Virginia Catoe

The meeting convened the student leadership team to discuss the organization's core 'AAA' program, which emphasizes the importance of attendance, attitude, and academics. Participants engaged in a discussion regarding the 'Grow' initiative, the significance of maintaining a positive school culture, and the role of leadership traits such as respect, optimism, and wisdom. Further discussions focused on the importance of academic goal setting and the pursuit of a high school diploma to ensure future success.

The board meeting addressed several facility use waivers, including a partial fee waiver for Camden Baptist Church for their event at Zimp Stadium, as well as facility usage for the Lugoff First Baptist Church and the Lucky 21 Club. Additionally, the board held an executive session to discuss personnel matters, including resignations, retirements, and employment assignments. The board also affirmed a superintendent's decision regarding an employee's non-renewal of a teaching contract.

The board meeting focused on the second reading and approval of the 2026-2027 fiscal budget, including a review of salary schedules, cost of living adjustments, and local revenue projections from ad valorem taxes. The board also approved a resolution for the annual general obligation bond to manage debt service payments and provide maintenance funding. Additionally, personnel matters including resignations, retirements, employment, and assignments were discussed in executive session.

The meeting featured special recognitions for students, staff, and schools for statewide achievements and grant awards. The superintendent provided updates on the district's budget process, including the requirement to appear before the county council due to a reassessment year. The finance department presented a proposal for the first budget reading, detailing legislative mandates for salary schedules, cost of living adjustments for employees, and the necessity of using fund balance for budget needs. The presentation emphasized equity in salary adjustments across all employee classifications and outlined challenges related to student enrollment changes and state revenue projections.

The meeting included a public forum regarding student education services and civil rights concerns. The board discussed the renewal of the community eligibility program for school meals, noting it continues to meet the criteria for the next four years. Updates were provided regarding graduation schedules for the district high schools, noting the decision to stagger them, and a transition in the substitute teacher service provider from Kelly Services to ESS, which will result in lower billing rates.