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BOARD BRIEF OCTOBER 2004
Recognitions:
A resolution was prepared recognizing 12 years and eight months that Robbie Stabler has served on the board. Mr. Stabler was elected to the board February 1992 and will end the current term of office November 2004. Appreciation was expressed for his leadership and commitment to ensure quality educational facilities and programs throughout the district.
Information:
Mrs. Leslie Hightower and staff members from Swansea Primary School discussed the school's professional development initiatives, role of instructional coaches, and ECERS Rating Scale for early childhood programs.
Dr. Vail presented the following statement being used to
promote the Lexington County School District Property Tax Relief Referendum:
"This fall, Lexington County taxpayers can finally get some relief - real
relief from property taxes.
On November 2, a referendum will be held in Lexington County on replacing a
portion of the property taxes you currently pay for schools with a one-cent
sales tax.
Ifvoters approve the Lexington County School District Property Tax Relief Act, 100 percent - every single penny - must be used to lower property taxes. None of it can be diverted, set aside or spent on anything other than putting money back into your pocket.
For the average taxpayer, that means a reduction in property taxes of about $200 per year on a $100,000 home.
Lower property taxes don't just mean more money in your pocket - they also attract new jobs and new companies to our community."
Book Study
Transforming Schools by Zumda, Kukles, and Kline
Dr. Hawkins lead a discussion of Chapter 2 - "Systems Thinking as the Door to Continuous Improvement." The chapter and discussion focused on characteristics of competent systems and incompetent systems. Next month, the board will discuss Chapter 3 - "Envisioning the Desired Results. "
Actions Taken:
GCOA - EY ALUATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF ILBB - STATE PROGRAM ASSESSMENTS
ADA - SCHOOL DISTRICT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES IHBB - GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION
CBA - QUALIFICATIONS OF SUPE NDENT ill - STUDENT ABSENCES AND EXCUSES
JFAB
- NON-RESIDENT STUDENTSThe board selected Shelia Parkman as delegate and Paula Ogburn as alternate to the South Carolina School Boards Association's Delegate Assembly scheduled for
BOARD BRIEF DECEMBER 2004 AND JANUARY 2005
Recognitions:
Letters of congratulation were prepared for the following teachers for achieving
National Board Certification:
Chris Bussell
January is School Board Recognition Month. This year's theme is "United for Our South Carolina Public Schools." The administration expressed their appreciation for the leadership and support of the board of trustees.
Information:
The independent audit conducted by Derrick, Stubbs, and Stith was presented to
the board. Findings indicated a clean audit with effective financial practices.
The fund balance reflected approximately three months of the operational
expenditures as recommended by bond rating agencies.
A review of facility projects that was recently completed and plans for the future were reviewed with the board.
Dr. Maddox and Mr. Singletary presented activities and awards earned by the Swansea High School Band. A new uniform under consideration for the marching band was modeled by one of the band members.
Dr. Hawkins presented information on the school report cards for 2001 through 2004. Patterns and trends in the ratings were discussed along with the rating criteria used by the state.
Book Study;
The board is continuing their professional development with the book, Transforming
Schools by Zumda, Kukles, and Kline. A discussion of chapters 4 and 5
focused on the importance of establishing a common belief about school needs and
addressing. needs through staff development.
BOARD BRIEF FEBRUARY 2005
Letters of congratulation were prepared for the following students:
Junior Scholars - Eighth grade students who scored 50 or higher on the
Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT).
Information:
Mr. Justin Nutter and staff members from Sandhills Intermediate School (SIS) discussed the school's focus areas of collegiality, culture, and curriculum. Specific areas discussed included: curriculum coaches in promoting collegiality and effective instructional strategies; PACE program in helping students experiencing behavior problems to focus their attention on academics and positive ways of dealing with problems; and SIS Parent University as the school's outreach initiative to assist parents in understanding the instructional strategies and content that students are experiencing.
