VIP E-Newsletter
May 28, 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

Greenville County Schools Celebrates the Class of 2025

After a week of celebrations, approximately 5,600 seniors from 15 Greenville County high schools are now proud graduates! This year’s ceremonies at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena were filled with memorable moments—including the first-ever graduation for Fountain Inn High School. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the principals, teachers, and staff who supported these students every step of the way, and to the parents whose dedication helped make this milestone possible. To relive the excitement, visit our Facebook page to view hundreds of photos from this year’s graduations.

GCS Transitions to Summer Hours After Successful School Year

Greenville County Schools has moved to a summer schedule. Starting this week, administrative offices and schools with limited staff will operate Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closing at 5 p.m. on Thursdays). All facilities will be closed Friday through Sunday. School and district staff will be busy preparing for the new year, which begins Monday, August 11.

Makeup Days Added to 2025-26 and 2026-27 GCS Calendars

As required by the state, GCS Student Calendars for 2025-26 and 2026-27 have been updated to include three potential makeup days. These calendars were previously released in 2024. Makeup days will only be used if eLearning is not possible. Other than the three makeup days due to Hurricane Helene, GCS has only needed to use eLearning days and no makeup days in the last five years so it’s unlikely these will be needed outside of unusual, extenuating circumstances. View Frequently Asked Questions and Calendars

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

May 27, 2025

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Caden Rossi, a fourth-grade student at Bell's Crossing Elementary.

Adoption of Consent Calendar
2.01 Minutes, Regular Board Meeting – Apr 22, 2025
2.02 Minutes, FY 26 Budget First Reading – May 5, 2025
2.03 Minutes, Special Called Meeting – May 13, 2025
2.04 Personnel Recommendations (Executive Session)

  • Brandon Addy, Principal of Ralph Chandler Middle School

2.05 Home Schooling Applications (Executive Session) - 1

Appearance of Visitors

  • Alan Stevenson - Graduation
  • Crystal Chappell and Lindsey Zika - Teacher Forum

Superintendent's Report
Dr. Royster introduced Mr. Towers Rice as the Interim Principal at Lakeview Middle School and Ms. Brandon Addy as the incoming Principal at Ralph Chandler Middle School. The Superintendent also expressed deep appreciation to Ms. Morgan Clements for her work and professionalism as the district's Chief Human Resources Officer and wished her the best as she transitions to her next opportunity.

Action Items

Proposed Resolution to SCSBA Regarding the State Employability Credential and State Report Cards
The Board of Trustees approved a resolution calling for changes to SC School Report Card calculations so that students with disabilities on the state-approved Employability Credential track are counted as "on track to graduate" in the High School Success Indicator.

Innovative and Honors Course Approval
The board approved Introduction to Artificial Intelligence as an honors-level course under the new South Carolina Honors Rubric.

Proposed Revision to Board Policy JDE: Expulsion
Trustees approved a change to the district's expulsion policy stating that a student cannot be assigned to the alternative school more than once within a 365-day period, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Acceptance to Audit Team Committee
Board members voted to extend the term of the current members of the Audit Team Committee for 2025-26.

Revision of Board Self-Evaluation Instrument
The board voted to revise a portion of its self-evaluation practice to state that policies will be reviewed on an as-needed basis.

Resolution Regarding J. Wilbur Walker
Trustees approved a resolution to honor and remember J. Wilbur Walker, former principal of Washington Elementary and High School in Greenville, for his distinguished service as an educator.

Right-of-Way Acquisition at A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School for SC Department of Transportation
The board approved the sale of a small parcel of land next to A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School to allow the South Carolina Department of Transportation to carry out an emergency bridge replacement.

Duke Energy Easement at Blythe Academy
Trustees approved a request from Duke Energy for ongoing access to part of the Blythe Academy property so they can install and maintain utility upgrades.

Duke Energy Easement at J.L. Mann Academy
The board also approved a Duke Energy request for access to part of the J.L. Mann Academy property for utility upgrades.

Property Acquisition for Wade Hampton High School
Board members approved the purchase of 0.67 acres adjacent to Wade Hampton High School for future growth.

Resolution to Approve Releasing Parcel of Property at A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School from BEST Encumbrances
Board members approved a resolution to release about 0.028 acres of land at A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School by amending two related lease agreements.

Security Licensure (Executive Session)
Trustees authorized the administration to seek official licensing of the District's Security Department through the State Law Enforcement Division, in accordance with updated state law (S269/Act 36 of 2025).

J.E. Sirrine Scholarship Awards
The board approved both new and returning recipients of the J.E. Sirrine Scholarships for the 2025–26 school year, in the amounts listed in the Sirrine Scholarship Program Report.

Naming of Blue Ridge High School Wrestling Room
The board voted to name the Blue Ridge High School Wrestling Room in honor of Coach Malcolm "Chico" Singleton, founder of the school's wrestling program who led the Tigers to 15 state championships.

Naming of Space Drive School Security Center
Trustees voted to name the School Security Center on Space Drive in honor of Sgt. William Conley Jumper, Jr., a respected member of the GCS School Enforcement Office who lost his life in the line of duty on October 20, 2020.

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons

  • South Carolina School Boards Association - Ms. Glenda Morrison-Fair - A reminder that the SCSBA School Law Conference will be August 23-24, 2025.

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

The meeting adjourned at 6:27 pm.