[0:05] Apologize, I had the wrong time.
[0:08] Mr. Ramsey is still en route, so Ms.
[0:10] Davenport is going to chair the committee.
[0:14] You can leave this one now.
[0:14] So we'll be moving on to the Finance and Human Resources Committee meeting.
[0:19] Ms. Davenport, you're recognized.
[0:21] Thank you, Madam Chair. I am calling the Committee on Finance and Human Resources
[0:25] to order. I declare there is a quorum of committee members present, and note that
[0:29] the media has been given proper notice pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act.
[0:33] Is there a motion to approve the agenda?
[0:35] So moved.
[0:36] Second. There's a motion and a second. Any discussion?
[0:39] All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[0:42] Aye.
[0:43] Aye.
[0:44] Opposed, nay. The ayes have it, three to zero.
[0:47] The only agenda item this evening is the fiscal year '26,
[0:50] '27 general fund budget, second reading. Ms.
[0:54] Abrahamson, you are recognized.
[1:07] Thank you, Ms. Davenport, Board Chair Wofford,
[1:11] Superintendent Dixon, board members, cabinet members, and members of the
[1:15] public.
[1:16] Tonight, we're presenting the second and final reading of the general fund
[1:20] operating budget.
[1:23] Again, it's kind of a-
[1:25] A repeat
[1:26] ... rinse repeat of the first presentation.
[1:30] Again, a step increase for all eligible employees.
[1:34] All eligible employees will also receive a 2% COLA
[1:37] increase. This will put our first-year teacher salary at
[1:41] $57,905. We will maintain a
[1:45] 31-year salary schedule
[1:48] for years of experience. Due to budget constraints this year, we weren't able to
[1:52] add any years, but we'll look to getting that to 35 as soon as
[1:55] possible. We are decreasing debt service from
[1:59] 55 to 50 mills, and we're going to move that 5 mill
[2:03] decrease to our school operating millage and increase from
[2:07] 141.9 to 146.9. This
[2:11] maintains our current millage rate of 196.9.
[2:15] We are adding 11 SPED positions for a cost of $1.5
[2:19] million, and we are going to transfer $1.9 million from our legal
[2:23] settlement fund over to our school operating budget to shore up any
[2:27] budget variances. And we have no designated use of fund
[2:31] balance.
[2:33] This is an overview of our
[2:36] revenue and expense projections from FY25, '26 to
[2:40] FY26, '27.
[2:42] All in, our projected revenues for this year are
[2:44] $486,007,922,
[2:49] and we are on target to bring in that revenue.
[2:52] Our revenue projections for
[2:56] FY26, '27 are
[2:58] $517,931,159,
[3:02] divided out into our expenses. Our salaries and benefits
[3:06] total
[3:07] $444,810,038,
[3:12] which is about nearly 86% of our budget.
[3:16] Our purchase services, supplies, and equipment budget for schools and
[3:19] departments is $73,121,121,
[3:24] which is 14% of
[3:28] that $517 million.
[3:31] Marcy, can I-
[3:32] Oh, sorry
[3:33] ... can I hold you right there?
[3:34] Sure.
[3:35] We did these slides. I know there are at least a couple of questions.
[3:39] So instead of going back through slides we just went
[3:43] through, do we want to go questions?
[3:47] Sure. So I have one question. We're increasing salaries
[3:50] $24,500,000 plus.
[3:53] Mm-hmm.
[3:53] How much of special revenue pays for salaries on top of that?
[3:57] I will have to get that exact information-
[3:59] Can you get that?
[3:59] ... and bring it back to you, but yes, ma'am, I'll-
[4:00] It'd be interesting. Yeah.
[4:01] Yeah.
[4:01] I wanna know how much total we're spending on salaries this year.
[4:04] But I will tell you, a good bit of our federal
[4:07] monies, our special revenue monies, goes to salaries as benefits as well.
[4:10] If you could give us some context on that, that would help.
[4:13] Yes, ma'am.
[4:14] Thank you, Sally.
[4:18] I wanna say $20 million, but I'm up here guessing, which we shouldn't probably
[4:22] be doing.
[4:24] I was
[4:25] looking at Dr. Ling. Would you be able to pull that together for us, Dr. Ling?
[4:29] Yes.
[4:29] Okay, thank you.
[4:33] Again, this is our five-year revenue growth, just to show how
[4:37] much we've grown in Berkeley County over the last five years.
[4:40] In '22, '23, our budget was
[4:42] $385,472,856
[4:47] million. And we are now at
[4:49] $517,931,159, very close
[4:53] to getting to 520.
[4:56] So that means not only are we increasing salaries, but when we
[5:00] increase salaries, we are also increasing
[5:03] additional workforce.
[5:06] So therefore, when we started at-- Can you go back?
[5:09] Yes, ma'am.
[5:10] When you started at 385 mills,
[5:14] then you're now at the 517. You've added to the workforce, so therefore, you've
[5:18] added salary addition,
[5:21] plus what else?
[5:24] Well-
[5:24] What else has grown since we started other than the
[5:27] workforce?
[5:28] With inflation and, pretty much everything.
[5:30] Inflation, the cost of everything is going up, our SROs,
[5:34] our software costs.
[5:37] It's really packaged-
[5:39] The operation of the entire district.
[5:41] Yes, ma'am. And we opened two new schools this year, and we're reopening-
[5:45] That's not included in this
[5:46] ... Hannaway Middle.
[5:46] Is that included in your '26, '27?
[5:48] The head count's included.
[5:51] Yes.
[5:51] So the new hires.
[5:52] Yes. Not the building, but the head count.
[5:55] Yes.
[5:55] The workforce.
[5:56] Mm-hmm. Yes, ma'am.
[6:01] Okay. Just another
[6:05] refresh of how we got where we are right now without
[6:08] increasing millage is we decreased debt service by
[6:12] five mills and added that to our school operating millage.
[6:16] That'll decrease our debt service by 11.6 million
[6:20] and it'll increase school operating by a much needed 7.3
[6:23] million. And this realignment allows us to move funds into the
[6:27] correct bucket so that we can
[6:30] pay our expenditures out of the proper bucket of money and
[6:34] not put a burden on our local
[6:37] taxpayers.
[6:39] Again, just because we're
[6:42] firm on that 50 mills, I provided
[6:45] a piece of our capital budget presentation that
[6:49] David Sheetwood did for us back in June to show that
[6:54] decreasing to 50 mills, and with our penny
[6:58] sales tax, we're confident that we'll have the money to keep our capital project
[7:02] momentum going.
[7:04] That's right.
[7:06] This is a snapshot of our operating millage.
[7:08] You can see back in 2017, 2018, we were at 163.8
[7:12] mills.
[7:14] 2019, '20 was a reassessment year, and
[7:18] we dropped to 151.8, and we maintained that millage for
[7:22] five years. Then our reassessment year in '24, '25, we
[7:26] dropped to 141.9. We maintained that millage rate
[7:30] last year. And this year, we're increasing our operating
[7:33] millage by the five mills we decreased from our debt service
[7:37] millage, which will be a slight savings for our
[7:41] 4% homeowners, but really a null
[7:45] impact on all other taxpayers.
[7:48] So I did want to comment, I didn't comment the last time you brought this up,
[7:52] but the drop from 151 to 149, that was a
[7:56] reassessment year?
[7:57] Yes, ma'am.
[7:58] So what happens in a reassessment year is the tax
[8:02] assessor's office goes out, and they estimate the value of
[8:05] everyone's home. If your home value went up, then
[8:09] they base your taxes on the new home value,
[8:13] and it's required by law that we reassess the
[8:17] millage at that point. So that
[8:20] was a required millage drop for a reassessment year.
[8:23] Yes, ma'am.
[8:28] And just because we're doing that
[8:30] millage reallocation, I wanted to share our debt service millage history.
[8:35] Again, we were at 73 mills in '17, '18.
[8:39] In '23, '24, after the penny sales tax
[8:42] passed, this board
[8:45] kept their promise and decreased debt service millage
[8:49] to 55 mills, since we had the additional revenues coming in
[8:53] from the penny, and we have maintained that millage for three years.
[8:57] And this year we will drop it to 50. And we are confident that
[9:01] we'll still be able to make our capital project budgets
[9:05] at that 50 mills.
[9:07] This is a snapshot of our teacher salary schedule, again, with a
[9:11] 2% increase added, and it just shows you the comparison between last year's,
[9:16] if you were at the same step in
[9:20] salary, what the difference is. But most
[9:24] teachers will be able, as long as they've provided their number of work days, which
[9:28] I think the majority of them have, they can see what their new
[9:31] salary is if they look at their new years of experience, add their year of
[9:35] experience, and they'll see their new salary.
