Spartanburg School District 5

The document primarily details the 2025 James F. Byrnes High School Graduation ceremony. Key discussions included requests for audience decorum during the formal proceedings, a prayer, the pledge of allegiance, and welcome remarks from administrators and the Student Body President, who reflected on the class's perseverance through challenges like COVID-19 and a hurricane. Remarks were also given by the District 5 Board of Trustees Chairman, Jeff Bolan, recognizing the class's achievements and future potential. The ceremony also included special recognition for the valedictorian and salutatorian, followed by the presentation of graduates by name, with honors noted.

The board meeting began with compliance notices regarding the Freedom of Information Act and the posting of the agenda, followed by a prayer. Key discussions included the swearing-in ceremony for new and incumbent school board members, recognizing Dr. Randall Gary's role in administering the oath of office. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to special recognitions, including recognizing board members for School Board Recognition Month, where student representatives presented books symbolizing appreciation. The Rebel Regiment marching band and several athletic accomplishments, particularly for the football team, were also celebrated. The meeting then moved into action items, including the election of new board officers (Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary) for two-year terms, with thanks extended to the outgoing Vice Chair and Secretary.

The 2022-2027 Strategic Plan for Spartanburg School District Five focuses on three main areas: Student Achievement, Teacher and Administrator Quality, and School and District Climate. The plan addresses challenges related to learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing math and ELA readiness, student engagement, teacher retention, explosive growth, and ensuring student safety and well-being. Key strategies include using data to guide instruction, providing targeted professional development, fostering a positive school climate, and addressing social-emotional learning needs. The plan aims to improve student performance on assessments like iReady and EOC exams, increase teacher retention, and enhance school safety and community engagement. Specific goals include increasing the percentage of students meeting stretch growth targets on iReady assessments, increasing the percentage of secondary students meeting college and career readiness benchmarks, increasing teacher retention rates, improving teacher scores on the South Carolina Teaching Standards Rubric, and improving student, teacher, and parent perceptions of school safety and family engagement. The plan also aims to close the gap in gifted and talented identification between students in poverty and the overall student population.

The 2017-2022 Strategic Plan for James F. Byrnes High School focuses on three key performance goals: improving college and career readiness, enhancing teacher and administrator quality, and fostering a safe and engaging school environment. Specific objectives include increasing graduation rates, improving student performance on standardized tests (ACT, SAT, WorkKeys, and SC End of Course exams), expanding access to AP and dual enrollment courses, and providing more work-based learning experiences. The plan also aims to improve teacher retention, enhance teacher evaluation and professional development, and strengthen home-school relations. Overall, the plan seeks to create a supportive and effective learning environment that prepares students for success after high school.

The Berry Shoals Intermediate School Renewal Plan addresses key areas for improvement identified in the school's needs assessment. These areas include student achievement (specifically in reading and math, targeting growth for all students and addressing achievement gaps among subgroups), teacher/administrator quality (focusing on teacher retention and support for new teachers), and school climate (prioritizing safety and social-emotional wellness). The plan sets measurable performance goals for 2022-2027, outlining strategies and action plans to improve student learning, teacher effectiveness, and the overall school environment. Specific strategies include implementing a school-wide management system, providing social-emotional wellness opportunities, utilizing iReady data to guide instruction, and integrating AVID strategies to enhance teaching and learning. The plan also aims to increase teacher retention rates and improve student behavior.