September 20, 2023 Edition

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News

Sterling School named 2023 National Blue Ribbon School

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced Sterling School among the 353 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023. Sterling was recognized for its overall academic excellence in the Exemplary High-Performing School category. The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. This is the 19th GCS school to receive the coveted award. Complete List of Winners

High school test data shows GCS outperformed the state

Greenville County high schools outperformed the state in all subject areas on the End of Course Exam Program (EOCEP) assessment. The District showed notable gains from spring 2022 to spring 2023 and made strong progress in returning to or exceeding the levels they were at before the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, in Algebra 1, 66-percent of high schools showed increases from 2021-22 to 2022-23 school year, while 93-percent of high schools exceeded their pre-pandemic (2018-19) test scores. Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster commended students, teachers and staff for their hard work. View all of the high school data.

75.3% of GCS students who took WIN's South Carolina Career Ready Test in spring 2023 earned a credential, outperforming the state at 71.6%. 57.2% of GCS students taking the assessment also received a career-ready designation at Level 3, 4 or 5, again outperforming the state at 52.2%. The South Carolina Career Ready Test provided by WIN (Worldwide Interactive Network) is a career readiness assessment designed to measure essential workforce skills. The assessment contains four parts: Math Assessment, Data Assessment, Reading Assessment, and Soft Skill Assessment. More information about career-ready credentials

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

September 19, 2023

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Bryce Lancaster, a 2nd grader at Fountain Inn Elementary School.

Boardsmanship Level 4 Presentation
Area 25 Trustee Michelle Goodwin-Calwile was recognized for attaining her Level 4 Boardsmanship status through the South Carolina School Board Association's Boardsmanship Institute. Since 1982, the Institute has offered a year-round training curriculum focused on leadership skills for board members on state and national educational issues. Ms. Goodwin-Calwile received a certificate and pin for her accomplishment.

Adoption of Consent Calendar
3.01 Minutes, Board Workshop - Strategic Planning Process and Framework - August 22, 2023
3.02 Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - August 22, 2023
3.03 Home Schooling Applications - 14
3.04 Personnel Recommendations

Appearance of Visitors
Jed Cridland-Hughes – Parental Choice
Susana Saravia – DEI
Judith Snyder – Concerns about Equal Rights for All Students
Sara Geer – Curriculum
Judith Tanzola – DEI
Scott Cziraky – Truth
Michael Beck – 3rd Grade Assessments
Charlotte Wood – Support Teachers & Support Diverse Students
Sara Merrell – DEI Committee
Catherine Schumacher – Celebration & Thanks

Superintendent's Report
Dr. Royster did not have a formal presentation.  

Action Items

2023 BEST Bond Resolution
The Board of Trustees approved the 2023 BEST Bond Resolution as presented, which authorizes the Superintendent to refinance the 2016 BEST Bonds to reduce the annual debt service payments.

BEST Board Appointments
Trustees approved the reappointment of James W. Blakely, Duke McCall, Jr., Joseph Sullivan and William Renninger to each serve an additional three-year term on the Building Equity Sooner for Tomorrow Board of Directors.

Advocacy Committee Letter to Greenville County Planning Commission
The Board approved a letter to the Greenville County Planning Commission regarding a proposed RV park directly across from Ralph Chandler Middle School. The letter details the Board's concerns with potential traffic and safety issues.  

Naming of Fine Arts Center Black Box Theater
Officials voted to name the Fine Arts Center's Black Box Theatre in honor of Dr. Roy Fluhrer.

Physical Education Exemptions (Executive Session)
The Board voted to approve physical education exemptions for three students at Greer Middle School.

JUUL/Altria Settlement (Executive Session)
Board members voted to authorize the Administration to approve the proposed settlement in accordance with Exhibit A and Exhibit B.

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons
South Carolina School Boards Association – Mrs. Morrison-Fair – The Federal Advocacy Conference is coming up in D.C.

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

The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.