[9:37] And that yellow part includes the 2% increase.
[9:42] But they'll have to look at the next year of experience to factor in the step
[9:45] increase.
[9:48] Our next steps are to get this approved this evening and
[9:52] close FY25-26
[9:56] on Wednesday morning and bring in the new budgets
[10:00] that afternoon.
[10:04] Questions?
[10:05] Thank you.
[10:08] What is the pleasure of the committee?
[10:11] Madam Chair, I move to approve the '26-27 general fund budget
[10:15] as presented by administration.
[10:18] Second?
[10:19] Second.
[10:19] Oh, give it to Mr. Ramsey. We have a motion by Ms.
[10:22] Wofford, second by Mr. Ramsey. Is there any further discussion?
[10:27] Hearing none, all in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[10:30] Aye.
[10:31] Aye.
[10:31] Opposed, nay. The ayes have it, three to zero.
[10:34] At this time, I will entertain a motion to adjourn this committee meeting.
[10:38] So moved, Madam Chair.
[10:41] I'll second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
[10:44] All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[10:46] Aye.
[10:47] Aye.
[10:48] Opposed, nay. The ayes have it, three to zero. We are adjourned.
[10:53] Good
[10:58] evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to this Berkeley County Board of Education
[11:02] meeting this Monday, June 29, 2026.
[11:05] I call this meeting to order. I declare a quorum is present, and the media has
[11:09] been notified.
[11:11] I'll note.
[11:13] For the record, Mr. Ramsey and Ms. Littleton are on the phone.
[11:17] I'll now entertain a motion to approve the agenda.
[11:21] So moved.
[11:21] Second.
[11:23] There's a motion by Ms. Coates, a second by Ms.
[11:25] Davenport to approve the agenda. Is there any discussion?
[11:30] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[11:34] Aye.
[11:35] Aye.
[11:35] Aye.
[11:35] Aye.
[11:35] Aye.
[11:36] Opposed, nay.
[11:39] The ayes have it.
[11:40] We'll now entertain a motion to approve the minutes from the June 15th,
[11:44] 2026 meeting.
[11:46] So moved.
[11:48] Second.
[11:48] There's a motion by Ms. Coates, a second by Mr. Borden.
[11:51] Is there any discussion
[11:53] or suggested edits to the minutes from June 15,
[11:56] 2026? Hearing none, we'll call the question.
[11:59] All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[12:01] Aye.
[12:02] Aye.
[12:03] Aye.
[12:04] Aye.
[12:04] Opposed, nay.
[12:06] The ayes have it.
[12:08] I'll now entertain a motion to enter into executive session.
[12:11] So moved.
[12:12] Second.
[12:13] There's a motion by Ms. Davenport, a second by Mr. Borden.
[12:17] The stated purpose of executive session,
[12:21] 17 student attendance appeals, two
[12:24] out-of-district appeals, discussion of employment contracts
[12:28] and/or appointments of administrators as needed.
[12:31] Is there any further discussion?
[12:34] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[12:38] Aye.
[12:39] Aye.
[12:39] Aye.
[12:40] Opposed, nay. The ayes have it. We are now in executive
[12:44] session.
[12:51] Being a part of something great and being able to express yourself creatively.
[12:54] Graduating from Berkeley County School District is a great pleasure.
[12:58] I've been here my entire life, ever since kindergarten.
[13:01] And all these people I've known forever, and now I get to graduate with them.
[13:05] 12 years of my life, working hard to a goal that I've
[13:09] been pursuing for a long time is coming to an end, and I'm starting
[13:13] a new journey in my life.
[13:14] Graduating from Berkeley County feels like I'm graduating from some place
[13:18] that actually feels like my home.
[13:20] All the teachers, all the schools that I've been to, all my friends, they've been
[13:24] so supportive, and they've helped me grow so much.
[13:26] I'm just so glad all my hard work and dedication can come together in this place,
[13:30] and everything I know and love, all in one place.
[13:34] I'm only ever going to get to graduate once.
[13:36] At Berkeley County, there's my family and there's my friends,
[13:40] and today is more than just saying goodbye.
[13:43] I'm getting to celebrate the four years I've had with these people, the friends
[13:46] I've made.
[13:47] From kindergarten to 12th grade, I've grown up with the same people, the same
[13:50] community, and it's awesome to see how close we've come and how close our
[13:54] family is, and now we finally get to walk the stage together.
[13:57] So I'm so grateful for the opportunities Berkeley County School District has given
[14:00] me.
[14:01] I have verified with your faculty and administration that you have met the
[14:04] requirements for a high school diploma.
[14:07] Therefore, by the authority vested in me by the State of South
[14:10] Carolina and the Berkeley County School Board, I do hereby
[14:14] certify these diplomas and pronounce you graduates.
[14:18] Thank you, BCSD.
[14:19] Thank you, BCSD.
[14:21] Thank you, BCSD.
[14:31] Today, we're celebrating the ribbon cutting of Midtown Middle School, right
[14:35] in the heart of the Nexton community.
[14:37] Everything here is beautiful and perfectly cared for.
[14:40] Three, two, one.
[14:49] And we couldn't ask for a nicer school right here in the heart of Nexton.
[14:52] It's a wonderful community, and the kids are just ready to get
[14:56] in and ready to learn and be involved.
[14:59] Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
[15:03] I'm pumped. I really want to find out the layout of the place,
[15:07] because it looks very unique, and the colors, they pop out
[15:11] really nicely throughout the school.
[15:12] Being here today and walking through the halls, it shows us that we are
[15:16] committed to making a positive difference, that we're going to use those pennies
[15:19] responsibly.
[15:21] And we're excited because we have one more school to cut a ribbon on this week.
[15:24] So it's just thank you, Berkeley County, for trusting us.
[15:27] We are, in fact, putting that penny to work.
[15:29] It is just another exciting opportunity for us
[15:33] to open a new facility. This is number two of three
[15:37] for us, and one, I feel like, is unprecedented.
[15:41] And I haven't seen a library with this many colors, and it's
[15:44] humongous.
[15:46] From what my perspective is, the library looks really cool, and I want to read some
[15:50] more books. It really does have a really good layout, and I
[15:53] love how it sparks out a little to
[15:56] everything in the school.
[15:59] I'm excited because this is a promise kept to our taxpayers.
[16:03] When we put the penny tax on the ballot and our
[16:06] taxpayers voted for it, we promised that we were going to
[16:10] open
[16:11] Midtown Middle and upcoming Bee Tree Elementary.
[16:14] I want people to walk in and like, "This is Midtown. We are so proud to be here.
[16:18] These are our colors. This is our mascot, and we're going to know that this is
[16:20] here."
[16:21] I loved seeing the new staff here. I'm so excited to welcome Principal May.
[16:25] The band room, the dance room, to see all of the excitement in the kids'
[16:29] eyes.
[16:30] Everything we do should be about our students and making it the best place ever.
[16:33] So if I had something to say, that's our mission here at Midtown.
[16:37] Everything is for our students and making them the best that they can be.
[16:39] So go Astros.
[16:49] I want to thank everybody for coming today to the luncheon.
[16:52] Our SROs, they go above and beyond just being a police officer.
[16:56] This is something that the district likes to do and put on for all of you all for
[17:00] all the hard work you all have done throughout the year.
[17:02] To be an SRO is honestly making a
[17:05] difference.
[17:06] I thank the sheriff every day I put that uniform on.
[17:09] You get to show the younger generation that we're here to
[17:13] help them.
[17:14] I had pride in that school because I considered that my school.
[17:17] These are my kids.
[17:18] Several years ago, the district started recognizing
[17:22] a Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, as the SRO of the Year.
[17:26] This year, it's my honor to recognize Officer Brian Middleton
[17:30] from the Hanahan Police Department. Do you want to come up, Brian?
[17:34] Officer Middleton is always a smiling face.
[17:37] We just have loved having him at school this year. The kids love him.
[17:40] We see him in the halls. He does traffic.
[17:43] He does anything and everything that anyone could ever ask him to do, and he does
[17:46] it all with a smile on his face.
[17:48] For those who know me, thank you for laughing at my corny jokes.
[17:51] To honor an SRO of the Year, that's a lot of pride.
[17:55] We have five different agencies within the Berkeley County School District.
[17:58] To be the SRO of the Year for the Berkeley County School District, it is a big
[18:01] deal.
[18:02] I feel like everybody here
[18:04] is amazing and well-deserving. So
[18:08] to get recognized
[18:10] It's... I'm still speechless.
[18:13] Look around, look to your left, to your right.
[18:15] Everybody's an integral part of the Berkeley County School District and each
[18:18] agency.
