Spartanburg School District 5

The meeting included special recognitions for long-term service, staff, and student achievements. The board took action to approve an orchestra field trip to Europe, new science and social studies textbooks, and budgets for the school district's general fund and debt service, as well as budgets for the alternative school, the McCarthy-Teszler School, and the R.D. Anderson Applied Technology Center. Furthermore, the board received updates on a new childcare center partnership and ongoing district-wide facility and construction projects. An executive session was held to discuss employment matters, including new hires, promotions, and resignations, which were subsequently approved in the public session.

This document details Abner Creek Academy's comprehensive approach to K-5 literacy, emphasizing assessment, instruction, and interventions aligned with the science of reading and structured literacy. Key focus areas include robust teacher training (LETRS), data-driven intervention pathways (MTSS/RTI), and active parent engagement. The plan outlines specific SMART goals for the 2024-2025 school year, aiming to reduce the percentage of third graders not meeting reading proficiency and significantly improve overall student growth in reading and phonics.

This document details Tyger River Elementary's implementation of the Read to Succeed Elementary Exemplary Literacy Reflection Tool for PreK-5th grade students, outlining its comprehensive approach to literacy assessment, instruction, and intervention based on the science of reading. It covers methods for teaching key literacy components, utilizing data for targeted interventions, engaging parents, and providing teacher training. The school's current goals for the 2024-2025 school year include improving third-grade reading proficiency, increasing certified staff LETRS training completion, and ensuring fidelity in structured literacy implementation across all K-5 classrooms.

The board meeting included several recognitions for students and staff, such as the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award and honors for various fine arts programs, including band, orchestra, choir, and theater. Following a recess, the board took action to approve the guaranteed maximum price number two for the transportation depot building project, which includes site work, landscaping, and building construction. The board also received a presentation from the administration regarding the annual renewal update of the district's strategic plan, focusing on student achievement metrics in reading and mathematics.

The board discussed several policy and administrative rule updates, specifically addressing salary deductions for part-time teachers, the removal of the discontinued Teacher and Employee Retention Incentive program, salary negotiation language for non-TERI employees, and revisions to personal leave and absence policies for professional and support staff. The board also reviewed the impact of school calendar breaks and holidays on staff attendance and substitute availability.