VIP E-Newsletter
February 26, 2025 Edition

Welcome to VIP E-News, an electronic newsletter that is distributed to GCS employees and community leaders to update them about important GCS news and events. If you have any questions about the Board meeting or news articles, please contact the Communications Department.
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News

GCS Foundation Announces Future Teachers Scholarship

Businesses and individuals can now support public education by helping GCS students pursue teaching careers through the Greenville County Schools Foundation's Future Teachers Scholarship. With a variety of giving levels ranging between $25-$10,000, contributions offer the opportunity to honor an educator or to fund a scholarship named in honor of you, your company, or someone you choose. The Future Teacher Academy prepares students interested in the teaching profession through engaging, relevant curriculum and provides hands-on experiences in the classroom with an experienced teacher. Help aspiring teachers achieve their dreams by visiting this website - Future Teachers Scholarship

Five GCS School Bus Drivers Featured During Love the Bus Week

Each February, during Love the Bus Week, Greenville County Schools recognizes the dedicated school bus drivers, bus aides, and mechanics who ensure students get to and from school safely. This year, we have highlighted five exceptional transportation staff members in videos: Ryan Revan, a mobile mechanic; Eugene English, a bus driver and food service employee; Lori Russell, a driver and safety trainer; Malcolm Aiken, a beloved bus driver; and Gladys Cody, who drives a school bus in the district's most mountainous areas. Thank you to all of our bus drivers and transportation team members for the work you do each day! Love the Bus Week

Change in Assignment School Choice Lottery Results Posted

Greenville County Schools is a "choice" district, providing quality education at all levels. Around 14% of the 78,000 students in the district attend school by choice. Students are assigned to a home-based school based on the custodial parent or guardian's residence. School assignments can be found by subdivision, multi-family dwelling, and home address using the "Find Your Schools" link below. Parents can request a different school for their children through the Change in Assignment Choice (CIA) program or by applying to the district's Magnet Academies. Lottery results provide the selection order for each student's requested school(s). This year's results

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

February 25, 2025

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Aubrey Cave, a third-grade student at Taylors Elementary School.

Miracle Worker Award
Taylors Elementary School teacher Fran Hazard was recognized for following her training and saving the life of a student who choked on their food during lunch.

Adoption of Consent Calendar
2.01 Minutes, Regular Board Meeting – January 28, 2025
2.02 Minutes, Special Called Meeting - February 11, 2025
2.03 Minutes, Board Workshop - February 11, 2025
2.04 Personnel Recommendations (Executive Session)

  • Andrew Baker, Principal, Greer High School

2.05 Home Schooling Applications (Executive Session) – 5

Appearance of Visitors

  • Anne Kelsey-Zibert – Board Appreciation
  • Alisha Taylor – Special Education
  • Christy Colyar – Dual Credit Classes

Superintendent's Report
The Superintendent introduced Mr. Andrew Baker as the newly appointed principal of Greer High School and recognized Dr. Susan Stevens who was previously approved as the incoming Associate Superintendent for Academics. Dr. Royster expressed appreciation to Mrs. Gail Fortner who is retiring from duties of providing minutes at the Board of Trustees' meetings.

Action Items

Innovative Course and Honors Course Approvals
The Board of Trustees approved a list of new courses at the honors level under the new South Carolina Honors Rubric, as well as innovative courses under the SC Innovative Course Criteria.

Lease Agreement with The Center for Community Services
Board members approved a lease agreement renewal with The Center for Community Services for the period March 22, 2025 through March 21, 2040.

Hurricane Helene Make-Up Days and Forgiveness of Days for Students
Trustees approved a waiver of three missed school days from Hurricane Helene and agreed to ask the State Board of Education to waive the makeup of three additional missed school days. 

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons
South Carolina School Boards Association – Mrs. Morrison-Fair – Some Trustees attended and gained valuable information at the SCSBA annual conference last week.

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

The meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m.