[18:19] It's one of those things that you think about and you plan for,
[18:23] but it comes so quick.
[18:25] Soon-to-be retired Corporal Randy Goodman, come up.
[18:28] When I first started, I was real hesitant about being an SRO because I really
[18:32] didn't know what the job was about.
[18:34] But once I got in there, that was my thing.
[18:37] 14 years in the school system as an SRO. What a statement.
[18:41] To be a Fox, that's the most proudest thing, is being part of that family out
[18:45] there.
[18:45] That just shows you where his heart is.
[18:47] With the kids, I know the kids will miss him, the parents, the community.
[18:50] To certify that Corporal Randy Goodman have served faithfully, honorably, and was
[18:54] retired from the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office on the 3rd day of August in 2026.
[18:58] You just can't believe
[19:00] how fast time flies. I'll never have another job like this.
[19:04] Wherever I go, I don't think I'll ever have
[19:08] a community that backed me like they did. Kids, parents.
[19:13] I'm just so lucky to have had that.
[19:16] We thank you for your unwavering commitment, leadership, and positive impact on the
[19:20] students, staff, and families. Your dedication to safety, mentorship, and service
[19:23] has left a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten.
[19:40] Well, I'm one of the custodians at the school. I love Stratford.
[19:44] I bleed red and black because I graduated from Stratford, and
[19:49] Stratford's been very good to me. I enjoy what I do.
[19:52] He's a special guy, and he loves this place, and so we wanted to show just a little
[19:55] token of appreciation for all that he does for the school, for students, for
[19:59] staff, for athletics. It's
[20:02] real special.
[20:03] You'll usually see him driving around the Gator, picking stuff up outside the
[20:07] cafeteria. He's a funny guy. Cracks jokes all the time.
[20:11] He's a good guy.
[20:13] He's here
[20:15] 24/7. He's constantly around school,
[20:19] football games, after school, before school, during school.
[20:23] James does a lot for the school, does a lot for everybody in the school.
[20:26] So I know he always takes care of his Gator, does a lot of stuff for those Gators.
[20:29] He probably puts 100,000 miles a year on the Gator.
[20:32] I see him every day on that Gator. Everywhere.
[20:35] Everywhere he goes, any time, he's always pulling up on that Gator.
[20:39] Even after school, he's in that Gator.
[20:40] The Gator was allegedly purchased around the
[20:44] '90s.
[20:45] All the tires were bald. It was leaning to the right side. It'd barely brake.
[20:49] I realized that we had neglected that Gator for some time,
[20:53] and I gave Mr. Dupree a call. It might've been 8 or 9
[20:57] o'clock at night, and I said, "Now James is out on leave next week.
[21:00] You think we can pull a miracle off?" And he said, "I don't know, but we're going
[21:04] to try."
[21:05] So whenever Mr. Packett came to me and said, "Hey, let's do something for James
[21:08] with this Gator," I was all about it. Makes sense for it to be Stratford colors.
[21:12] Makes sense to do it for James.
[21:13] And we just wanted to do something nice for James because of how much he does for
[21:17] the school.
[21:18] Making it a James Mobile just for him.
[21:20] Making it his own personalized vehicle.
[21:23] We've done the bed liner. We painted the rims.
[21:27] They replaced some of the plastics.
[21:30] Just making it look better, painting it red and black, Stratford's colors.
[21:34] And they're going to change the name to James Deere instead of John Deere.
[21:37] James has done a lot for Stratford, done a lot for us,
[21:41] so it's just a little surprise for him.
[21:53] Hey, James.
[21:56] We know you love Stratford High School, and we know you love Stratford
[21:59] Athletics. And you have been a steadfast for Stratford High
[22:03] School for a very long time. And so me and some special members
[22:07] wanted to do something special for you for all the things that you do for Stratford
[22:10] High School. And so, as a token of appreciation, we did a few
[22:15] upgrades for you within the Auto Tech class.
[22:17] So if you gentlemen would, let's please spread it open.
[22:26] I don't know
[22:28] if you-
[22:31] Oh my God.
[22:32] I don't know if you recognize your Gator.
[22:34] We got
[22:35] a new Gator.
[22:35] But we've got new tires. We got a new paint job.
[22:40] We've got a brand-new logo. And look, we got some custom badging
[22:44] for you.
[22:44] Oh my God.
[22:45] So now you can be riding in style.
[22:48] Yeah, James. Yeah!
[22:55] Thanks.
[22:59] If you know James, James is never speechless.
[23:01] I'm almost out of words. It is the most amazing that they
[23:05] went out of their way to do this for me.
[23:07] For him to be speechless, it means it's truly special.
[23:10] What Stratford means to me is it's a home for me. It's like family.
[23:15] All the coaching staff, principals, assistant principals, they're all like family
[23:18] to me. This is something that I really, really appreciated that they did for me.
[23:23] Just having all hands on deck, and it goes back to the culture that we're
[23:27] continuing to build here. When they say, "Once a Knight, always a Knight," couldn't
[23:30] be truer than with James.
[23:48] We are going to create and design your dream bedroom. Ellie Mae, what do you think?
[23:52] A pool.
[23:54] A pool in our bedroom?
[23:55] Yeah.
[23:55] Ellie Mae is a sweet little girl. She's very caring.
[23:59] Draw your picture,
[24:01] then you're going to write about it.
[24:03] She likes to interact with other kids
[24:07] and is just a really caring little girl.
[24:14] Each year we do the Kids Heart Challenge, and so I guess that's
[24:17] kind of where this began.
[24:19] She told me what it was all about, and I'm like,
[24:23] "Okay,
[24:24] let's do it."
[24:25] I am a huge advocate for
[24:29] health and making sure that kids understand we get one body.
[24:33] Heart health is super important.
[24:35] We always say, "Hey, if you know somebody who is impacted,
[24:39] then raise your hand." And they raise their hand, and
[24:44] Ellie Mae was one that had raised her hand.
[24:46] She came up and was saying that her mom has a heart
[24:50] issue.
[24:51] My mom is a heart hero.
[24:56] She has a
[24:58] thing in her heart. Well, it's a big heart, technically.
[25:01] She really wanted to do something for kids that also have
[25:05] heart issues.
[25:06] I got enough people to give us the money,
[25:10] just
[25:13] for all those people that have heart disease, because I want them to feel better.
[25:17] I don't want them to have heart disease. Good morning, Boykins.
[25:21] We had gotten her on the news show here at Fox Bank.
[25:25] How can others do the Kids Heart Challenge?
[25:28] By signing up and learning hands-only
[25:31] CPR.
[25:32] And she was able to share with the entire school, and then encourage others
[25:36] to sign up.
[25:37] It's really important because your heart's right here.
[25:39] This is what keeps you running all the time.
[25:43] So we got to look after it and give it what
[25:47] it wants so we can stay healthy.
[25:49] We have 1,300 kids, and so it's really exciting when one of them
[25:53] finds a passion she can show
[25:57] the other students in the class and be able to be an advocate
[26:01] for heart health.
[26:03] I won Kids Heart Challenge for next year.
[26:07] Getting to be the heart ambassador for two years.
[26:10] It's very exciting that she has this opportunity again.
[26:12] Do you like helping people?
[26:14] Yes.
[26:14] What is it about helping people that you enjoy?
[26:16] Just the-
[26:18] Why do you do it, Ellie?
[26:19] Just the smile on their face.
[26:21] I'm very proud. I'm so happy that
[26:24] she has a heart to care for others.
[26:28] It makes my heart happy that she wants
[26:32] to do that.
[26:33] And my mom knows that I'm doing this for other people, and
[26:37] really
[26:39] love my mom.
[26:52] Hi, my name is Madison Rice.
[26:54] Hi, my name is Lyra Cureton.
[26:55] Keller Walford.
[26:56] Jordan Sigmon.
[26:57] Eli Bullington.
[26:58] Isabella Montoya Castaneda.
[26:59] Anna Alomar.
[27:00] My name is Albert Lin, and I'm a senior at Cane Bay High School.
[27:03] I'm a senior at Timberland High School.
[27:04] I'm a senior at Berkeley High School.
[27:06] And I am a senior at Cross High School.
[27:07] This week, during Teacher Appreciation Week, I wanted to thank Mr. and Mrs.
[27:11] Bordiano.
[27:11] Today I'm here to surprise Dr. Godfrey with a teacher appreciation letter.
[27:15] Oh, geez,
[27:17] Hey, Ms. Paulhamus.
[27:18] Hey. I wrote you a letter for Teacher Appreciation Week.
[27:21] Is it okay if I read it to you?
[27:22] I would love it.
[27:23] And I decided to choose you
[27:25] and recognize you.
