Jennifer Cauthen

The board meeting commenced with a motion to enter executive session for personnel matters. Key discussions included public comments regarding strategic planning for school district 9 and Fairfield Middle School athletics. The session featured a significant recognition event: a resolution of service and dedication was presented to the family of former board member and coach Mr. Harold Heath, acknowledging his extensive career in education, coaching achievements including state championships, and community service. The Superintendent's report highlighted numerous academic successes from Beta Club competitions across Fairfield Elementary, Giger Elementary, Kelly Miller Elementary, McCory Lton School of Technology, and Fairfield Middle School, including various first, second, third, fourth, and fifth place finishes in diverse categories. Athletic recognitions included a teacher named WLTX Teacher of the Week, a coach selected as an assistant coach for the 2026 Shrine Bowl, and the forthcoming announcement of a Watch Fox student athlete of the year. The board also addressed operational and policy items, including the second and final reading and approval of the 2026-2027 academic calendar, approval of field trips for Fairfield Elementary School and Fairfield Central High School, adoption of instructional materials/textbooks for Spring 2026, and revisions to several policies, including staff dress code and drug-free school policy.

The meeting included public comments thanking board members and administrators for their dedicated service and positive impact on students, including references to specific school achievements and community recognition. Key administrative discussions focused on the evaluation and contract extension for Superintendent Green, resulting in a motion for a one-year extension to 2018. The board also reviewed proposed revisions to Board Policies IJ8 (Field Trips) and IKA (Certified Evaluations), including changes to chaperone ratios, field trip scope, and evaluation cycles, as well as alignment with the 2013 model language for personnel policies. Board administrative items included scheduling the next work session for April 1st to review the budget and discussing follow-up items such as the county council agreement regarding an ordinance and updates on the Career Center construction.

The meeting commenced with an executive session, following confirmation of a quorum. Subsequent to the executive session, the proceedings included the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Key agenda items involved the recognition and commendation of numerous 'Students of the Week' and other outstanding students from various grade levels and schools, highlighting their academic achievements, character, and extracurricular involvement. The Superintendent's Report provided updates on positive district achievements, including the second annual Hall of Fame banquet, exposure trips for the prototype flow to Atlanta, and a trip related to African-American history. The Superintendent also noted the district's mathematics program reaching a milestone of solving one million problems. The board also addressed the approval of previous board minutes from March 17, 2015, April 7, 2015, and the April 21, 2015, special meeting/workshop.

The meeting included an executive session for personnel recommendations regarding hires and terminations. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing School Board Appreciation Month, during which individual school representatives honored their respective board members for their service and commitment. The board also conducted the official signing of the ethical principles poster from the South Carolina School Boards Association, committing to effective governance. Finally, two board members, Miss Sylvia Harrison Williams and another unnamed member, were recognized for their years of service.

The meeting included discussions and actions related to entering executive session for contractual/legal matters and a parent appeal hearing request. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing and presenting on National Board Certified Teachers from Fairfield County School District, including details on the cohort program support provided in partnership with the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA). The board also discussed and took action on approving minutes from previous meetings (January 15th and a special called meeting on January 30th). Superintendent reports covered the launch of the student-led newspaper, "The Fairfield Post," achievements in various student competitions (including state-level placement in SkillsUSA and a state poster contest winner), and the successful upset victory of the boys' basketball team. A request to rename the Fairfield Middle School gymnasium in honor of former coach Mr. and Mrs. Hightower was tabled for further review after discussion on district policy for renaming facilities. Finally, a facility usage request from a group called Geo H2O for after-school tutoring was considered for approval.