Jeffrey Bedenbaugh

The Board Retreat featured presentations from several principals who provided an overview of their respective schools' testing and data results. Principals from Ridge Spring Monetta Elementary School, Warrenville Elementary School, Aiken High School, ACCTC, Aiken Scholars Academy, Midland Valley High School, North Augusta High School, South Aiken High School, Silver Bluff High School, Wagener-Salley High School, Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle and High School, Kennedy Middle School, Aiken Intermediate School, Highland Springs Middle School, and Jackson Middle School all presented their data summaries.

The board retreat included several presentations focusing on data review and strategic planning. Multiple principals provided overviews of their respective middle and elementary schools' testing and data results. Additionally, a budget work session was presented to the Board of Education, followed by a strategic planning session.

Key discussions during the meeting included personnel appointments for the 2025-2026 school year and consideration of a pay increase for special education bus monitors. Athletic trainer compensation shifts and sign-on bonuses were approved. Under Consent Items, the Board recommended approving out-of-district transfer requests, a request for proposals for an afterschool care program, and several partnerships and grant applications, including the Savannah River Mission Completion Tutoring/Mentoring Program at North Augusta High School and grant donations for various elementary school libraries. Construction-related items included approval for district-wide tree services, a change order for gymnasium floor scrubbing and coating, and the approval of construction documents and guaranteed maximum prices (GMPs) for the North Augusta High School Auditorium Renovation and Addition Project and the Aiken Intermediate Area One Bus Parking Facility. The Board also reviewed and accepted informational reports concerning sole source/emergency purchases, Minority Business Enterprise utilization, and a procurement process review.

The meeting featured special recognitions, including the Aiken Scholars Academy receiving the Blue-Ribbon Award, the presentation of the Robert E. Alexander Outstanding Administrator of the Year Award, recognition of PEP Grant Winners, and recognition of the ACPSD School Board for School Board Recognition Month. The School Spotlight highlighted Aiken Elementary School. Key actions taken included the approval of personnel appointments for the 2025-2026 school year. Under consent items, the Board ratified student expulsions, approved out-of-district transfer requests (in and out), approved the request to admit foreign exchange students, approved construction documents and guaranteed maximum price for the Ridge Spring-Monetta Auxiliary Gymnasium, and approved a change order for football field lighting replacements at several high schools. During individual board member items, an appointment was made to the Area 1 Advisory Council, and a request was made for discussion regarding student athlete transportation numbers for the next meeting. The Board held an Executive Session to consider Student Appeals (Areas One, Three, and Four) and an Employment Matter concerning a Personnel Matter-Breach of Contract. In subsequent actions, the Board upheld the district's recommendations for all student appeals and voted to uphold the district's recommendation regarding the breach of contract, including filing a formal complaint.

The Board Retreat began with Chairman Nuessle calling the meeting to order, followed by a Moment of Silence and Pledge led by the Chairman. A True Colors exercise was conducted by Mr. Eric Jeffcoat. Key discussion segments included a Data Presentation delivered by Mrs. Kate Olin. Additionally, several principals presented an overview of their respective school's testing and data results.