[27:26] I've had many teachers who helped me shape me into the strong, intelligent, young
[27:29] woman I am today.
[27:30] Whether it was in the classroom or on the soccer field, your wisdom and guidance
[27:34] has had an everlasting impact on my life.
[27:36] You are truly an inspiration and a shining example of what it means to be a
[27:39] spectacular educator.
[27:41] I want you to know that you've made an impact on me and a bunch of other seniors in
[27:44] Cane Bay's class of 2026.
[27:45] The semester I spent in your classroom stands out to me the most.
[27:49] Your impact on my life was still great.
[27:51] Every day you met me at the door with a positive attitude and a smile.
[27:54] I'm very glad I have been able to be in your class for the past two years.
[27:59] While other teachers may give me academic skills, you have given me much more.
[28:02] You have provided me with the discipline, critical thinking, and personal skills to
[28:05] succeed. You have been not only a mentor, but a role model, inspiring me to become
[28:08] the best version of myself.
[28:10] As I see you as a genuine role model for how I want to approach my own future.
[28:14] I loved your class, and I know I'll miss it when I graduate.
[28:16] Thank you for being an amazing teacher.
[28:18] You made me feel seen, valued in ways that no other teacher has.
[28:22] Thank you again for everything you've done for me and this school.
[28:25] Constantly exemplified what it means to be a servant leader, always putting me, my
[28:29] peers, and even other teachers' needs before your own.
[28:32] I don't normally get emotional, but I appreciate all you've done.
[28:34] You may not remember it, but one day earlier this year when I was having a rough
[28:38] day, you gave me a Kit Kat. It's such a small act of kindness, but it made my day
[28:42] in a way you will never understand.
[28:44] I can confidently say that the path to success would've been much harder without
[28:47] your guidance and direction. You opened my eyes to what I can achieve, and for
[28:50] that, I cannot thank you enough.
[28:52] Now my high school career is coming to an end, graduating in a month.
[28:55] I look back at those classes and smile. They have been so kind and generous to me.
[28:59] Mr. and Mrs. Bordiano will always have a place in my heart.
[29:02] I know there will be kids who come and go, some kind and some rude, but forever
[29:06] remember that you are an incredible teacher, person, and friend. Thank you, Mr.
[29:09] Vargas.
[29:10] As I follow my own path of becoming a teacher, I want you to know that you will
[29:13] always be an influence on the kind of teacher I hope to become.
[29:17] I want to give you the biggest thank you.
[29:23] Thank you so much. That's awesome.
[29:25] Thank you.
[29:26] Thank you so much.
[29:26] Thank you so much. That means a lot.
[29:28] Of course.
[29:28] It really does.
[29:29] Thanks, Albert. Appreciate it, man.
[29:30] Of course.
[29:30] Great. Thanks. We'll give a hug here.
[29:32] Thank you so much.
[29:32] Yes, ma'am, of course. Thank you to every teacher across the district.
[29:36] We really appreciate you.
[29:37] Big thank you to all the teachers.
[29:39] Thank you for everything you do for us, not just for me, but for Berkeley County.
[29:42] We really appreciate what you do for us.
[29:44] Thank you so much.
[29:44] To all the teachers in Berkeley County who have done a wonderful job.
[29:47] We appreciate you guys more than you realize.
[29:49] Thank you to all of our teachers for all that you do.
[30:06] We are so excited to be at West View Elementary and West View
[30:09] Middle School today. West View Elementary and West View Middle
[30:13] are
[30:14] model schools for our Collective Leadership Initiative program.
[30:18] We selected these schools because they have shared leadership in
[30:22] their building, and we are here today for them to
[30:25] show all of our other Collective Leadership schools the great things
[30:29] that they are doing within their building.
[30:31] A bunch of different schools all over the state are coming over
[30:35] to watch our school, and we've got all kinds of things planned.
[30:39] We have classroom tours for them to go and check out what our
[30:43] amazing teachers are doing. We have data info for
[30:47] them to show how much growth that we've made from doing the Collective
[30:50] Leadership Initiative, and we are just here to celebrate our
[30:54] school and to help others learn and grow and
[30:58] make changes in their schools as well to make all the kids have a positive
[31:02] outlook at school.
[31:04] There's a lot of great things happening across our state in schools.
[31:07] I think West View is very fortunate to be recognized.
[31:09] We have a lot of systems in place to encourage teacher leaders.
[31:12] We do a lot with collaboration. We have a really high teacher retention rate.
[31:16] Our school report card has moved significantly in the last three years.
[31:19] Two of those years were with CLI work, and so I think all of those things kind of
[31:23] come together and make us a great place to visit.
[31:26] And then, again, the benefit of this is not only people visiting us and taking
[31:29] ideas from us, but there's a collaboration there.
[31:31] There's a time for conversation and reflection where we're going to get some
[31:34] feedback from the people that come see us and tell us what their
[31:38] perspective is, because you can always gather more information.
[31:40] It's not a show they're seeing today.
[31:42] It's something that our teachers and our staff and our students really live by
[31:45] every single day.
[32:03] My sophomore year of high school was when I truly found myself at Cane Bay High
[32:07] School, and this is something that truly is my passion.
[32:10] My name is Leah Scarmeas, and I am a senior at Cane Bay High School.
[32:14] My dad serves in the Air Force, so I like to call him my superhero.
[32:17] I am a military child, so I've been to about eight different schools all throughout
[32:21] elementary, middle school, and high school.
[32:23] It is a big challenge, and it's a big sacrifice that not only he has to take,
[32:27] but us military children have to face as well.
[32:30] My dad has missed so many Christmases, birthdays, daddy-daughter
[32:33] dances, just simple things that normal kids don't experience throughout their
[32:37] lives. This book is dedicated to every military child
[32:41] who's ever had to say goodbye, start over, or be the new
[32:45] kid. I actually have a Goldendoodle at home, and his name is Chewy, which is
[32:49] why my book is called "Brave Like Chewy." He is a big,
[32:52] 100-pound Goldendoodle. Looks like a teddy bear.
[32:55] So I thought about my own personal sacrifices and my journey.
[32:58] What would five-year-old Leah and my little sisters want to be able to have?
[33:02] There's a map on there where all the military children can cross off the places
[33:05] that they've lived or visited their dad when they are overseas.
[33:08] A diary that kids can write about when their dad or mom is deployed, and all
[33:12] the things that they want them to know and hear about when they do come back.
[33:16] Pageantry is not something that I have done my whole entire life, and it was kind
[33:20] of a last-minute decision, if I'm being honest.
[33:22] I decided to sign up on deadline day for the South Carolina Teen USA,
[33:26] and then I won that Saturday night.
[33:28] I completely started bawling, and I was like, "Oh, my gosh.
[33:32] This does not feel real." I felt like I was on cloud nine.
[33:36] I didn't just do this. I did this for you, Mom.
[33:38] I did this for you and Dad and my two sisters also sitting in the
[33:41] audience. The biggest thing with pageantry that I have found that I love
[33:45] is the service that goes with it. Every single year for a month of a
[33:49] military child, I go to my local elementary school, Cane Bay Elementary, where my
[33:53] little sister attends, and they have a celebration for every single
[33:57] military child. On that day, they all wear purple.
[33:59] They get cupcakes and certificates.
[34:01] And just going there every single year and sharing my story for the past four
[34:05] years and seeing the impact that I make on these kids, just walking in there
[34:09] with my crown and sash, and then I start talking, and I'm like, "I am just like you
[34:13] all. I have sat in this same exact position, being a military child,
[34:17] feeling lost, feeling vulnerable," but I'm standing here today, being able to share
[34:21] my story. Every child needs to find their voice, especially girls and especially
[34:25] military children during this amazing month.
[34:48] This is a momentous occasion for some of our most treasured
[34:51] students in Berkeley County School District.
[34:55] Welcome to the One Berkeley Unified Games.
[34:57] I'm Superintendent Anthony Dixon, and we're just so excited to be here for our
[35:01] annual event for our students. This is an opportunity that we all
[35:05] can come out and just enjoy the unique differences of
[35:09] all of our students here in Berkeley County.
[35:11] So Berkeley United Games, as a parent, means everything.
[35:14] It means joy, excitement, inclusion for my child.
[35:18] We are so thankful as parents in the Special Ed department of Berkeley
[35:22] County School District for our child to be a part of this day.
[35:24] It is truly, truly special.
[35:26] Today wouldn't be possible without the collective efforts of
[35:30] everyone, and for that, we are truly
[35:33] grateful.
[35:34] I just want to thank all of our partners. I want to thank our administrators.
[35:38] I want to thank our cabinet. I want to thank special services, human resources,
[35:42] child nutrition, facilities. This is our time when everybody in
[35:46] Berkeley comes together just to show our
[35:49] appreciation and love for all of our students.