Information prepared by Representative Ronnie Townsend, chairman of the South Carolina House Education Committee, on the Tuition Tax Credit/V oucher Legislation, was presented by Dr. Vail. The presentation points out that the bill deals with the tax code and does not provide for improvement of education. In addition to individual tax credits for parents who qualify, the bill provides for the creation of Scholarship
Granting Organization (SGO). Anyone, including corporations, would be allowed to take dollar-for-dollar tax credits for funds contributed to an SGO. This change in tax law would significantly reduce state funds used for law enforcement, health care, aid to counties and municipalities, education, environmental control, and other state services.
Book Study: Transforming Schools by Zumda, Kukles, and
Kline
The Board received information and discussed Chapter 6
Actions Taken:
A resolution to sale General Obligation Advanced Refunding
Bonds to be used to refinance bonds sold in 1999 was approved. The anticipated
savings resulting from the lower interest rates is projected at $1,000,000 over
the life of
A request from Christ 4 Kids to allow release time for religious education of
third graders was approved. This is to be a voluntary program in which parents could sign permission for their child to be released from school during related arts.March
2005
Recognitions:
Letters of recognition were prepared for:
.Girls 2A All State
Basketball - Kendra Brown
.
Girls 2A All Area Cross Country - Natalie Parkman.
151 Place South Carolina Special Olympics Handball Team - Swansea High School
Jonathan Goodwin-- Nicole Fleming-- Markus Johnson
Tony DeLoach-- Lillian Evans --UavldNee-- Brandon Henderson
Marcie Ballentine--Josh Miller== KIlstopliei"Heyliger
.South Carolina Special Olympics Individual Basketball Skills - Crystal Wall and Valencia Lynch
.Selection to 2005 Science Plus Institute at Roper Mountain - Cathy Bryant and Kari Furtick
Three Board members were recognized for their achievement in the South Carolina School Boards Association Boardsmanship Institute training.
Paula Ogburn - Level 3------------Sheila Parkman - Level 3-----------Chris Pound - Level 6
Information:
The Sandhills Middle School's Girls Chorus presented recent songs from their studies. Angie. Rye, principal, and Sara Ankrapp, assistant principal, discussed their use of the book Transforming Schools by Zumda, Kukles, and Kline. Specific examples of comments and discussions between teachers on the electronic "blackboard" were shared with the Board as an example of the professional growth among the school's staff.
Dr. Vail shared a comparison of teacher and administrator salaries between school districts in Lexington County. The need to establish and maintain competitive salaries is critical to retaining and recruiting quality teachers for Lexington School District Four.
Dr. Vail presented draft guidelines and procedures to be followed as employees work under the Teacher and Employee Retention Incentive (TERI) Program reach the end of the TERI period. Final procedures will be presented for approva at the next Board meeting.
Actions Taken:
The Board set out-of-district tuition for the 2005-2006 school year at $2,200.
The Board requested additional information and study on the request from the town of Swansea to annex Sandhills Elementary School and Sandhills Intermediate School.
Approval to budget for new band uniforms was given. Other uniforms scheduled for replacement will be presented to the Board at a future meeting for approval.
Teacher recommendations presented by the administration for 2005-2006 were approved. Teacher contracts will be offered Friday, April 15.
BOARD BRIEF APRIL 2005
Recognitions:
Letters of congratulation and appreciation were prepared for
the following:
.
Renaissance on Main -Rachel Whigham and Jennifer LarsonStephen Dawkins Rachel Joseph
Erin Minogue ReVivian Freeman
Ben Bullock Allison Atkins
.Wrestling Coach of the Year Class
2A - Chad Meredith
.
Class 2A Wrestler of the Year - Thomas Brown.
All-Area Wrestling Class 2A TeamJames Archer
Joe Willard Thayle Singleton Erick Cunningham
Jesse Huggins Lequawn James Issac. Walker Thomas Shealer
Robert Spencer Nathan Hatch A.J. Riley Jose Esparza
.All-Region Boys Basketball Class 2A
Team - Zack Walker
Information:
Dr. Robert Maddox presented information on initiatives and activities designed to enhance student learning and achievement.
JROTC presentation of colors and installation of officers for the 2005-2006 school year was performed.
