greenville Senior High School, Greenville Middle Academy, League Academy, Riverside Middle School, Sterling School/Charles Townes Center and Wade Hampton High School all received the Outstanding Performance Award for the 2022-2023 school year. The Outstanding Performance Award is the highest achievement for the orchestra programs in the state of South Carolina. Points were earned through their success in Region and All-State Orchestra, Concert Performance Assessment, and Solo and Ensemble.

GCS honors partners, students and staff at Salute to Education

Greenville County Schools held its annual Salute to Education banquet on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at the Greenville Convention Center. This end-of-the-year celebration recognizes outstanding accomplishments by GCS schools and staff members from throughout the year, unveils the newest GCS Partner of the Year, reveals the winners of the 2022-23 Employee of the Year program and recognizes honor graduates from each of the district's 14 high schools, the Fine Arts Center and four career centers. This year's Master of Ceremonies was Sydney Shadrix from WYFF4. View all honorees.

Greenville County Schools announces Employees of the Year

2023 marks the 20th year of our Employee Recognition Program that honors all categories of Greenville County Schools' employees, sponsored by Greenville Federal Credit Union. Greenville County Schools announced Employee of the Year Awards in six categories at the Salute to Education Banquet held Thursday, May 18, 2023. Each winner received $500 cash and a special award commissioned by Greenville Federal Credit Union. Their school or department also received $500 so their peers can share in the honor. See the full list of winners.

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

May 23, 2023

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance – William Pham, Berea Middle School

Student Performance
The Board of Trustees, the administration and meeting attendees were treated to a special end-of-year musical presentation by the Wildcat Winds, Hillcrest Middle School's premier ensemble comprised of 7th and 8th grade students.

Adoption of Consent Calendar
3.01 Minutes, Regular Board Meeting – April 25, 2023
3.02 Minutes, Special Called Meeting: Personnel Recommendations – May 9, 2023
3.03 Minutes, First Reading of the FY 24 General Fund Budget – May 11, 2023
3.04 Home Schooling Applications – 1
3.05 Personnel Recommendations

• Principals (3):
• Lakisha Cook – Paris Elementary
• Sheila Gentry – Washington Center
• Meredith Welch – Rudolph Gordon School
• Assistant Principals (4):
• Brandon Addy – Ralph Chandler Middle School
• Carmelita Cureton – Fountain Inn Elementary School
• Gavin Fisher – Southside HS
• Sierra McGriff – Lake Forest Elementary
• Interim Program Principal (1):
• April Roberts – Child Development Centers

Appearance of Visitors

• Brady Coker – Fountain Inn High School Award Presentation
• Vanessa Leverette – Playground
• Terrell Brown – 22-23 School Year
• Michael Joy – Teachers and Apple Trees

Superintendent's Report
Dr. Royster presented a report on the school district's academic achievements.

In addition to introducing the personnel recommended above, Dr. Royster also introduced two incoming Assistant Principals who were previously approved:

• Misty Abercrombie, Southside HS
• Angela Pitts, Northwest Crescent CDC

Action Items

Acceptance of Audit Team Committee
The Board of Trustees voted to accept the names of Amanda Brett, Jeff Cochran, Michelle Goodwin-Calwile, Glenda Morrison-Fair, and Chuck Saylors to serve on the Audit Team Committee for 2023-24.

J.E. Sirrine Scholarship Award Recipients
The Board approved 469 Sirrine Scholarships totaling $938,000. Of that amount, $256,000 is for new scholarships and $682,000 will fund renewal scholarships.

Social Media Multi-District Litigation (Executive Session)
The Board voted to move this agenda item to the Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

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 – The Committee met today and reviewed the vast amount of legislation being discussed in Columbia, including the budget process. Committee members also received more information from the Administration about impact fees, and there will be a report presented later this year. 

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

On Monday, June 5, there is a Public Hearing for the FY 24 Budget at 6 pm, followed by the Second Reading of the FY Budget at 6:30 pm.