Megan Callaham

The meeting focused on the presentation and discussion of the proposed 2026-2027 fiscal year budget. Key topics included revenue projections, potential impacts of student enrollment changes on funding, and the financial implications of operating the Anderson Institute of Technology. The Board reviewed expenditure requests related to safety and security, including funding for crossing guards, and staffing adjustments such as the addition of personnel to lower teacher-pupil ratios. Furthermore, the Board approved a flat $2,000 cost-of-living adjustment for non-instructional staff. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding a personnel matter.

The board meeting covered several significant items, including public testimony regarding STEM position restoration, district-wide equity concerns, and the need for a climate survey and school facilities. The Superintendent provided updates on the A5 Connect hybrid middle school program, school choice application statistics, and improvements in K-8 iReady assessment data. Board policy revisions were considered regarding voting methods, quorum requirements, staff leaves, and graduation requirements. A major decision was made to set the out-of-district tuition rate at $3,000 for the upcoming school year. Additionally, the Board reviewed personnel recommendations and approved the reclassification of a communications position during an executive session.

The board meeting covered several key discussion topics, including the recognition of excellence for the Southwood Academy of the Arts Advanced Chamber Chorus and public comments regarding STEM education, district finances, facility capacity, and religious instruction policies. Reports were provided on the Anderson Institute of Technology, monthly district finances, and budget updates for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The board deliberated on multiple policy updates, including board member compensation, promotion and retention, voting methods, quorum requirements, and staff leave. Additionally, the board discussed the elimination of out-of-district tuition fees and concluded with an executive session regarding personnel recommendations and a student discipline appeal.

This document outlines a comprehensive reading plan for PreK-5th grade students, focusing on assessment, instruction, and intervention strategies aligned with the science of reading, structured literacy, and foundational literacy skills. Key areas include implementing multi-faceted reading assessments, utilizing data for targeted interventions, fostering parent engagement, continuous monitoring of student achievement, and providing extensive teacher training in evidence-based reading methodologies. The plan aims to improve student reading proficiency, particularly targeting specific goals for third-grade SC READY scores.

This document outlines Whitehall Elementary's Primary and Elementary Reading Plan, focusing on improving reading proficiency for PreK-5th grade students. It details comprehensive strategies for reading assessment and instruction, incorporating oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, aligned with the science of reading and structured literacy. Key areas include word recognition, targeted interventions, parent engagement, systematic progress monitoring, and extensive teacher training in methodologies like LETRS and Orton-Gillingham. The plan also sets a specific goal to increase the percentage of third graders scoring 'Meets and Exceeds' on the SC READY assessment by the spring of 2026.