The Swansea High Jazz Ensemble performed several jazz tunes to highlight the quality of the band program
Gib Lackey, athletic director, presented information on athletic programs at Swansea High and Sandhills Middle Schools. We are currently providing for 25 athletic teams with 277 students participating in one or more of the teams.
Chorus director Jay Johnson thanked Board members for their support and attendance at the April16 chorus fundraiser and performance.
Dr. Vail indicated that the tuition tax credit bill was being discussed by the House Ways and Means Committee. He indicated that this type oflegislation would have a negative impact on public schools and other state services. Quoting from THE STATE Newspaper, he emphasized that the legislation should be defeated.
Dr. Vail al1so reminded Board members about the documentary "Corridor of Shame" on the eight plaintiff districts involved in the equity/adequacy lawsuit against the state. ETV will air the documentary Sunday, May 22 and May 29.
Board members were invited to participate Friday, April 22, in professional development activities for teachers.
Book Study: Transforming Schools by Zumda, Kukles, and Kline
Chapter 7 - "Welcoming Accountability on the Road to Success" was discussed. The importance of core beliefs, collegial conversations, and shared visions were emphasized. A competent system is dependent upon all staff members working together with common beliefs on a shared vision for students.
Actions Taken:
The Board approved increasing the teacher salary schedule for 2005-2006 school year to approximate the Lexington School District One teacher salary schedule.
BOARD BRIEF MAY 2005
Recognitions:
Letters of congratulation were prepared for the 2005-2006 teachers of the year from each school:
Jeffrey Mezzatesta - Swansea High School Carol McGarry - Sandhills Middle
School Shannon Brissey - Sandhills Intermediate School Kathy Danko - Sandhills
Elementary School April Boone - Frances Mack Primary School Brenda Connelly -
Swansea Primary School
The district teacher of the year will be named at the end-of-year
breakfast.
Letters of congratulation were prepared for the following Swansea High School
students who were selected to participate in the All State Chorus:
Hoi-Kei "Fiana" Man Allison Atkins
Dana Bullock Olympic Pinckney David Hendrix
A letter of congratulation was prepared for Kirby Rowe on being selected to participate in the Summer Governor's School of the Arts.
Information:
Dr. Mary Collins provided information on emollment in the adult education program and the number completing their G.E.D. Adult education is also involved in training teacher assistants for the Para Pro test required by No Child Left Behind. The adult education program won several awards from the state association for adult education and will sponsor training for school food service staffs in the Midlands the first week of June.
Dr. Hawkins presented information to the board on the characteristics of a quality teacher and the long-term impact of a quality teacher. A review of professional development activities provided by the schools and district to enhance quality teaching was provided.
The documentary "Corridor of Shame" was shown to the board. The documentary highlighted the plight of poor rural school districts that have sued the state over inadequate funding. The board discussed the lack of funding and neglect from the state for rural districts with limited tax bases. Judge Thomas Cooper is expected to issue a ruling in the case this summer.
BOARD BRIEF JUNE 2005
Recognitions:
A letter of congratulation was prepared for Bill Vernau for being named the All-Area AA Track Coach of th Year for 2005.
A letter of congratulation was prepared for Natalie Parkman for being named All-Area AA Soccer Player of the Year for 2005.
A letter of congratulation was prepared for Diana Willard for a record of sixteen individual state titles in cross country and track.
Letters of congratulation were prepared for Terry Oldaker and Steven Spire for being named to the All-Area AA Baseball Team for 2005.
Letters of congratulation were prepared for the following students named to the All-Area AA Track Team for 2005:
Markco Bolton
Jake Suwala
Christina Schweitzer
Justin Gomori
Thomas Brown
Brittany Austin
Whittney Austin
Book Study:
The Board will be reading and discussing Generations at Work by Zemke,
Raines, and Filipczak through January, 2006. The fo us will be on the
implication this research has for our schools in shaping a culture of learning
through employee quality.
Actions Taken:
The Board approved the proposed general fund budget for 2005-2006 with budgeted
expenditures of $19,236,733 and projected revenues of$18,616,410. The estimated
$620,323 deficit in revenue, needed to balance the general fund budget, will be
funded from the fund balance accumulated in prior years.
