November 29, 2023 Edition

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News

Early K5 and 1st Grade Registration Begins December 4

The first registration window for students who plan to attend kindergarten or first grade in Greenville County Schools next year (2024-25) will be held December 4-8, 2023. Children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2024 must enroll in public or private kindergarten unless the parent or legal guardian signs a waiver (see Kindergarten Non-Attendance Form). Any child who will be six years old on or before September 1, 2024 must enroll in first grade. (IMPORTANT: Students who are currently enrolled in a GCS 4K or 5K program do not need to register.) There are two ways parents can enroll their child. They can visit the Parent section of this website and set up a Backpack account. Once it’s set up, open the Backpack account, look for "Enroll A Student," and follow the instructions. For families that do not have internet access, the Student Enrollment Form and Home Language Survey form are available at each school. Parents are urged to bring all the required documents when they visit the school. More information

State-selected Textbooks Available for Public Review Through December 4

The state of South Carolina has a standardized adoption process for instructional materials, including textbooks. The state legislature appropriates money each year for instructional materials. The state’s instructional materials review committee determines which subjects will be up for adoption. The state puts out bids for the subject areas under adoption for that year. Instructional review committees review all bids and create a list of recommended books. The books are available for public review for 30 days. The materials are currently on display at eight locations through December 4 with instructions for submitting comments available at each site. Input can be shared through surveys onsite or through the 2023 Virtual Public Review website. More information

Prisma Health to offer Youth Apprenticeship Information Session

Prisma Health, in partnership with Greenville Technical College and Greenville County Schools, has created an apprenticeship model for high school students. Youth apprentice high school students dually enrolled at Greenville Technical College and their high schools are simultaneously employed as PRN (as needed) by Prisma Health in the role of Nursing Support Assistant. By the end of their apprenticeship at Prisma Health, students will have achieved all prerequisite courses for the nursing career pathway, approximately 27 college credits (about 3 semesters paid for) and future opportunities for employment. Registration and additional information

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

November 28, 2023

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Juan Ortega, a 5th grade student at Oakview Elementary School

Miracle Worker Awards: Sevier Middle School Staff
Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Carolyn Styles presented the Miracle Worker Award to nine Sevier Middle School staff members who went above and beyond the call of duty. The award was presented to Jacob Bagley, Master Deputy Jason Brooks, Jamie Connelly, Brian Falls, Jeffrey Forrester, Christine Plumier, Amy Snipes, Dana Swartzel and Savanah Williams who helped saved the life of an 8th grade student who collapsed on the track during PE class.

Adoption of Consent Calendar
3.01 Minutes, Board Workshop - Elementary, Middle, and High School Test Scores - October 24, 2023
3.02 Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - October 24, 2023
3.03 Minutes, Teacher Dismissal Hearing - October 30, 2023
3.04 Minutes, Special Called Meeting - Superintendent's Annual Evaluation - November 7, 2023
3.05 Minutes, Board Workshop - Strategic Plan - November 14, 2023
3.06 Home Schooling Applications - 5
3.07 Personnel Recommendations

• Anita Geter, Director of Internal Auditing
• Ronald Jones, Director of Food and Nutrition Services

Appearance of Visitors

• Joseph Farmer – Revenue
• Yolanda Crittendon-Jones – Introduction of Teacher Fellows

Superintendent's Report
Tonight's report was presented by 2023-24 GCS Teacher of the Year Lindsay Zika. Ms. Zika highlighted the opportunity that teachers have to be the bridge in students' education. She shared that a bridge needs a strong foundation to work, and she recognized and expressed appreciation to the Board of Trustees for providing that strong foundation for the teachers and students across Greenville County Schools.

Action Items

Resolution Regarding School Resource Officers and Bus Drivers as Essential Employees
The Board of Trustees approved a resolution that recognizes bus drivers and School Resource Officers as essential employees.  

Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
The Board voted to accept the FY 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report as presented.

City of Greer Recreational Trail Easement at Greer High School
Trustees approved the City of Greer's request for an easement at Greer High School to expand the recreational trail referred to as the South Tyger River Greenway Trail.

Naming of Fine Arts Center Jazz Studio
The Board approved the naming of the Fine Arts Center Jazz Studio in honor of Mr. Steve Watson, an accomplished professional musician who started the FAC Jazz Studies program in 1990.

Property Acquisition for Donaldson Career Center Replacement (Executive Session)
Trustees approved the purchase of 18.23 acres of property necessary for the replacement of the existing Donaldson Career Center as presented.

Budget Adjustment for Fork Shoals School Addition
The Board voted to increase the budget for the Fork Shoals School addition by $4,090,800 to make room for the new classroom addition utilities and foundations.

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons

SCSBA Legislative Conference – Mrs. Morrison-Fair – The South Carolina School Boards Association's legislative conference will be held in Charleston from December 1 through 3.

Monthly Finance Report

The District's monthly financial statements were presented to the Board of Trustees as an information item.