Thurman Evans

This conceptual Capital Improvement Plan for Spartanburg School District 7, approved in October 2015, outlines initiatives to advance the district's goals of becoming a model school district in the Southeast, the district of choice in the upstate, and the most innovative district in South Carolina. Key components include the construction of a new elementary school to consolidate Chapman and Houston Elementary Schools by Fall 2018, a new state-of-the-art high school by Fall 2019, and the conversion of the existing Spartanburg High School into McCracken Middle School. The plan emphasizes providing optimal 21st-century learning environments and positioning the district as a leader by 2020.

This document introduces Sparm High School's new Blended Schedule Model, intended for implementation in the 2025-2026 academic year. This strategic initiative integrates traditional year-long courses with semester-long block classes to enhance student opportunities and flexibility. Key elements include the introduction of "Viking time" for tailored academic support and enrichment, and an increase in potential credit earning from seven to eight credits annually. The plan aims to alleviate student and teacher workload, provide more individualized instruction, streamline credit recovery, and expand access to dual enrollment and advanced placement programs, ultimately fostering student success and advancing the school's commitment to innovation and excellence.

This document presents Spartanburg School District 7's approved Capital Plan and the proposed 2024 Bond Referendum. The plan primarily focuses on two key initiatives: the construction of a new Jesse Boyd Elementary School to replace an aging facility and accommodate anticipated population growth, and an addition to Mary H Wright Elementary School to establish employee childcare services and expand 3K programs. These strategic projects are designed to modernize educational infrastructure, address projected enrollment increases, and enhance the district's ability to recruit and retain high-quality staff. The total cost of these projects is $59.5 million, with $12.5 million sourced from district savings and a proposed $47 million general obligation bond. The plan targets an August 2027 opening for the new and expanded facilities.

The Superintendent presented the state of the district, focusing on student progress, district accomplishments, and community partnerships. Key topics included academic performance metrics such as PASS assessment scores, high school exit exams, end-of-course exams, SAT and ACT results, and advanced placement course success. Additionally, the presentation covered infrastructure updates, student enrollment trends, and the district's long-term goals for innovation and national standing.

The board meeting agenda focused on various fiscal and administrative actions. Key discussion items included the request for authorization of Title I funds and the approval of the 2025-2026 fiscal year budgets for the District Seven, McCarthy Teszler, Spartanburg County Alternative School, Spartanburg County Adult Education, and Daniel Morgan Technology Center programs. Additionally, the board addressed the audit services contract award to Halliday, Schwartz & Company, a contract for the sale of property, recommendations for the Comprehensive Health Education Advisory Committee, and the second and final reading of several board policies. Administrative reports were provided covering academics, communications, finance, human resources, and operations & technology, followed by an executive session regarding contractual matters related to a potential property sale.