June 26, 2024 Edition
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News
2024-25 School Year Begins in Just Six Weeks
Get your GCS calendars ready. The 2024-25 school years kicks off in just six weeks! The first day of school is Thursday, August 8. Teachers return to the classroom on August 1. As the new school year approaches, the District is providing families with back-to-school information in a variety of ways. The Connected Parent Resource Guide will arrive in families' mailboxes the week before school starts. Plus, during our 10-day countdown to the first day of school, important back-to-school information will be shared on all GCS social media platforms. You can also find the latest information on the Greenville County Schools website.
GCS to Increase Pay for Bus Drivers, Bus Aides, Custodians and Food Services Personnel
Not only is Greenville County Schools a great place to work, the District will soon offer higher pay for key hourly positions. Starting July 1, the hourly rate for bus drivers jumps to $22.03-$24.37. Bus aides will receive $16.14-$17.74 per hour. The new hourly rate for custodians will be 16.08-$17.66. Food Service Operators will see their pay increased to $16.08-$17.66 per hour. Employees who work 30 hours or more per week qualify for health and dental benefits, sick leave, free life insurance and more. For more information on how to apply, visit the GCS career page.
GCS Board Approves FY 25 General Fund Budget
The Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees approved the proposed FY 25 General Fund Budget by an 8-4 vote following a public hearing and the budget's second and final reading. A major focus of the budget is to increase salaries for teachers and other employees to address inflation, and remain competitive in recruiting and retaining the best personnel in all positions. "This budget reflects a priority by the Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees and Administration to attract and retain the highest quality teachers and staff in an increasingly competitive environment," said Dr. W. Burke Royster, Superintendent of Greenville County Schools. "We know that the quality of teachers and staff within our schools has a direct impact on the achievement of our students, and we must continue to invest in their collective success and the future of our community." Detailed summary of the FY25 budget
Unofficial Board Meeting Summary
June 25, 2024
Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by rising 9th grader Adley McNeely, who recently completed her 8th grade year at Ralph Chandler Middle School and will attend Woodmont High in August.
Adoption of Consent Calendar
2.01 Minutes, Special Called Meeting – Appeals of Material Review Committee Decisions – May 28, 2024
2.02 Minutes, Regular Board Meeting – May 28, 2024
2.03 Minutes, FY 25 Budget Public Hearing - June 3, 2024
2.04 Minutes, FY 25 Budget Second Reading – June 3, 2024
2.05 Minutes, Special Called Meeting – Appeals of Student Assignments – June 11, 2024
2.06 Personnel Recommendations
- Amy Kern, Principal, Tigerville Elementary School
Appearance of Visitors
Heather Bistyga – Tricks, Challenged Book
Sarah Fletcher – Censoring of Books
Tony McDade – Appeal of Materials Review Committee Recommendation
Caren Elizabeth Halasz – Tricks
Ian Tyner – Book Challenges
April Harmon – Book Challenge
Catherine Schumacher – Thank You
Superintendent's Report
Dr. Burke Royster gave an update on the scholarship totals for the Class of 2024. This year's graduating class received $168,047,000 in scholarships, which is an increase from $153,877,000 received by the Class of 2023.
Action Items
Appeal of High School Material Review Committee Decision – Tricks, by Ellen Hopkins
The Board did not uphold the decision of the High School Material Review Committee regarding the book Tricks by Ellen Hopkins. The Board approved a substitute motion to overturn the decision of the High School Material Review Committee and remove the book Tricks by Ellen Hopkins from all media centers.
Revision of Board Policy JC: Student Rights and Responsibilities
The Board also approved revisions to Board Policy JC which removes outdated language and better reflects the primary rights and responsibilities of students as contained in law.
Architect Selection for the Food and Nutrition Services Center at MT Anderson Support Center
Trustees voted to approve the architectural firm, with which successful fee negotiations are achieved, for the Food and Nutrition Services Center at MT Anderson Support Center.
Proposed Resolution to SC School Boards Association Regarding the Establishment of a National Ratings System for Books
The Board of Trustees voted to approve the resolution regarding the establishment of a national ratings system for books as presented.
Revision of the Board-Approved Attorneys List (Executive Session)
Board members voted to approve the Board-Approved Attorneys List to comply with the requirements contained in the District's Procurement Code.
Approval of Legal Representation (Executive Session)
The board voted to approve providing legal representation in accordance with Board Policy GAEA of the named individual defendants in the matter of 6:24-cv-03324-DCC.
Permanent Perpetual Sanitary Sewer Easement for Fork Shoals School (Executive Session)
The Board of Trustees voted to approve the requested permanent and perpetual sanitary sewer easement with Byron Collins and Jessica Prescott for $250,000 as presented.
FY 25 Debt Service Budget
Trustees voted to approve the FY 25 Debt Service Budget, which accounts for debt service revenues, annual general obligation bond payments, and distribution of general obligation bond proceeds to the BEST Debt Service Budget and Building Fund Budgets.
FY 25 BEST Debt Service Budget
The Board of Trustees voted to approve the FY 25 BEST Debt Service Budget which includes interest and principal payments totaling $72.7 million for BEST Bonds.
FY 25 Building Fund Budget
The board also approved the FY 25 Building Fund Budget which covers major projects, roof renovations, HVAC projects, painting and technology refresh programs.
FY 25 Food and Nutrition Services (FANS) Budget
Trustees voted to approve the FY 25 Food and Nutrition Services Budget, including the waiver of cost to students eligible for reduced-price meals in FY 25.
FY 25 Special Revenue Budgets
Board members voted to accept the FY 25 Special Revenue Budgets which are set up with a specified purpose or direction and require approval from the state Department of Education.
Election of Officers July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
The board voted to approve the election of officers for 2024-25. Carolyn Styles was re-elected to the position of Board Chair. Angie Mosely was elected Vice-Chair. Ann Marie Middleton was elected Board Secretary.
Information Items
Internal Audit Report Package
Trustees received information on the District's Internal Auditing Department. Per Board Policy DIDB, the Superintendent will supervise the department and provide reports and recommendations from completed audits to the Board of Trustees, while external auditing will be conducted by an independent firm that reports directly to the Board. No action by the Board was required.
Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons
Audit Committee – Mr. Cochran – The Committee met this afternoon.
Monthly Finance Report
The District's monthly financial statements were presented to the Board of Trustees as an information item.
The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.