Laurens County School District 55

The Special Called Meeting began with the confirmation of notice to media and the declaration of a quorum. The board approved the agenda. Following a motion to enter Executive Session, the board discussed the presentation of the Chief Financial Officer information. Upon reconvening in open session, the board took action to approve the nominee for the position of Chief Financial Officer, with an official announcement planned for later the same day.

The meeting included reports from the Superintendent on district updates, such as the new water tower design, revision of the Vision/Mission Statement, Sanders Middle School grade configurations, and facility needs town hall meetings. The Department of Student Nutrition Services reported on meal service volumes, including meals provided during recent E-Learning days, and discussed challenges like increased food prices. A presentation was made on the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CIP) required for underperforming schools, including Ford Elementary, Gray Court Owings Elementary, Laurens Elementary, and Laurens High School, with the board subsequently approving the strategic plan. In Finance and Operations, the monthly financial report for December 2025 and January 2026 was discussed, and the board approved a Capital Projects Budget Amendment to reallocate $1.1 million from the Sanders Middle School addition fund to other capital upgrades, such as athletic facilities, bathrooms, and security. The board also entered Executive Session to discuss employee contracts, retiree employment lists, and legal updates, taking action in open session to approve a list of certified resignations.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and opening business. Key discussions included reports from Laurens Elementary School focusing on safety precautions, student patrols, and interpretation of the School Report Card status. The Superintendent's report highlighted the district's focus on a "5-Star Culture of Excellence" across Academics, Arts, Athletics, Attendance, and Atmosphere, alongside celebrating Writing Contest winners and recognizing student achievements in various extracurriculars. School Report Card updates detailed performance ratings, noting the district no longer has any schools in the "Unsatisfactory" range, and outlining next steps for schools labeled as "underperforming," including the development of Continuous Improvement Plans. Board Operations involved a discussion and approval of changes to Administrative Rule IJOA-R regarding field trips and the approval of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Resolution for free meals for the 2025-2026 school year. Finance and Operations addressed the monthly financial report and approved a budget amendment to cover changes in salaried positions transitioning to contracted services and an underbudgeted insurance amount. The Executive Session addressed certified employee contracts, legal updates, and the Superintendent's Annual Evaluation, which resulted in continuing the Superintendent's contract despite a rating of Minimally Effective.

The meeting covered opening procedures, including the call to order, confirmation of notice, declaration of a quorum, and approval of the agenda. School reports were presented for Waterloo Elementary School and Sanders Middle School. The Superintendent's report included district updates and a report from the Department of Pupil Services. Board operations discussion involved School Board Appreciation and an Ethical Principles Declaration signing, as well as a request to vote on the first reading of a policy renaming (Policy DK Student Activities Funds Management) without a second reading, and a revision to the 2026-2027 District Calendar. Finance and Operations included the monthly financial report and performance contract information. The board also moved into Executive Session to discuss updates for certified employee contracts and retired employment lists for the 2025-2026 school year, legal updates, administrative contracts, and contract negotiations for energy management.

The agenda for this special called meeting includes standard opening business such as calling to order, confirmation of media notice, declaration of a quorum, and approval of the agenda. The session is scheduled to include a motion to enter Executive Session, which will be followed by a presentation of information from the Chief Financial Officer. Following the Executive Session, the board will reconvene in open session to take any necessary action on executive session items before adjournment.