Laura Beth Smith

This document outlines the critical need for a new middle school facility to accommodate growing student populations and enhance educational opportunities. It addresses current challenges such as an outdated building, overcrowded classrooms, congested hallways, and limited spaces that hinder effective instruction and student engagement. The plan aims to provide a state-of-the-art environment, improve instructional flexibility, and ensure students have access to competitive educational resources, ultimately preparing them for future success.

This bond presentation outlines the "Premier Progress Vision 2026" for Anderson School District 3, focusing on the critical need to rebuild Star Middle School as Crescent Middle School. The plan addresses issues such as aging infrastructure, overcrowded facilities, and projected population growth. Key objectives include creating modern, spacious learning environments with wider hallways, larger classrooms, and expanded common areas like the gym and cafeteria. The vision also emphasizes enhanced safety and security through features like secure entrances, separate grade-level wings, and integrated camera systems, aiming to provide an innovative and secure educational space for students and the community.

The meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. The board acknowledged the loss of a Crescent High School student. The meeting recognized outstanding teachers for student growth, bus drivers of the month, and schools with excellent report cards. There was a presentation about the proposed middle school, and the election of board officers. The financial report for the month was reviewed, and the superintendent provided a report.

The meeting included an invocation and the approval of the agenda, with an addition for an executive session regarding a personnel matter. Recognition was given to the Crescent High School marching band and color guard for their performance at the state championship, achieving the highest ever rating. Three middle school students were recognized as South Carolina Junior Scholars based on their PSAT scores, and the November Bus Driver of the Month, Karen Pitzer Hunagger, was recognized for her positive attitude and dedication. Financial discussions covered the general fund ending November with expenditures exceeding revenues by $1,850,379, a situation expected due to tax collection timing, and the receipt of the November sales tax allocation, which was the 10th largest to date. It was noted that the financial statements and audit received a clean opinion, though final publication is delayed due to state and federal administrative issues. Additionally, the board approved policy GLC concerning professional staff assignments and transfers, and policy GLE regarding unencumbered time, both on their second and final reading. The meeting concluded with entering and exiting an executive session for personnel matters.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and an invocation. The agenda included a motion to amend the agenda, moving an action item regarding policy to a discussion item under the superintendent report. The board recognized outstanding student-athletes and the football coach for significant achievements, including state and upper state player/coach of the year honors, and the furthest playoff run in 30 years. A bus driver was recognized as the bus driver of the month for dedication and professionalism. The board then heard a presentation from the auditors regarding the annual financial audit, which resulted in unmodified/clean opinions across financial statements, internal controls, and compliance testing for a specified federal program. Discussions followed regarding internal control areas, procurement policy, and activity funds, especially concerning cash transactions and online platforms. Updates were provided regarding Instructional Technology (AIT), focusing on safety enhancements such as purchasing radios for every building individual, implementing the Smart Cast system for restroom monitoring, and adopting the Strategics system for emergency response and lockdown procedures. They also upgraded the Raptor visitor management system. Instructional priorities included focusing on attendance, credentials for students (noting the requirement for 9th and 10th graders to meet system requirements for CCR), professional development, and industry-recognized certifications. The board is also monitoring the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and awaiting guidance from the state on proposed AI pathways.