November 20, 2024 Edition

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News

Change in Assignment School Choice Lottery Window Opens November 21

Greenville County Schools is a "choice" district, offering quality education at all levels. About 14% of the district's 78,000 students attend school on choice. The district's Change in Assignment (CIA) School Choice Lottery Window will be open from November 21 through December 6, 2024. During this period, parents can submit a choice request form for up to three schools at their number one choice school.
Choice request forms are available at every school (except magnet schools) and must be completed and submitted at the number one choice school. This form is not available online. The order in which CIA forms are received during the Lottery Window does not affect the selection process. More information about school choice

GCS Magnet Application Window Opens November 21

Greenville County Schools offers a Select Schools Program, which includes eleven magnet academies of accelerated learning. Each magnet academy's academic program focuses on a specific theme, giving students an opportunity to explore a special interest, gift, talent, or skill. The application window for the 2025-2026 school year will open on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Magnet applications will be available in "Parent Backpack." Parents are encouraged to apply during the first application round, as available space in the magnet academies will fill up quickly. List of the district's magnet academies, application directions, and answers to frequently asked questions

Greenville County Schools Celebrates American Education Week (November 18-22)

No matter their role in educating students, Greenville County Schools employees are essential to the success of our children. To honor the district's dedicated teachers, aides, bus drivers, nurses, administrators, counselors, custodians, and more, GCS is celebrating American Education Week from November 18-22. This year's theme is #TeamGCS, highlighting the collaborative achievements of the district's 12,000 employees, including 6,000 teachers. GCS proudly recognizes staff in five categories: support staff, transportation staff, educators, operations and maintenance, and district staff. Videos showcasing the achievements of these teams

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

November 19, 2024

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Aaron Diaz, a fifth-grade student at Hollis Academy.

Oath of Office
Trustees were sworn in by the Honorable Letitia Verdin as they begin their four-year term:

Scott Cline, Area 19
Sarah Dulin, Area 27
Michelle Goodwin-Calwile, Area 25
Glenda Morrison-Fair, Area 23
Angie Mosley, Area 21
Carolyn Styles, Area 17

Adoption of Consent Calendar
3.01 Minutes, Regular Board Meeting – October 22, 2024
3.02 Minutes, Special Called Meeting – November 11, 2024
3.03 Minutes, Special Called Meeting – November 12, 2024
3.04 Personnel Recommendations (Executive Session)
3.05 Home Schooling Applications (Executive Session) – 3

Appearance of Visitors

• Tyesha Turner – Bullying
• Peter Gorski – Tax Issue
• Irene Turrin-Heiliger – Speaking
• Christine Allen – Special Education & Admin Communication
• Abe Varughese – Financial Incentive/Tax
• David Harner – TIF
• Jeff Magg – TIF
• Kelly Wood – TIF
• Christopher Barnes – GCS/Clemson Impact Leadership Cohort
• Lisa Bracewell – Speaking
• Scottie Hughes – Special Education Advisory Council
• Bridget Gantt – School & Future Teacher Academy Leadership
• Lindsay Zika & Crystal Chappell – Teacher Forum
• Yolanda Crittendon-Jones – Teacher Fellows Introductions
• Susana Saravia – Laurens Rd Redevelopment
• Alisha Taylor – Parent Special Education Advocacy Council
• Daylin Woznick – Future Teacher Academy Leadership Board

Superintendent's Report
The report was presented by 2024-25 GCS Teacher of the Year Chelsey Troutman. She highlighted the importance of other educators in her life starting in childhood when she attended Greenville County Schools and continuing into her career. Mrs. Troutman talked about how much she learns from her students and their families as an educator and that the Teacher of the Year Award is a testament to the team of educators she learned from in the past and teaches alongside in the present. She shared as a teacher, it's an honor and privilege to play a small role in students' journeys and celebrate their successes.

Action Items

Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
The Board of Trustees voted to approve the FY 2024 Comprehensive Financial Report which details the financial operations of the district and includes an independent CPA opinion and a letter from an external auditor.

Laurens Road Redevelopment Plan Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District
Board members approved a resolution permitting the creation of the Laurens Road Redevelopment Plan which contains a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District.

City of Greenville Right-of-Way and Easement Request at Reedy Laurel Elementary School
Trustees voted to approve a right-of-way and easement request from the City of Greenville at Reedy Laurel Elementary School.

Right-of-Way Road Improvements and Permission for Slopes at Reedy Laurel Elementary School
The Board also approved the deeding of 0.235 acres of land at Reedy Laurel Elementary School to the Greenville Legislative Delegation Transportation Committee for road improvements on Ridge Road and Isbell Lane, as well as construction slope permissions.

Property Acquisition for Future Growth (Executive Session)
Trustees approved the purchase of 219.81 acres of property along Woodside Road for future growth.

Architect Selection for Fountain Inn Elementary K-8 Expansion (Executive Session)
The Board of Trustees voted to approve the architectural firm for the Fountain Inn K-8 expansion, contingent upon successful fee negotiations.

Physical Education Exemption (Executive Session)
Board members voted to approve a physical education exemption for one student at Mauldin Middle School.

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons

Advocacy Committee – Mr. Saylors – In follow-up to the Committee of the Whole meeting, we have a desire to begin addressing some of the opportunities highlighted in the presentation about Special Education. The goal is to have a package for the Board to consider early in the new year.

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