Mary Bemis

This School Renewal Plan for Chester Middle School outlines strategies to address areas of improvement identified through a comprehensive needs assessment. The plan focuses on three main pillars: enhancing student achievement in reading and mathematics, improving school climate by increasing satisfaction among students, parents, and teachers, and strengthening teacher and administrator quality by increasing the percentage of teachers on continuing contracts. Key initiatives include implementing improved communication strategies, providing professional development, and offering wellness opportunities for staff, all aimed at fostering student growth and development and creating a positive learning environment.

The meeting included special recognitions for Chester County law enforcement officers, school resource officers, and staff members for their actions during a safety event at Chester Park Elementary School of Inquiry. The board also recognized the state volleyball team and Goite Tech Scholars. A public comment addressed concerns regarding board members acting unilaterally. The board approved certified personnel recommendations from the executive session and discussed project updates, including the Lewisville Elementary gang restroom epoxy project, Chester Middle School gymnasium floor, Great Falls secure doors wiring project, and Great Falls High roofing project.

The board meeting included special recognitions for student artwork, teaching excellence, and staff achievements. The board discussed and approved actions related to certified personnel recommendations, a response to the City of Chester regarding a tax increment financing proposal, and a potential contract for additional legal services. Staff reports covered operations, financial status, curriculum and instruction updates, human resources, and administrative services. Action items included the second reading of policies on livestreaming board meetings and unencumbered time, election of delegates for the SCSBA Delegate Assembly, and approval of a budget amendment and loyalty bonuses for employees.

The Chester County School Board meeting included updates on various topics. The Superintendent reported on teacher recognitions, school safety incidents, Veterans Day ceremonies, and plans for a video library. Athletic and band achievements were highlighted for Chester High School, Lewisville High School, and Great Falls High School. Staff attendance and recognition awards were presented. Reports were given on completed and ongoing facilities projects, the General Fund financial overview, fraud risk management, and the FY 2024-2025 financial audit results. An overview of the South Carolina Report Card was provided, along with school-specific results and improvement plans. The turnover and retention rates were presented, and updates were given on crisis response teams, safety and security measures, and ongoing preventative safety measures. The board also voted on personnel recommendations and the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding.

The meeting included updates on student achievements, athletic highlights, and band performances. Feedback from the CCSD Listening Tour session at Great Falls High School was shared, along with reports from the Superintendent's meetings with principals and elected officials. There were discussions on maintenance staffing, work orders, preventative maintenance, and the General Fund financial overview for September 2025. The board also discussed fiscal management policies, fraud risk management programs, and proposed employee loyalty bonuses. Updates were provided on curriculum and instruction, including the postponement of school report card releases and details on fall intersession. The board also reviewed staffing stability and retention, food resources and partnerships, and Red Ribbon Week activities. The board approved certified personnel recommendations, an additional provider of legal services, a response to the City of Chester regarding tax increment financing, policies on livestreaming board meetings and unencumbered time, and 2025-26 loyalty bonuses. They also voted to amend the 2025-26 Budget.