[35:53] We have representatives from 20 Berkeley County schools joining
[35:57] us today.
[35:58] As you can see behind me and around me, students are having the times of their
[36:01] lives. They're enjoying their field day. They're enjoying their games.
[36:05] They're enjoying their pizza. And our teachers and our volunteers
[36:09] from Stratford High School are just enjoying being together
[36:13] and celebrating each other. In Berkeley County, we believe in making a positive
[36:17] difference, and this is what we're doing here, making a positive difference
[36:21] in our students' lives, one student at a time, one school at a time,
[36:25] and to enjoy and unite us all in Berkeley County.
[36:38] I appreciate the drivers and the monitors and everything that they do.
[36:41] And this month is called Love Your Bus.
[36:44] Pork and beans, chili, potato chips.
[36:48] Just a lot of stuff for the drivers.
[36:49] They really showed us that they really appreciate the work that we
[36:53] do.
[36:53] It warms my heart. It brings a smile and a tear in my eye.
[36:57] I love it, because I know they appreciate it. It's a good job.
[37:01] I've been doing it since 1990.
[37:04] So I love it.
[37:07] Their job is very difficult. Hats off to all
[37:11] the drivers and the monitors especially,
[37:14] because to man 60 students on a bus,
[37:18] kudos. I could not do that. I love the drivers for that,
[37:22] and I appreciate them day by day.
[37:24] That's why it makes me come to work every day.
[37:26] I retired and I came back. So yeah, it makes me come back
[37:30] to work because I enjoy my job.
[37:32] They're appreciative of what we do.
[37:34] The little things that we do for them, I know they appreciate it and
[37:39] they come to work and they do their job very well.
[37:42] Everybody here,
[37:44] everybody loves you. The people that I work with, my
[37:48] coworkers, the children,
[37:50] we just like a big loving family. Have fun, enjoy each
[37:54] other. That's the best way to work.
[37:57] Lord, I just want to thank you. I want to
[38:01] thank you for being so good to
[38:05] me. So good to me.
[38:15] Welcome to the 2026 Berkeley County School District hiring fair.
[38:19] I'm Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon, and we're so excited to
[38:22] have everyone here today, and we can't wait to see how you make a positive
[38:26] difference here in Berkeley County Schools.
[38:29] I just got hired at Fox Bank with Ms. Gabriel.
[38:34] And my mom just got hired at Nexton with Ms. Hoots.
[38:38] We are so excited, and Berkeley County has been so welcoming from the second we
[38:41] walked into the door. It just feels like family and we're so excited.
[38:45] Good morning. How are you?
[38:46] Good. How are you doing today?
[38:47] Good. Welcome.
[38:48] Good morning. Yay.
[38:51] So I got hired by Daniel Island School for a cross cat
[38:55] position, and I just fell in love with the district because
[38:58] of the staffing and the communication.
[39:02] Everyone responds to me very quickly, and you can tell that they really want you.
[39:07] Berkeley County School District is one of the very best places that you can
[39:10] work. Not only do you get to be in Berkeley County, which I tell everyone is the
[39:14] best place to live, work, pray, and play, but Berkeley County School
[39:18] District gives you that small town school district feel with all of the
[39:22] benefits of large school districts.
[39:23] We are just doing some incredible things.
[39:26] The programs we offer, the compensation for our staff, the way we treat
[39:30] our students, there's really nowhere like it in the low country.
[39:33] Berkeley County is large in terms of size, but we are very much
[39:37] a family-oriented district. We support one another.
[39:40] We love one another.
[39:41] So one of the things that I think really makes Berkeley County the best place to
[39:44] work is the sense of community. When you go into our schools and you go into these
[39:48] classrooms and you see the teachers and you see the staff, there is a sense of
[39:52] community at every school.
[39:54] Our investment is to make a positive difference in the lives of our students.
[39:58] And if you are somebody who wants to truly make a difference, not just come to work
[40:01] for a job, but to make a difference and see the increased student
[40:05] outcomes, Berkeley County School District is the place to be.
[40:14] What's up, Mr. Middleton? Just being in the classroom itself is a joy.
[40:18] And you're going to do great today. Cross is definitely unique.
[40:21] Last year we were seventh through 12th, and this year we're sixth through 12th.
[40:24] You don't need a computer. No. We won't need any computers today.
[40:26] We've been adapting to that change really well and working with the teachers
[40:29] one-on-one and just being able to assist them as much as possible.
[40:32] These are your what? Constants. Do they change?
[40:36] No, a constant doesn't change. Right now, we are focusing on solving linear
[40:39] equations. My constant would be three, so I need to put a three here.
[40:43] Letting the students do hands-on learning so they can get a better view of really
[40:47] what's happening whenever we're solving equations.
[40:49] So we're going to work on balancing equations using our blue
[40:53] cones and our red constants. Getting them to see that they can model it using those
[40:56] manipulatives. Six plus six is?
[40:59] 12. 10 plus two is? 12. Are they balanced? Yes. Yes.
[41:02] That class is very unique. It is two people in the classroom all the
[41:06] time. I go in periodically, but the goal is for all the learning to be
[41:10] student-centered. What type of a positive or negative? Negative.
[41:14] Okay. If I'm just up there lecturing, are the students really grasping the concept?
[41:18] So letting them actually model us the lessons and actually have productive
[41:21] struggle. So that productive struggle is giving them the opportunity to, "Hey, I
[41:25] made an error. This is how I made this error," so that they can actually see what's
[41:28] going on for themselves instead of us just going and telling them.
[41:31] What strategy did you all use? I think you're using a different
[41:34] strategy than what the middle group used.
[41:37] Letting them work together so they're able to feed off each other and help each
[41:40] other. For our students here at Cross High School, it definitely works really well.
[41:44] Being able to actually model it out makes a difference, doesn't it?
[41:48] It makes that problem seem so much easier, doesn't it? That's great.
[41:52] Good job.
[41:53] Having that more one-on-one time with the students definitely helps the
[41:56] students understand better. How can I divide 12 evenly three ways?
[42:01] That's excellent. Thank you. Good job.
[42:03] Pushing them to be the best that they can be.
[42:06] Good job.
[42:07] I used to always say before they leave, "Just remember what?" And they'll always
[42:09] say, "I can do great things." That was always our little affirmation before we
[42:13] leave because they can. Small community, but they can always do great things and I
[42:16] know they will. Just pushing them to be the best of the best.
[42:19] Smaller numbers, big in heart, Cross High School.
[42:22] You did great today. Very proud of you.
[42:36] This year, I had the great opportunity of hiring Ms.
[42:39] Caroline Ballentine. Growing up, she went to Bonner Elementary,
[42:43] and at that time, I was her assistant principal.
[42:46] Now, I get to hire her to teach second grade, which has been a
[42:50] great experience.
[42:51] Starting my first year teaching in January was definitely nerve-wracking, very
[42:55] scary. I think the first day, I was 10 minutes late to recess, and they were
[42:59] texting me in the group chat, "Where you at?
[43:01] Where you at?" But my team made it very easy to transition
[43:05] into being in a classroom. Also with administration, they were
[43:09] amazing. They let us in over Christmas break, and I had so much help from my
[43:13] teammates who I hadn't even met yet, but met me at school and helped set up
[43:17] classroom and helped with everything that they could, and administration being
[43:21] here to support me. And it's just been a great process and a great transition.
[43:25] It couldn't have gone better.
[43:26] Being a first-year teacher in general is just so intimidating.
[43:28] So if we can alleviate some of that stress for her with
[43:33] materials or how to do something, or what to hang on the wall,
[43:37] or just any questions that she might have.
[43:39] We've all been first-year teachers, so we've been in her shoes.
[43:41] So anything that we can help her with, we've done or tried to do, and I think we've
[43:45] done a good job supporting her in that way.
[43:47] And as a team, we plan together, so we're all unified.
[43:51] We're doing the same lessons, whether it's HMH or i-Ready.
[43:54] We're all planning the same thing, so if she or someone has a question, we
[43:58] can say, "Oh, well, this is how I taught this." Making sure that
[44:02] they're prepared, and they know what resources we are using, too.
[44:05] Like, "Oh, my class really likes this video, so I'm going to play this
[44:09] to get them engaged before starting," and then that will get them
[44:13] excited about the lesson or something like that, too.
[44:16] So we're hopping on Beanstack. Like they announced in the
[44:20] morning show, we're keeping track of how many minutes each student is
[44:24] reading. This is to get us reading more, reading more books, reading more
[44:28] words to make us better readers.
[44:30] Here in Berkeley County School District, we really do our very best to support all
[44:34] of our teachers. But we really look at our first-year teachers.
