Kerry Leslie Abel

The South Carolina Early Learning Standards (SC-ELS) document serves as a shared vision for children's foundational skills and development from birth through kindergarten entry. It provides a common set of goals and developmental indicators across six domains: Approaches to Play and Learning, Emotional and Social Development, Health and Physical Development, Language Development and Communication, Mathematical Thinking and Expression, and Cognitive Development. The standards aim to guide stakeholders in providing experiences that prepare children for success in school and life, emphasizing integrated learning, individual uniqueness, and cultural relevance.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda following a public session and invocation. The Board entered and exited an Executive Session during which legal advice was sought regarding the FY 2025-2026 General Fund Budget Amendment for IT Equipment, contract matters for device replacement, and approval of a Bond Resolution. Key discussions and actions in the public session included a Public Hearing on the FY 2025-2026 General Fund Budget Amendment. The Board approved allocating $6,000,000 from the General Fund- Unassigned Fund Balance to purchase essential IT equipment. Approval was also granted for contracts with Dell Technologies and Apple for student and teacher laptop and iPad replacements, and for the issuance and sale of bonds not exceeding $27 million. Policy BID - Board Member Compensation and Expenses received its Second Reading Approval. During a second Executive Session, matters concerning an employment settlement agreement, contractual matters regarding the Internal Auditor contract, a Land Transfer Support Agreement, a Leave of Absence, and the Hiring of Personnel were discussed. In the open session following the second Executive Session, the Board voted to support the Land Transfer Support Agreement with Santee Cooper, approved the recommended Leave of Absence, and approved the recommended Hiring of Personnel for the 2025-2026 school years.

This document provides a comprehensive performance snapshot for Richland One, presenting data from 2020 to 2024 across various educational metrics. Key focus areas include student career readiness (WIN, WorkKeys, AP), college entrance exam results (SAT, ACT), academic achievement (EOCEP), graduation rates, and school report card ratings. It also details demographic characteristics such as attendance, ethnicity, poverty index, special education, and limited English proficiency.

This Legislative Platform outlines Richland One's positions and priorities for the 2026 legislative session, addressing a comprehensive range of educational issues. Key focus areas include advocating for competitive teacher and staff compensation, promoting local control in school governance, enhancing school safety and security, and ensuring adequate and equitable education funding. The platform also details stances on charter school policies, early childhood education, student health and well-being, accountability measures, and broadband expansion, aiming to foster an environment conducive to student achievement and staff well-being.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Key actions included the approval of the 2026 Legislative Platform presented by Ms. York. The board also approved Continuous Improvement Plans for identified Underperforming Schools for the 2025-2026 period. In human resources matters, the board approved the first reading of Policy GBAA and Policy JIAA concerning Sexual Harassment and Retaliation for both staff and students, respectively. Personnel actions taken included the approval of the Hiring of Personnel (3 Teachers), the approval of one new position (Deputy Superintendent of Finance and Operations), and the approval of multiple Leaves of Absence. Following an executive session to discuss contractual matters regarding the Internal Auditor contract and other personnel matters, the board exited executive session and approved the adoption of Ethical Principles as Members of the Board.