Lisa Ashley

The Board meeting included the recognition of the TL Hanna High School Girls Golf Team for winning the 2025 State Championship. Citizens addressed the Board regarding the need for expanded early elementary STEM instruction, potential uses for a vacant property across from Westside High School, and a call for trustees to focus on service above self. Action items included the approval of Policy KF (Community Use of School Facilities) on second reading and Policy JJE (Student Fundraising Activities) and Policy IKC (Class Ranking / Grade Point Averages) on first reading, with required revisions noted. The Board also authorized a 10% annuity contribution for the superintendent conditioned on a future satisfactory evaluation, and approved the Superintendent Evaluation Instrument for the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, the 2026-2027 Board of Trustees meeting dates were approved. The Superintendent's Report covered findings from the Teacher Working Conditions Survey and a proposed employee survey, though a motion to endorse the survey was ruled out of order. The Board reviewed the SC School Report Card Ratings, the Monthly Finance Report for October 31, 2025, an appraisal for 102 North Main Street, and approved a temporary easement request from the Department of Transportation for Midway Elementary property.

The meeting began with the election of new board officers, resulting in Ms. Sandra Leverette as Chairwoman, Mr. Tommy Price as Vice Chairman, and Mr. Rick Bradshaw as Secretary. The agenda was approved after moving an item concerning the Sale of Property (102 North Main Street) from Executive Session to Open Session. Board members received recognition for achievements in the South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA) Boardmanship Institute. Citizen input included advocacy for continued emphasis on STEM education and recognition for School Board Appreciation Month. The Superintendent presented the financial audit for FY 2024-2025, which resulted in an unmodified opinion, confirming strong financial condition and adherence to reporting excellence awards for over 20 years. The procurement audit highlighted minor findings regarding the formal approval of the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) plan and one non-compliant procurement card purchase. The CFO provided the Monthly Finance Report as of December 31, 2025, noting increased property tax revenues and decreased investment income. Academic progress was reviewed using i-Ready Winter Assessment data, showing positive increases in students performing at or above grade level in both Reading and Math. Policy KB (Parent and Family Engagement in Education) was reviewed with no revisions. Action items included the approval of Policy JJE (Student Fundraising Activities) and Policy IKC (Class Ranking/Grade Point Averages) on second reading, and Policy EBCB (Safety Plans and Drills), Policy JFB (School Choice), and Policy IJNDAA (Distance, Online, Virtual Education) on first reading. The board also approved the Centerville Elementary School Continuous Improvement Plan. Contract Amendment No. 16 with Thompson Turner Construction for $4,597,081 was approved for high school stadium improvements. The board also approved contracting a certified parliamentarian for 2026 services. Following executive sessions, the board instructed administration to resolve a payment dispute, approved administrative contracts, and approved Option #1 for School Security Fencing at McCants Middle School.

The Board of Trustees agenda for the meeting scheduled for January 20, 2026, includes several key items. Discussions and reports cover the Financial Audit for FY 2024-2025, the Procurement Audit for FY 2024-2025, Monthly Financial Reports, and iReady Winter Assessment Data. Action items include the approval of policy revisions (second reading for Student Fundraising Activities and Class Ranking/Grade Point Averages; first reading for Safety Plans and Drills, School Choice, and Distance/Online Education), the Continuous Improvement Plan for Centerville Elementary School, High School Stadium Improvements, and the contract for the Board Parliamentarian. The agenda also reserves time for Executive Session to discuss legal advice, personnel matters (teacher resignation/allocation/employment and administrative contracts), the development of security devices (school fencing), and the sale of the property located at 102 N Main St, Anderson, SC 29621.

The Board meeting included recognition of the TL Hanna High School Girls Golf Team for winning the 2025 State Championship. Citizens addressed the Board regarding the need for expanded early elementary STEM instruction, the potential use of a long-vacant property near Westside High School, the principle of "service above self" for Trustees, and updates on the State Teacher of the Year pursuit. Action items involved the approval of Policy KF (Community Use of School Facilities) on second reading and Policy JJE (Student Fundraising Activities) and Policy IKC (Class Ranking / Grade Point Averages) on first reading, with minor revisions requested for the administrative rule related to Policy JJE. The Board approved a 10% annuity contribution for the superintendent conditioned upon a satisfactory evaluation for the 2026-2027 school year, and approved the Superintendent Evaluation Instrument for 2025-2026. Approval was also given for the 2026-2027 Board of Trustees meeting dates. The Superintendent reported on the State Department Teacher Recruitment and Retention Task Force recommendations following teacher survey results, and an overview of the 2024-2025 SC School Report Card Ratings was provided. Financial reports for the period ending October 31, 2025, were presented, including updates on tax collections and federal funding. The Board also reviewed an appraisal for 102 North Main Street and discussed a temporary easement request from the Department of Transportation for Midway Elementary. The Board entered and exited Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.

The Board discussed several topics, including policies on livestreaming board meetings, unencumbered time, and community use of school facilities. They also discussed the 2026-2027 draft modified school calendar and local board approved courses. The board confirmed delegates for the South Carolina School Board Association Legislative and Advocacy Conference. A motion to list a property for sale failed, and the administration was instructed to obtain an appraisal. Updates were provided on the CERDEP 4K Program, iReady assessment implementation, and the Anderson 5 Education Foundation. The monthly finance report was presented, and tax levy information was reviewed. The board also discussed personnel recommendations and approved an amendment for AIT restroom construction.