Julie Morgan Morin

The board discussed and approved policy revisions regarding the admission of non-resident students, including clarifications on magnet program criteria, services for students with individualized education plans, and applicable fees. The board also reviewed proposed revisions to credit and content recovery policies necessitated by new state legislation, which prohibits grading floors and sets new requirements for recovery eligibility.

The committee discussed several student services initiatives, including the transition to an LSS team-based approach for staff recognition, the implementation of a full-scale behavioral threat assessment and measures refresher for administrators, and the success of family intervention services through counseling interns. They also noted the impact of a state grant on providing summer social-emotional learning and academic support for students. Unfinished business included reflections on a visit to the Kershaw County Continuous Learning Center and preliminary discussions regarding the relocation of programs to the new facility on Spears Creek.

The finance committee meeting focused on capital projects, technology needs, and contract thresholds. Discussions included a proposed $30 million bond for capital and technology requirements, plans for consolidating special education services, and the status of ongoing infrastructure needs across the district. Additionally, the committee discussed the current status of the district-wide facility study and debated the implementation of new policies regarding board approval thresholds for large contracts to increase fiscal transparency and governance.

The Board conducted a public hearing regarding the proposed budget for the 2026-2027 school year. Agenda items included the approval of student appeals, admission requests for the adult education program, and employment recommendations. The Board authorized the transfer of property involving water lines at Dent Middle School to the city of Columbia. Additionally, the Board approved the general fund budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and adopted revisions to policies concerning the organization of the board and the superintendent's evaluation process.

The Board of Trustees convened for a work session which included an executive session to discuss student admission requests into the adult education program, employment recommendations, and certified releases. The board approved the consent agenda, resolved not to participate in the district-wide community eligibility provision for the upcoming school year due to financial hardship, and authorized the senior chief financial officer to close a certificate of deposit to move funds to a higher interest-bearing account. Additionally, a third-quarter financial report was presented, detailing revenue, expenditure, and fund balance metrics, alongside information on Education Improvement Act funds and various special revenue funds.