Gary Bradley

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the recitation of the mission statement and civility pledge. The agenda, which was approved, included discussions on upcoming events. Key agenda items involved student and staff recognitions across various schools and centers, including Black Street Early Childhood Center, Bell's Elementary School, Hendersonville Elementary School, Northside Elementary School, Colatin County Middle School, and Thunderbolt Career and Technology Center. Specific topics during reports included legislative delegation advocacy meeting updates and announcements regarding a future celebration/non-meeting event and the annual conference reservations. Staff recognized included a physical therapist, a lead custodian, a special education teacher, a registrar, and custodians who demonstrated dedication during staffing shortages. Students recognized achieved high marks and demonstrated leadership qualities.

This ARP ESSER Plan outlines how the Colleton County School District will utilize federal funds to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its elementary and secondary schools. The plan prioritizes combating learning loss in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and social-emotional well-being through evidence-based interventions and professional development. Key focus areas include implementing prevention and mitigation strategies for safe in-person learning, enhancing school facilities and indoor air quality, providing mental health services, and investing in educational technology. The overarching goal is to improve student academic outcomes, support student and staff well-being, and ensure operational continuity.

The Colleton County School District's Read to Succeed Reflection Tool outlines its comprehensive literacy program for the 2024-2025 academic year. It details reading instruction methods, assessment strategies, a multi-tiered intervention system, parent engagement initiatives, and teacher training focused on the science of reading. The plan sets specific SMART goals to enhance reading proficiency and reduce the percentage of students not meeting grade-level ELA standards.

The board meeting included an invocation and pledge, followed by recognition of students from Thunderbolt Career and Technology Center and Black Street Early Childhood Center. The board approved the agenda and reviewed minutes from previous meetings in October and November. Delegates were appointed for an upcoming meeting in Charleston in December, and registration was completed for an annual conference in February. The superintendent recognized outstanding staff and students from various schools for their contributions.

The board meeting included discussions about a softball indoor batting cage and restroom project, including funding sources and the process of engaging Mosley architects for the design. There were questions about compliance with OSF guidelines and Title IX considerations regarding the existing baseball batting cage. The possibility of sharing the batting cage between the softball and baseball teams was discussed.