The approved budget calls for no tax increase. The millage rate will be rolled back, as required during a reassessment year, and reflects no tax increase at the August or September Board Meeting.
The Board approved the administrations' recommendation of 41 teachers for the 2005-2006 school year.
A motion designating the Superintendent as the authorized agent for Title I grant funding was approved.
Dates and locations for Board of Trustees Meetings for the 2005-2006 school year were adopted.
Recognitions:
Letters of recognition were prepared for Chris Huggins and Lillian Wyckoff, students from Sandhills Middle School, on their participation at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The students presented data collected last year dunng their study orflignr-.
A letter of appreciation was prepared for Ashley Holmes, instructional coach at Sandhills Middle School, for continuing her training to incorporate NASA material into the math and science curriculum at Sandhills Middle School.
Letters of congratulations were prepared for Jordan Headden, Gene Moore, and Johnny Raulerson on the selection to the All-Area Class AA Golf Team for 2005.
Book Study:
Paula Ogburn and Dr. Linda Hawkins discussed Chapter 2 of Generations at Work, by Zemke, Raines, and Filipczak. The focus of the discussion was on characteristics and work habits of "The Veterans" and their impact on the workforce.
Information:
Dr. V ail reviewed the various forms and documents required for students returning and for new students enrolling in the district. Registration is scheduled for Thursday, July 28, 2005, at Sandhllls Elementary/Sandhills Intermediate Schools from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. for gradesK-8.
Actions Taken:
The Board scheduled a training work session for Saturday, August 27, 2005, to discuss progress on priority objectives and future directions for establishing and maintaining quality employees.
BOARD BRIEF AUGUST 2005
Recognition:
A letter of congratulation was prepared for Heather Janney on being awarded a competitive EIA teacher grant for $6,000. The grant will be used to implement "West African Culture Splash" as part of the music program at Sandhills Middle School. The activities will enable students to learn about the diversity of cultures through music and performing arts.
Book Study:
Chapter 3
- "Baby Boomers: Peter Pan Grays at the Temples", from Generations at Work by Zembe, Raines, and Filipczak, was reviewed by Paula Ogburn. Comparisons were made between the work ethics of the "veterans" and "baby boomers." The Board and administration have engaged in the book study to better understand how different generations within our work force interact and address the needs of the school system.Information:
Dr. Hawkins discussed the implementation of the Safe and Drug-Free Schools grant for the district. Grant funds are focused on character education and parent education through the Families and Schools Together (FAST) program.
Actions Taken:
Dr. Vail presented information on the assessed value of the district as it relates to the roll-back of millage in a reassessment year.
A motion was made that the district utilize assessed values set by the Lexington County Auditor's office for millage rollback required during a reassessment year to reflect no tax increase for general operation. The 175.465 mills will be set for operations and 38.692 for lease purchase which make the millage for general operation 214.157 mills. The auditor has set the debt service mills at 30.305 mills for a total millage of 244.462 mills, for a decrease of37.608 mills from last year's millage rate. The motion was approved.
Based on a positive evaluation of the superintendent's performance, the Board approved a motion to extend the superintendent's contract through June 30, 2008 and to provide a salary increase equal to the increase in the teacher salary schedule, 4.48%, and to continue an annuity contribution at the same rate as last year.
The Board amended the salary schedules for LPN and RN nurses to equal the schedules established by Lexington One. During the budget process, the Board committed to raise salary schedules to match the neighboring district to better recruit and retain quality employees.
BOARD
BRIEF
Recognition:
A letter of congratulation was prepared for Robin Salonich on receiving an Innovative Program Award from The South Carolina Association for Educational Technology. The program “Aisle of Palms” provides students and teachers with experience on the use of Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). Zire 72 handheld computers from Palm One are used in the classes to organize data, take notes, and communicate.
