School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties

The meeting commenced with a call to order and approval of the agenda. A significant portion of the discussion involved a motion to amend the agenda to postpone votes on A&E services for middle school facilities, inclusive play playgrounds, and press boxes for Dutch Fork and Irmo high schools until the next meeting. The rationale for the delay centered on the need to first review the results of the McMillan Pasden Smith (MPS) report concerning poor and critical items, and to allow the board to formally set long-term capital priorities. There was extensive deliberation regarding the necessity of formal feasibility studies (RFPs) versus obtaining cost estimates for the postponed items, with arguments presented for and against delaying further, citing prior board decisions and existing deficiencies like dilapidated playgrounds and immediate needs like scoreboard updates. Ultimately, the motion to move items 19 and 20 to the discussion agenda failed by a vote of 4 to 3. The original motion to approve the agenda carried 6 to 1. Following this, a motion was made to enter executive session to consider selected employment items.

The action agenda addressed items discussed in executive session. Key topics included the approval of selected employment items and contractual matters related to the Dutch Fork Elementary School project. Discussion focused heavily on amending the architect's contract, which involved raising the estimated construction cost from $34 million to a potential maximum of $58,740,000, and increasing the architect's fee by $557,458 to cover costs associated with challenging site conditions and redesign elements like an optional auditorium and classrooms. Significant discussion also occurred regarding the rationale for the project's high estimated cost, site selection criteria (including acreage, topography, and DOT line of sight), and comparisons to previously acquired site plans. Alternatives considered included utilizing existing school capacity or building a two-story structure to potentially reduce site preparation costs. A motion was passed regarding the contractual matter for the Dutch Fork Elementary School.

The report covered multiple operational and strategic topics for the district. Key discussion points included recognizing excellence at the district science and engineering fair, noting an increase in student participation to 403 total projects. The superintendent outlined the district's focus on answering three critical questions regarding student growth, mission execution, and outcomes, emphasizing that every student feels loved and demonstrates academic growth, measured by the graduation rate currently approaching 90%. Discussions covered the PLC process, alignment with instructional expectations, and the use of formative assessment data (Measures of Academic Progress). Furthermore, the report addressed recent structural changes including redistricting and magnet choice options, noting the complexity and potential for parental concern regarding initial notifications, and confirming that the process is ongoing. There was significant discussion regarding special education placement needs, leading to a plan to hire three additional multicap special education teachers to expand space capacity. The superintendent also highlighted the changing job market, referencing AI in manufacturing and global job displacement projections, stressing the need for students to be positioned competitively for future careers, and promoted an upcoming virtual lunch and learn session on future job pathways.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the January 12th, 2026 board meeting and the January 27th, 2026 special call meeting. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to public participation concerning school choice, particularly for students with special needs. Parents voiced concerns regarding the denial of school of choice applications for students with significant support needs, citing the detrimental impact of transitions on these children's academic and emotional stability. Specific concerns were raised about a lottery system that appeared to disproportionately affect special education students, suggesting individual circumstances were not being adequately considered. Board representatives acknowledged the process was ongoing, mentioning the addition of new teaching staff and a meeting scheduled to re-evaluate capacity for self-contained special education classes. Separate public comments addressed facility concerns, including necessary upgrades for the Dutch Fork High School stadium press box and scoreboard to ensure functionality, safety, and equity for all athletic programs, and the need for modernizing the press box and scoreboard at Irmo High School's WC Hawkins Stadium.

The session began with opening remarks addressing community concerns, frustration, and disappointment regarding issues affecting children and schools. The board chair emphasized taking responsibilities seriously and striving for strong schools. Key discussion points addressed included the formation of a committee to discuss Chromebook issues, confirmation that land for the Dutch Fork Elementary School was already approved for purchase, and clarifying the board's role in assisting families with school choice connections. Later in the session, several school spotlights occurred, including recognition of three teachers who received Bright Ideas grants from the Mid Carolina Electric Cooperative totaling $2,320 for innovative classroom projects. The second spotlight honored the district's FFA veterinary science team for earning a silver medal at the national FFA competition. Finally, Chapen Elementary School unveiled its updated mascot and logo, moving towards a more friendly and updated design, coinciding with the school approaching its 50th anniversary. Congratulations were also extended to a former district student who won the Super Bowl.