[44:37] We want to make sure that they get the
[44:40] mentoring, the coaching that they need so that they're successful,
[44:44] which then, in turn, their kids are successful.
[44:47] My whole family's from Berkeley County. We all live here.
[44:50] We all went to school here, all graduated from Berkeley.
[44:52] My parents graduated from Mastonia.
[44:54] So we're just a Berkeley County family, and it feels like home.
[44:57] And I love how successful Berkeley County is and how accountable
[45:01] they are, and they hold themselves to a higher standard, and that's what I
[45:05] like. If I want to do something, I want to do it the best, and I think Berkeley
[45:08] County does it the best.
[45:18] Today is a great day in Berkeley County.
[45:20] We honored someone who makes a positive difference every day.
[45:23] Ellen Weaver, it's nice to meet you.
[45:25] Nice to meet you.
[45:25] Are you so excited for your mom?
[45:27] I am.
[45:27] The State of South Carolina Department of Education Superintendent Ellen Weaver and
[45:31] her team came down here to announce the fifth
[45:34] finalist for the South Carolina State Teacher of the Year, and that's Ms.
[45:38] Alex Wharton.
[45:39] She has been named our final finalist as Teacher of the Year. Are you guys ready?
[45:42] We're ready.
[45:43] Let's do it.
[45:43] Yes.
[45:48] $10,000- ... as one of our five finalists.
[45:52] How about that?
[45:53] I felt honored.
[45:54] You deserve this.
[45:55] Oh.
[45:55] Oh my God. Thank you.
[45:56] I was moved to tears for the first few minutes.
[46:00] I couldn't believe it was happening.
[46:02] And for a minute there, I just had to
[46:05] gather myself because it's unbelievable.
[46:08] We're so excited for you. Congratulations. Can we give her a round of applause?
[46:15] This is my 34th year of teaching, my eighth year in South
[46:19] Carolina, and so I just felt like this was honoring my
[46:22] 34 years of service to children. And I felt blessed.
[46:26] It just warms your heart to see that this is a
[46:29] teacher who is called for this work, who pours
[46:33] in to everyone that is around them.
[46:36] Oh my God.
[46:37] Ms. Wharton has a great family. They're all so humble.
[46:41] They're so supportive.
[46:44] Motto in our house as a family is, "You give the best because
[46:48] God expects the best." And so even in the hard
[46:52] times, he's always been there to push me.
[46:54] And so having him here to celebrate that with me,
[46:57] it meant the world to me because this isn't just my accomplishment, it's his as
[47:01] well. This was as much their victory as it was mine.
[47:07] Berkeley High School is my family away from my family.
[47:11] When I moved to South Carolina, they became my second family, and I wouldn't trade
[47:14] being a Stag for being anything else.
[47:16] It's an opportunity to represent what Berkeley County is and who we are
[47:20] as a district.
[47:21] Being able to see the district in a wider perspective has opened
[47:25] my eyes and given me a greater appreciation for the district, and even for the
[47:29] vision that Dr. Dixon and the rest of the cabinet and the board members
[47:33] have for us to become one Berkeley.
[47:35] She's a representative of the great teachers that we
[47:39] have in this district. No better representative than
[47:43] Ms. Alex Wharton.
[47:44] And I'm proud of being a part of Berkeley County School District.
[47:48] I'm proud to be on the leadership that has a vision to
[47:52] make us one. And I hope everyone can just come together
[47:56] under that vision and make Berkeley County School District the best
[48:00] in the state and the best in the nation.
[48:17] One fruit, vegetable, or 100% juice.
[48:20] I like learning about why smaller children do what they do.
[48:23] What might be their challenges, and any way that I can help.
[48:26] I've always wanted to do something with kids, whether it's being a teacher or being
[48:30] a kid counselor.
[48:32] So breakfast. We're going to talk about the purpose of breakfast.
[48:35] This class that I am teaching is early childhood education.
[48:38] During part one, the students did a lot of book
[48:42] work knowledge, and part two of the class, they get a lot of
[48:45] hands-on experience with actually working with the students.
[48:49] So you have details in the passage right here.
[48:52] Students were participating in their internship experience at St.
[48:56] Stephen's Elementary School, where they go out and they
[49:00] work with students so they can become career ready.
[49:04] It's actually cool. It's actually cool to see where I was once,
[49:08] and that was once me.
[49:10] I'm back in the environment I was in 10 years ago.
[49:13] It brings tears to my eyes because this was me a couple years ago.
[49:16] Now I'm learning how to teach the young children.
[49:18] The kids I was watching were taking a test, so I was just going around,
[49:22] helping them, making sure they understand the right question.
[49:25] So why did the author put that in there? What does it show us?
[49:29] It's a wonderful experience for the students and for me
[49:34] and for the teachers that they get to work with.
[49:37] Forget those and put right here how you got this answer. Ms.
[49:41] Williams, she was my fourth and fifth grade teacher, actually.
[49:43] She helped me learn the importance of school.
[49:47] I like that.
[49:49] I like the way you put that.
[49:50] Makes you feel good because they are getting the same
[49:54] learning experience I got, and I know mine was good, so I know
[49:58] theirs is good.
[49:58] Label the parts of speech of each underlined word.
[50:02] A noun, conjunction-
[50:03] All of the skills that they have learned in early childhood education will
[50:07] carry over into their personal lives, because my students are
[50:11] going to get 15 hours of health and safety
[50:14] training, and so that's going to help them
[50:18] know how to work with kids from ages birth
[50:22] all the way up to ages 12.
[50:24] I would say Ms. White is an amazing teacher.
[50:27] It's a good program, especially I got into it when I think I was in 10th grade,
[50:31] and it made me want to come back. Do it. Do it for the experience.
[50:34] Do it to
[50:37] learn more and grow more and actually learn.
[50:41] Take this course because like I said, it will be very important in the future.
[50:45] Everything is growing within education, and so we are going to need some
[50:49] really great teachers out there on the field.
[50:51] And so I'm looking forward to even my students
[50:54] continuing their education and pursuing education as a
[50:57] career.
[51:16] Hey, good morning. My name is Steve Zupcoff.
[51:18] I'm a lieutenant at the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office.
[51:21] We're out here this morning at the Bike to School Day.
[51:24] If we come to a stop sign, we're going to stop, and we're going to look both ways
[51:27] and make sure that the traffic's clear and we can cross the street safely. Okay?
[51:31] There's other schools throughout the county that are doing this same event.
[51:34] It's a great event that promotes activity,
[51:38] teamwork, community outreach, bonding, that type of thing.
[51:42] We're really excited to get on the bikes and ride.
[51:55] So this is my third year doing National Walk and Roll to School Day with Carolyn
[51:58] Lewis School.
[52:00] We've been doing it since the school opened, and we started out with, I believe,
[52:04] 10 bikers, and this year we've grown exponentially.
[52:07] We are now deemed an Agrihood, so we invited our local farmer,
[52:11] Chris, and Farmer Emery and their teams to help lead us on the John Deere as we
[52:15] made our way through Carnes Crossroads.
[52:17] I contacted local law enforcement to make sure that they could escort us here
[52:20] safely, because our biggest thing in Carnes Crossroads and at Carolyn Lewis is
[52:24] child safety. So we wanted to make sure all of our students participated in a
[52:28] community event. They were out, they were active, but they were safe in the process
[52:31] of doing that.
[52:33] Good morning. Happy Wednesday. Hope you have a great day today.
[52:37] I love seeing the kids ride their bikes in and just having a smile on their face.
[52:40] Good morning. Happy Wednesday.
[53:04] This is my favorite week at Bonner Elementary.
[53:07] So we have our Artist in Residency week, where we invite seven professional
[53:11] artists to collaborate with our students, all the way from pre-K through
[53:15] fifth grade. For our kindergarten students, we have Becky Becker.
[53:18] She is a puppet master, and she is teaching our
[53:22] students how to play, to engage with puppets, tell
[53:25] stories.
[53:26] I love puppet class.
[53:28] In kindergarten, we have the Charleston Stage, and they are putting on a musical
[53:31] with our kindergarten students. So they are singing, dancing, acting, and tomorrow
[53:35] we get to see it all put together in a magical performance.
[53:38] First grade is working with Bailey Mann.
[53:40] She's part of Wolftrap through Spoleto, and they are doing theater
[53:44] integration.
[53:45] Second grade is working with Baktie Larry Howe.
[53:47] He is a
[53:49] phenomenal West African drummer.
[53:51] He's actually one of the elders in his community, and they are doing a West
[53:55] African drumming unit. With third grade, we have Ms.
[53:58] Kat Brantley, who's doing indigo dyeing.