Book
Study:
Chapter 4 from Generations at Work by Zembe, Raines, and Filipczak discussed the characteristics of “Genxers”. Born between 1960 and 1980, Genxers are now becoming a larger percentage of the work force as “Boomers” retire. Genxers tend to view work as “just a job” where as Boomers viewed work as a means to “self-fulfillment”.
Information:
BOARD BRIEF
MARCH /APRIL 2006
Recognitions:
Letters of recognition were prepared for the following:
* State Teacher-of-the-Year Finalist Kathy Danko
* 2006 Outstanding Administrator Debbie Gunter of Special Education Award
* Science P.L.U.S. Institute Participant Lisa Roland
* Master Teacher for the National Lori Givens, Ashley Holmes, and Becky Zeigler
Teacher Training Institute
* Second Place Fed Challenge Team Stephen Jeffcoat, Christopher Goodwin, Marie
Smith, Bonnie Davis, Whitney Gunter, Dustin Bryson, and Joel Rimer
* 2006-2007 Teachers of the Year
Swansea High School Bill Covington
Sandhills Middle School Marika G. Bartlett
Sandhills Intermediate School Julie C. Thornberry
Sandhills Elementary School Cathy Bryant
Frances Mack Primary School Shirley Barr Green
Swansea Primary School Donna R. Brown
* Manufacturing Art Design Finalist Kassie Judy
* Class 2A All-Area Girls Basketball Kendra Brown Player of the Year
* Class 2A All-Area Girls Donisha Albert Basketball Team
* Class 2A All-Area Boys Zack Walker Basketball Team
* NetDay Speak Up 100 Sandhills Intermediate School Sandhills Middle School
BOARD BRIEF
MARCH/APRIL 2006
Page 2
Information:
Frances Mack Primary and Swansea Primary schools discussed their use of
instructional coaches, parent involvement activities, and instructional
strategies used to encourage student interest and achievement across the
curriculum.
The board received information on the South Carolina Student Health and Fitness
Act of 2005 and a draft copy of the Wellness Policy for the district. The
policy is being developed by the district's Coordinated School Health Advisory
Council (CSHAC).
Actions Taken:
The board selected A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby Payne for their
next book study to begin in August 2006.
Out-of-District tuition for 2006-2007 was set at $2,400.
First reading of Board Policy JFABD * ADMISSION OF HOMELESS STUDENTS was
accepted. Second reading and approval are scheduled for the May 15, 2006
board meeting.
May, 2006 , Board Brief:
Recognitions of congratulations were prepared for the following: SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES: Track and Field: Bronze Medal 100m Dash- Kristopher Heyliger; Gold Medal Running Long Jump- Kristopher Heyliger; Traditional Singles Bowling- Donny Davidson and David Gates.
Traditional Singles
Bowling: Silver Medal-Markus Johnson; Traditional
Singles: Silver Medal: Bronze Medal-Tony
DeLoach, Nicole Flemming, Marice Ballentine, Tori Phillips; Unified
Doubles Bowling Bronze Medal- Brandon Dawkins; Ford/AAA
Student
THE STATE Newspaper All- Area Class 2A Wrestler of the Year-Joey Willard; THE STATE Newspaper All- Area Wrestling Class 2A Team- Thayla Singleton, Jesse Huggins, Zack Howell, Devin Spires, Jason Gunwall, Mitchell Cash; 2006 Spaceard Bound Program-Cherlyn Anderson; Partners 2006 Summer Health Career Awareness Program Lexington Medical Center-Justin Wise, Tiffany Fisher, Jennifer Keffer; NASA Student Symposium Program Goddard Space Flight Center- Alison Grubbs, Lee Sanford.
Information: Katie Plummer,
Karen Mack, RN, presented key components from the 1987 Comprehensive Education Act that impacts instruction as it relates to reproductive health.
Robin Salonich, technology coach, provided a sample of video clips and discussed how teachers are incorporating this technology into their instruction.
Jay Linder, from the computer services department, discussed the importance of internet filter and how the district operates and manages internet filtering.
Dr. Vail
announced that the district was planning for the use of Title V funds and will
receive input from the public through
Actions Taken: The board held second reading and gave approval to Board Policy JFABD –ADMISSION OF HOMELESS STUDENTS.
