January 24, 2024 Edition

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News

School Counselor at East North Street Academy Wins Two Statewide Awards

Courtney Pfeiffer, a school counselor at East North Street Academy, has been recognized as this year’s Palmetto State Elementary School Counselor of the Year. Ms. Pfeiffer was also recognized as Overall Palmetto State School Counselor of the Year. The awards were announced at a professional development conference in Hilton Head over the weekend. During her six years of counseling at East North Street Academy, Pfeiffer has played a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and nurturing environment within her school community. According to her supervisor, GCS Director of School Counseling Elizabeth House, Pfeiffer consistently goes above and beyond, demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to the well-being and success of the students she serves. View News Release

Travelers Rest Student Selected for United States Senate Youth Program

A Travelers Rest High School junior has been selected for the United States Senate Youth Program. Peyton White is one of two students from South Carolina who will represent the state during the 62nd annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held March 2-9, 2024. White will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship. The USSYP was created in 1962 to increase young Americans’ understanding of the branches of government and the importance of democratic decision-making. White, 16, serves as the secretary of the Junior Class at Travelers Rest High School. He aspires to make a genuine impact on the world through his leadership approach in addressing systemic issues, enabling others, and uplifting those around him. Read more about Peyton

Career Centers Accepting 2024-25 Applications

GCS high school students who are interested in enrolling in a career center program for the 2024-25 school year may apply online through March 14 using their GCS Backpack account. This is a great opportunity to explore careers and earn certifications in fields such as culinary arts, machine tool, mechatronics, aircraft maintenance, welding, building construction, barbering, automotive technology, and firefighting. Interested students should click on "Programs" in their Backpack account to access the appropriate Career Center. Applications must be completed by Thursday, March 14 to be considered in the first round of applications. Career Center Information

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

January 23, 2024

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Sage Criss, a 5th grader at A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School of Engineering.

School Board Recognition Month: Recognition of Former Board Trustees
Superintendent, Dr. Burke Royster, and GCS Board of Trustees Chair, Dr. Carolyn Styles, recognized the hard work and dedication of the current and past members of the Board of Trustees during School Board Appreciation Month, which is held each year in January.

Adoption of Consent Calendar
2.01 Minutes, Joint Meeting with Greenville County Council and Municipalities – December 4, 2023
2.02 Minutes, Regular Board Meeting – December 5, 2023
2.03 Minutes, Special Called Board Meeting – January 16, 2024
2.04 Minutes, Board Workshop: Understanding Finance and Audits – January 16, 2024
2.05 Home Schooling Applications - 11
2.06 Personnel Recommendations

• Dylan Hudson, Principal – Greenville High School
• Jordan Hudson, Principal – East North Street Academy
• Melissa Patterson, Principal – Woodmont High School
• April Roberts, Principal – Child Development Centers
• Todd Stafford, Principal – Eastside High School

Appearance of Visitors
Jennifer Bertz – ESSER COVID Funding- Interventionist Cuts
Terrell Brown – School Board Appreciation
Wells Stepp – Thank You Board of Trustees

Superintendent's Report
In addition to recognizing this month's personnel recommendations (listed above), the Superintendent highlighted several new leaders who were previously approved:

• Anita Geter, Director of Internal Auditing
• Matthew Critell, Principal, New Elementary School
• Edgar Henson, Principal, Greenville Middle Academy
• Kyle Pearson, Principal, Woodmont Middle School
• Tatiana Shea, Principal, Southside High School

Action Items

Revision of Board Policy BA: School Board Goals and Objectives
The Board of Trustees approved the revisions to Board Policy BA to modernize language pertaining to the reporting structure of the internal auditor so that the language is consistent with other board policies and current practices for auditing.

Revision of Board Policy BBA: School Board Internal Organization: Board Officers
The Board also voted to remove language in Board Policy BBA that pertains to the Chair/Vice Chair supervising and evaluating the internal auditor.

Revision of Board Policy BCA: School Board Meetings: Types (Executive Session)
Trustees voted to add an opening paragraph to Board Policy BCA to emphasize the District's commitment to ensure the accessibility of board meetings by the public.

Budget Adjustment for Fountain Inn High School Addition
Board members voted to approve the transfer of $16,944,349 of Unassigned General Fund-Fund Balance to Building Fund in order to fund the budget increase for the Fountain Inn High School addition.

Budget Adjustment for Woodland Elementary School Addition
The Board also approved the transfer of $6,592,171 of Unassigned General Fund-Fund Balance to Building Fund in order to fund the budget increase for the Woodland Elementary School addition.

Property Acquisition for Fountain Inn Elementary School Expansion (Executive Session)
Trustees voted to approve the purchase of 0.77 acres of property necessary for the expansion of Fountain Inn Elementary to a K-8 school.

Fee-in-Lieu Agreement for Project Irish Spring (Executive Session)
Board members voted to communicate no objection to the approval of the Fee in Lieu of Tax Agreement and the development of the resulting Multi-County Industrial Park by the Greenville County Council associated with Project Irish Spring.

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons

Advocacy Committee – Mr. Saylors – The Committee met this past Friday and is following proposed legislation. We will keep the Board updated as those progress, and we will have the next meeting following the Committee of the Whole meeting in February.

Monthly Finance Report

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

The meeting adjourned at 8:06 pm.