VIP E-Newsletter
April 23, 2025 Edition

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News

More Than 50 Seniors Recognized at 28th Annual GCS Foundation Scholarship Event

Fifty-three deserving high school seniors were recognized at the 28th annual Greenville County Schools (GCS) Foundation Scholarship event held at Southside High. Each senior received a $1,500 scholarship for a total of $79,500. Forty-five golf scholarships were awarded following the Foundation’s annual golf tournament in the Fall of 2024. Additionally, eight of the scholarships awarded were the newly created GCS Foundation Future Teacher Scholarships. The GCS Foundation is a nonprofit organization established to support students by providing educational scholarships, to encourage students to join the teaching profession, and to support our teaching and non-teaching staff by providing funding for advanced degrees, additional certifications, and professional development. List of the recipients

GCS Hosting Community Forums for Shared Ownership Strategic Review

Greenville County Schools is undergoing a Shared Ownership Strategic Review Process, a review of special education services, processes, and results for students with disabilities. One of the first steps in the process was gathering input from GCS families through a survey. Parents of GCS students with IEPs who currently receive special education services were asked to complete the Shared Ownership Survey. The District is also holding a series of forums for additional input. The deadline to register is Thursday, April 24. See list of the dates and locations of forums or view the survey responses

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

April 22, 2025

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Clara Kaade, a 4th-grade student at Bethel Elementary School.

The Fountain Inn High School Saxophone Quintet performed for the Board of Trustees, led by Fountain Inn High School Band Director Joshua Tillman.

  • Caleb Knauff - Alto Sax
  • Samantha Hutto - Alto Sax
  • Arianna Wofford - Tenor Sax
  • Devin McLaurin - Tenor Sax
  • Semani Dollard - Baritone Sax

The Miracle Worker Award was presented to Ragan Scott, a 3rd-grade teacher at Fountain Inn Elementary School. Mrs. Scott was recognized for saving a student who choked on cheese pizza during lunch.

Adoption of Consent Calendar

2.01 Minutes, Regular Board Meeting – March 25, 2025
2.02 Minutes, Special Called Meeting, Personnel Recommendations – April 8, 2025
2.03 Minutes, FY 26 Board Budget Work Session – April 14, 2025
2.04 Home Schooling Applications (Executive Session) – 1
2.05 Personnel Recommendations (Executive Session) – None

Appearance of Visitors

  • Matt Moore - GCS
  • Sara Moore - GCS
  • Jeff Maag - Budget
  • Catherine Schumacher - Championing Teachers

Superintendent's Report
Dr. Royster introduced Melissa Brubaker, the new Assistant Superintendent for Elementary School Leadership Group 2, and Dana Swartzel, the new principal of League Academy Middle.

Action Items

2025 District and School Strategic Plans Update
The Board of Trustees approved the yearly update to the 2025-2029 strategic plan, which is presented each April.

Approval of Annual Audit Plan
The board approved the 2025-26 annual audit plan for the External Auditor as required by Board Policy DIDB.

Surplus of Outparcel at OakView Elementary School (Executive Session)
Trustees voted to approve the surplus of approximately 5.81 acres of property at Oakview Elementary School.

Approval of Legal Representation (Executive Session)
The Board of Trustees approved providing legal representation of the three named School District employees in the matter of 6:25-cv-03185-JDA-KFM in accordance with Board Policy GAEA.

Information Items
The final roster with Board Officer candidates was presented to the Board:

Chair

  • Ann Marie Middleton
  • Carolyn Styles

Vice-Chair

  • Angie Mosley

Secretary

  • Anne Pressley

Committee/Liaison Reports
Advocacy - Mr. Saylors - The committee met earlier today and spent a great deal of time on issues at federal and state levels. We are still waiting on the resolution of the state budget.

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

The meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.