[54:00] The students have done scientific drawings of an indigo plant.
[54:03] Then they have also created their own map of the
[54:07] world by indigoing individual areas, and they're going to put it together to
[54:11] have this big collaborative piece of artwork that we get to hang in our school.
[54:14] I want to learn more about indigo because I want-
[54:18] Clothes and stuff because it's cool
[54:22] looking and my favorite color is blue.
[54:25] Fourth grade is working with Libation West African Dance, where they are learning
[54:29] to dance, sing, drum, and learn all of the history of
[54:33] West African culture with dancing and singing.
[54:37] In fifth grade, we have Mr. Dave McDonald, and he is a published cartoonist,
[54:41] and he is making comics with our students.
[54:44] Learning new arts is fun because then you can start continuing it, and you get
[54:47] better at it. I like Arts in Residency. It's pretty fun.
[54:51] We're just hoping to continue every year to offer them this
[54:54] immersive week of arts and creativity, and hopefully
[54:58] inspire them to take it home, tell their parents, so that their parents can
[55:02] engage in the art form alongside their students.
[55:06] That is our goal. How do we, as a community, engage in the arts,
[55:10] celebrate the arts, and celebrate our students' success?
[55:19] Good morning. We are hosting our annual Staff
[55:23] Professional Development Day. Do you know where you're headed today?
[55:26] I think it's absolutely probably one of the best things that this district does.
[55:29] It's one of our most exciting days throughout the year because we have the
[55:32] opportunity to come together and really engage with
[55:35] high-quality opportunities to learn and grow in our practice.
[55:38] To have a day when we can come together as teachers and just share
[55:42] ideas, things together.
[55:45] You have to work together. Go.
[55:48] This is an opportunity where we can say, "Hey, I've really been interested in
[55:51] learning more about gamification.
[55:53] I'm going to go to that session." And because we have so many sessions all
[55:56] throughout the day, you can get a lot of learning packed in and get
[56:01] a lot of growth.
[56:01] It's all standards-based, but it's fun. It's engaging.
[56:04] Teachers were so excited. They were moving. They were engaged.
[56:08] They were having fun. They were asking questions like, "How can we use it with our
[56:11] class?" Or, "How could I change the content?"
[56:14] I really wanted to focus on the writing portions for this day.
[56:18] So it's been really cool just to see what other teachers are doing, and how I
[56:21] can implement those in my classroom to make sure that my students are successful.
[56:25] I love attending the professional development days because as an educator, we're
[56:29] constantly learning. There are still things that I can continue to work on, still
[56:32] continue to grow in. And being able to network and collaborate with other
[56:36] educators in the same discipline, in the same area, I'm able to walk away
[56:40] with additional nuggets of information, things that I can bring back to my
[56:43] classroom.
[56:43] It's just been really cool just to talk with other English teachers from around the
[56:47] district and just say, "Hey, what's going well in your classroom?
[56:50] What have you been successful with this year?" And especially as a first-year
[56:53] teacher, I'm always like, "Hey, give me all the points.
[56:56] Give me all the things that I need to do. What's working for you?
[56:59] What's not working for you?" And then I take those things and see how I can
[57:02] implement them in my own classroom. So it's been really cool.
[57:04] It's an opportunity to be seen by one another and to connect with one another,
[57:08] and to really show the value we place in the work that we do.
[57:12] Because we would not take an entire day out of our academic calendar
[57:16] if we did not think that this was important for teachers.
[57:19] So it's important for us to know that this is one of the ways
[57:23] that our district sees us and values our professional expertise because they want
[57:26] to help us keep growing in our practice.
[57:28] Just to know that we're all here as a community and be like, "Oh, there are other
[57:31] teachers out there going through the same things that I am.
[57:34] I am doing everything that I can. I'm doing great. My kids love me.
[57:37] I love my job." So it's just really encouraging and really reassuring.
[57:54] So being career specialist here in Berkeley County School District, I believe
[57:58] is one of the most impactful roles
[58:02] because I get to work with every student and help them
[58:06] shape their future. And a lot of students might not know what they want to do,
[58:10] so I get to help them figure that out.
[58:12] And I think it's not only the most impactful position, but
[58:16] it's also the coolest because I get to do all the fun
[58:20] things with the students and help them figure out what they want to do, what they
[58:24] want to be, where they want to go. And I think that's pretty neat.
[58:28] Different things that I set up here at Cane Bay High School are our Lunch and
[58:32] Learn program, where I have different employers come in every month.
[58:36] And it's not even just employers, but it's different programs,
[58:39] colleges, military recruiters, where they talk to
[58:42] students and
[58:44] educate them on different positions and opportunities.
[58:48] I have classroom guest speakers that come in.
[58:51] I'm helping shape the future workforce, and that's
[58:55] really important because as we know, a lot of that is
[58:58] changing and shifting. So we need those jobs filled.
[59:02] So I think that that's the most important part.
[59:05] And just helping them be good citizens and good community
[59:09] partners and just overall good people,
[59:12] I think that's the best part.
[59:24] Art means expression, opportunity.
[59:27] I love to paint. I love to draw. I love to express my creativity.
[59:30] I love to express myself.
[59:31] It's pride as being creative.
[59:33] It's a reflection of what's happening in the classrooms.
[59:35] It's a reflection of the community.
[59:37] Leaving your mark, right? Everybody wants to be remembered for something.
[59:40] It's a reflection of what it means to be a Stratford Knight.
[59:44] We have some art students here from Art Club and our National Art Honor Society,
[59:48] and they are working on a new mural for Stratford High School.
[59:51] We call this area the senior pit. It's kind of a special area,
[59:55] and we wanted something for seniors to commemorate their time at Stratford.
[59:59] And so the design that we chose from our students was "Once a Knight, always
[1:00:03] a Knight."
[1:00:04] Not the white box, but the design itself.
[1:00:07] I had met with our two graffiti artists in Goose Creek, Nate and Tina.
[1:00:10] And she was like, "Hey, can you come help the art students do a mural?" We were
[1:00:13] like...
[1:00:15] Absolutely.
[1:00:15] Yes, absolutely.
[1:00:16] Love that.
[1:00:17] When I spoke to them, they said, "How are we going to do this? Are we gridding it?
[1:00:19] Are we projecting it?" And with all those questions, they told us that they are
[1:00:24] using a Meta Quest 3 headset for their murals. It's really cool.
[1:00:27] The image is just projected on the wall perfectly with all the
[1:00:31] colors.
[1:00:32] It was like having a new perspective on drawing
[1:00:36] and creating. It really put a point of where our
[1:00:40] technology has come this far and this advanced that we can now see the art
[1:00:44] straight in front of us, and we can now see, "Oh, wait, this is where this line
[1:00:48] goes. Now we just need to draw this over and make sure it looks nice."
[1:00:52] They're always going to be able to come back to their senior pit, because it's
[1:00:56] everybody's senior pit that walks through these halls, be able to say that, "I was
[1:00:59] here when that was done." And I think that's powerful, and I think that's another
[1:01:02] reason why we have alumni here.
[1:01:04] She was a Knight
[1:01:05] before I was.
[1:01:07] I was a Knight, and they're Knights.
[1:01:09] And that means a lot to me, because it shows that they still have their pride and
[1:01:12] spirit. It shows that they still see the school as the same, and the school still
[1:01:15] means a lot to them.
[1:01:16] It's got that nostalgic feel. You're always part of Stratford High School, even
[1:01:19] after you've graduated.
[1:01:20] Stratford's a really good school, so it's kind of like saving the things that you
[1:01:24] learn here and then use them in your life in the future.
[1:01:27] Providing access and opportunities for our kids.
[1:01:30] And I mean, what better way to do it than through art and cutting-edge
[1:01:34] technology and passionate educators and alumni?
[1:01:38] I think it's pretty clear.
[1:01:40] I think I'll put it in there. We're going away.
[1:01:44] I'll now entertain a motion to return to regular session.
[1:01:47] Make the motion.
[1:01:47] Second.
[1:01:49] There's a motion by Mr. Ramsey, a second by Mr.
[1:01:53] Borden to return to regular session. Is there any discussion?
[1:01:57] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:02:01] Aye.
[1:02:01] Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:02:04] The ayes have it, nine zero. We are now in regular session.
[1:02:09] For the minutes, Ms. Littleton is participating via phone.
[1:02:13] Please now stand for the pledge of allegiance.
[1:02:21] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
[1:02:25] America and to the republic for which it stands,
[1:02:29] one nation under God, indivisible, with
[1:02:33] liberty and justice for all.
[1:02:39] Next on the agenda, item four, difference makers and special
[1:02:43] recognition. Ms. Tanner, you're recognized, and if the board will
[1:02:47] step down to the front of the dais.