Board Policies
ADF-SCHOOL WELLNESS and ADC-TOBACCO
FREE SCHOOLS, were approved for first reading. Second reading and approval of
the policies are scheduled for the next regular meeting,
SWANSEA HIGH ATHLETIC AWARD BANQUET was Tuesday night, May
16, 2006, in the SHS Commons area with the following awards being given: SOFT
BALL: All
Region: Dawn Whittle, Kristi Gregory, and Maddie Sharpe; MVP::
Dawn Whittle; Offensive Player of the Year- Kristi
Gregory; Defensive Player of the Year-:
Marisa Oldaker. TRACK: Region
Field MVP- Brooke Williams (for program); Region Coach of Year- Bill Vernau (for program); Girls
Region IV AA Track & Field Championships(for program)
Girls Awards: CO-MVP: Brittany Austin, Whittney Austin; Coaches Award: Christina Schweitzer; Most Improved- Ashley Learn; Boys Awards: Coaches Award- Justin Gomori; Most Improved- Cornelius Livingston. BOYS SOCCER: Varsity: Best Defensive Player-Chris Goodwin; Best Offensive Player-Stephen Jeffcoat;Best all around- Jose Esparaza; Most Improved- Alex Kingsley. JV: Best Defensive Player-Kwan James; Best Offensive Player- Jacob Hull; Best All around- Corey Koon; Most Improved-Paule Ogburne. GIRLS SOCCER: MVP- Shannon Slyman; Most Improved- Brooke McGuire; “BAGUBA AWARD(Brutally Aggressive Girl Uninhibited by Adversity)Natalie Parkman; All-Region: Jill Davis, Jessica Hill, Nikki Brantley, Shannon Slyman.
BASEBALL: All
Region-Bradley Colwell, Kenny Meadows, Charles Ball; Awards:
Best Offensive Player- Bradley Colwell; Best
Defensive Player-Kenny Meadows; Leadership
Award- Erik Porter; Sandlapper
Tournament: All Tournament Academic Team Thayle Singleton; All
Tournament Team Bradley Colwell. GOLF:
All Region- Hollis Moore,
Johnny Raulerson,
Coach Brian Evan reported that the banquet was a great success.
JUNE 2006
Recognitions:
Letters of congratulations were prepared for the following:
America’s Top Ten Cheerleader Title - Nikki Holbert
All-Area Track Class 2A Boy’s 800 Meter - Markco Bolton
All-Area Track Class 2A Boy’s 3200 Meter Relay - Markco Bolton
Jake
Suwala
Justin
Gomori
Cornelius Livingston
Girl’s Athlete of the Year - Natalie Parkman
Girl’s 1600 Meter – Cassandra Noll
Girl’s 3200 Meter Relay - Natalie Parkman
Christina Schweitzer
Brittany Austin
Whittney Austin
Contributors to the NSTA Publication Linking Science and Literacy
Lori Givens, Mary Beth Thomas, Jennifer
Lawrence, Jennifer Cook
Presenters at SREB’s Making Middle Grades Work on “Increasing Students
Enrolled in Algebra”
Katie Plummer, Holly Miller,
Melissa Hooker
Information:
No millage increase is anticipated at this time. However, in August, the
Board will assess the impact of the state sales tax swap program and the most
recent information on growth in assessed value of the district to determine the
appropriate millage rate.
Actions Taken:
The board approved board policies ADF-SCHOOL WELLNESS AND ADC-TOBACCO FREE
SCHOOLS. The school wellness policy calls for additional physical activity
for students in K-5 and limits the sale of foods with minimal nutritional value
in the schools. The TOBACCO FREE SCHOOL policy provides for a 100%
tobacco-free, smoke-free environment for all students, staff, and visitors
within all district facilities, vehicles, school/district grounds, and at all
district-sponsored events.
The 2006-2007 General Fund Budget, with expenditures estimated at $20,556,225,
projected revenues of $19,740,116, and with a transfer of $816,109 from the fund
balance accumulated in prior years, was approved.