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By David Stephens
HOMETOWN NEWS
The School District Two School Board of Trustees met in regular session on April 14 with Vice Chair Joyce Wright presiding with nine trustees and Superintendent Dr. Scott Mercer in attendance. Prior to the meeting entertainment was provided by members of the Boiling Springs High School chorus under the direction of Dennis Stepp.
Minutes from the March meeting were approved. Recognitions were then given to writing award winners, Palmetto Silver and Gold Award winning schools, and Cooley Springs-Fingerville Elementary School for their Title I Distinguished School award.
Dr. Quincie Moore, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, then discussed curriculum update sessions that 200 teachers had participated in, resulting in updates to specific subject matter lesson plans. Moore then stated that Hendrix Elementary had conducted a meeting to gauge parent interest in single - gender classes. Owing to the positive response some single - gender classes will be starting at that school next school year.
Dr. Moore also said that 10 district two students had been selected for the next session of the Scholar’s Academy at USC Upstate and that School District Four was now participating, meaning all seven districts are sending students to the academy.
Moore next announced that a technological grant had been awarded in collaboration with three other school districts that would be used to establish a technological training academy. Dr. Moore then asked for and received approval to pursue two other grants that are of a recurring nature.
Director of Student Services, John King, then introduced Mr. Gilmore from the architectural firm overseeing construction at Chesnee and Boiling Springs High Schools. Gilmore provided photos and descriptions of progress at both schools and stated that the rain had been a problem, but things were still advancing. Gilmore then provided schematic drawings of the new Rainbow Lake Middle School to be ready for school term 2010. Dr. Scott Mercer said that the new school would provide some space relief to the elementary schools Oakland, Carlisle-Foster’s Grove, and Cooley Springs-Fingerville that would be the “feeder” schools for Rainbow Lake.
King then received approval for four school trips and approval for student releases to other districts.
Next, Director of Personnel, Dr. Kristi Woodall, received approval for various hirings and appointments as well as one not recommended for return.
Assistant Superintendent for Finance, Don Denton then provided the trustees with a financial statement for the month of March 2009. Denton discussed a project to expand the Swofford Career Center and what District Two’s financial obligations would be in that endeavor. Lastly, Denton provided a spreadsheet showing funding lost due to budget cuts totaling $3, 376,000.00.
Director of Public Information Rhonda Henderson then informed trustees of dates for various upcoming meetings and announced that graduations would be on June 3, 2009. Chesnee High School will be at 6 p.m. and Boiling Springs High School at 8:00 p.m. Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium will be used should rain prevent outdoor ceremonies at the schools.
Henderson also provided information pertaining to the naming of school facilities after individuals. This was in response to a request made by a citizen’s group at the March 2009 meeting. In a vote of four against and five abstaining the naming of a facility in honor of an individual was denied.
In a legislative update Trustee Jack Mabry said that the governor had signed the school budget flexibility bill. He further said that legislators were still debating over whether or not to make up the days lost to snow and that they were working on two state budgets, one with stimulus money and one without it.
In the Superintendent’s report Dr. Mercer stated that along with the budget flexibility bill came a requirement for school districts to place a “check register” showing expenditures of over $100.00 on their websites. Dr. Mercer said that the district is currently studying how best to fulfill that requirement.
In conclusion, Dr. Mercer told trustees of a program ran by the Workforce Investment Board through which students could be hired for summer jobs and paid by the Investment Board. He encouraged business owners to participate and said that the school district would also be “looking at how best to participate” as well.
With no further business the board adjourned and will meet next at 7:00 p.m. on May 12, 2009, at the district administrative offices.
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