[1:02:52] I think we got a good high five.
[1:02:55] Good evening, Madam Chair, Superintendent Dixon, members of the board, and everyone
[1:02:58] who has joined us this evening. Tonight, we are recognizing student
[1:03:02] athlete excellence in Berkeley County as we celebrate our individual and
[1:03:06] team track and field state champions.
[1:03:09] Overall, we had five schools win individual gold medals at the state
[1:03:13] track and field championships: Philip Simmons High, Goose Creek High,
[1:03:17] Timberland High, Hanahan High, and Stratford High.
[1:03:21] Philip Simmons High girls and boys track teams also won state
[1:03:25] titles in Class 2A. First up, Philip Simmons High
[1:03:29] won multiple individual medals in both the boys and girls
[1:03:32] track and fields programs.
[1:03:40] And once again, both the girls and boys won team state championships
[1:03:44] in Class 2A. Both the girls and boys four by
[1:03:48] 800-meter relay teams smoked the competition and took home first
[1:03:51] place. Individually, Ashley Rouche vaulted over the
[1:03:55] competition yet again and took home first place in the pole vault for the second
[1:03:59] year in a row. Likewise, Laura Perry ran away with two gold
[1:04:03] medals for her performance in the girls 1,600-meter and girls
[1:04:07] 3,200-meter races for the second consecutive year.
[1:04:10] And Flynn Taylor also defended her spot as the reigning champion in the
[1:04:15] 800-meter race. For the first time, Julia Riley hopped to the
[1:04:18] top spot in the girls triple jump, and Jeremiah Richardson sprinted to
[1:04:22] first place in the 200-meter dash.
[1:04:25] Way to outrun the competition. Congratulations, Iron Horses.
[1:04:35] All right, one, two, three.
[1:04:46] I want to thank Dr. Dixon again and the board for inviting us here.
[1:04:49] This never gets old. I know it seems like we're here a lot, but we absolutely love
[1:04:53] it and we appreciate it. Something that is coming out in the next week
[1:04:57] or so, just so let everybody know, we once again won the
[1:05:01] Carlisle Cup for the second straight year.
[1:05:08] For those who are unfamiliar, they take your rankings from all the
[1:05:11] classifications, all the playoffs, and we were the best team athletically in 2A for
[1:05:15] the second straight year, so very, very happy about that.
[1:05:23] Next up, for the second consecutive year, Goose Creek High's Courtney
[1:05:27] Horn ran away with a gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles in
[1:05:31] Class 5A, Division 2.
[1:05:36] Way to go, Courtney.
[1:06:00] All right, one, two, three.
[1:06:09] Come
[1:06:12] on,
[1:06:14] baby.
[1:06:16] I
[1:06:17] am very proud of Courtney. She has
[1:06:21] maintained her title, and she's worked very hard to do so.
[1:06:25] She's a hardworking athlete. She's very dedicated, very
[1:06:28] motivated, very inspiring to the group, and we love having
[1:06:32] her as a part of the team. So, thank you.
[1:06:41] Next up, for the Wolves, Timberland High's Malik Goodman took home the state
[1:06:45] title in the boys 400-meter hurdles for the first at
[1:06:49] this year's state track meet. Additionally, Carter Hawkins is now a
[1:06:53] two-time state champion-
[1:06:58] ... after being named the triple jump state champion in Class 2A track and field
[1:07:02] yet again. Congratulations to Malik and to Carter.
[1:07:13] Come this way. Somebody- Y'all
[1:07:17] slide down the front this way a little bit. A little bit. Okay.
[1:07:21] There you go.
[1:07:26] And y'all, second row, slide forward a little bit.
[1:07:29] Am I second row?
[1:07:29] There we go.
[1:07:32] All right. One, two, three.
[1:07:46] Good evening, everyone.
[1:07:48] I am the assistant coach with the Timberland High track and field team.
[1:07:53] It's just an honor and pleasure to be here.
[1:07:57] It's just a blessing to have an opportunity to coach Malik
[1:08:01] and Carter, because they are outstanding kids, and
[1:08:05] outstanding students as well. So, to have this honor to be in front of you,
[1:08:09] for y'all to recognize them,
[1:08:11] there's no better feeling, there's no better opportunity than this right
[1:08:15] here. So, thank you. Thank you to them, and thank you for your
[1:08:19] time.
[1:08:26] Next up is Hanahan High's Avery Maness, who soared to the
[1:08:30] top spot to win an individual medal in girls' pole vault in Class
[1:08:33] 3A. What an incredible accomplishment for Avery and the Hawks.
[1:08:59] One, two,
[1:09:02] three.
[1:09:13] I'm Coach Lewd with Hanahan High School.
[1:09:16] I just wanted to say thank you to everybody today, and
[1:09:20] congratulations to all the athletes that are here also today.
[1:09:24] But I just want to let you know, Avery has been a blessing for us over the
[1:09:28] past three years. She set our high school
[1:09:32] pole vault record at 12 feet 10 inches this past year.
[1:09:36] But that's only the beginning. She's got a lot more to go when she goes off to
[1:09:39] college. But thank you very much. It's been an honor and a pleasure.
[1:09:48] All right. And last but not least, Stratford High's Lucas
[1:09:52] Koluck took home first place in the pole vault in Class 5A
[1:09:55] Division 1 for the second year in a row.
[1:10:05] Congratulations to Lucas, the Knights' way to vault over the competition.
[1:10:10] See how she did. Picture
[1:10:13] time.
[1:10:16] Scoot
[1:10:21] your butt.
[1:10:23] All right. One, two, three.
[1:10:36] I'm Chef Calvert from Stratford, one of the assistant coaches, and I basically
[1:10:40] work with Lucas in pole vault. I have to say, it's been a great five years with
[1:10:44] Lucas. He's a back-to-back state champion.
[1:10:46] He just came in second place at Adidas National last week, so he's making
[1:10:50] Stratford and Berkeley County look great.
[1:10:52] Lucas also has
[1:10:54] the top 15 heights at Stratford High School, basically at
[1:10:58] state, getting 16 feet. So it's been super to have him, and we're looking forward
[1:11:01] to just continuing the classiness that he's set
[1:11:05] for the standards of Stratford. Thank you very much.
[1:11:13] Thank you, and that concludes tonight's recognitions.
[1:12:07] In order to conduct the meeting in an orderly and efficient manner, we ask that you
[1:12:11] honor the following guidelines. Stakeholder comments are welcomed and
[1:12:14] encouraged. However, the board will not take immediate action on public comments at
[1:12:18] this meeting. Any person wishing to address the board must
[1:12:22] register prior to the meeting. Comments must be regarding
[1:12:25] programs, policies, or procedures.
[1:12:28] Comments regarding complaints against employees other than district level
[1:12:32] executives, or references to students other than the child of the
[1:12:36] speaker, will not be heard in public session.
[1:12:38] Groups addressing the same topic should select one speaker.
[1:12:42] Comments will be limited to three minutes per speaker.
[1:12:45] The board chair reserves the right to allot additional time or halt public comments
[1:12:48] that do not adhere to the guidelines.
[1:12:52] First speaker is Adrian Serpe,
[1:12:55] Transparency of District Diabetes Policy. Welcome.
[1:13:01] Good evening. It's Adrian Serpe, and I am an advocate and a
[1:13:04] parent of a Type 1 child in Berkeley County School District.
[1:13:08] Before I begin, I want to make one thing very clear, that I'm not
[1:13:12] here to criticize school nurses because they have been our lifeline in our
[1:13:16] schools. We are so grateful for the ones that have cared for my son,
[1:13:20] and without them, we likely would not still be in this district.
[1:13:23] But they are held to district policies.
[1:13:26] The problem is not every family has the same experience with school
[1:13:30] nurses across the district because there are no clear policies and
[1:13:34] procedures in place, and when they are inconsistently
[1:13:37] communicated, it creates confusion and inconsistent care.
[1:13:42] Every time I have emailed and raised concerns, I get very
[1:13:46] similar emails back. "Thank you for your concern.
[1:13:49] We're reviewing it. We're going to follow up." But it never
[1:13:53] happens. So since 2021, the same thing.
[1:13:57] What's going on? Why don't we have these policies?
[1:13:59] Why aren't we utilizing the Dexcom follow-up in the nurse's office to be
[1:14:03] proactive in preventing hypoglycemic incidences in the
[1:14:07] school? And I have been basically ignored or brushed off.
[1:14:11] I do want to recognize and appreciate deputy superintendent's
[1:14:14] email and Ms. Davenport reaching out to me to ask questions
[1:14:18] and just some kind of communication.
[1:14:21] It's something, but the problem is none of my questions from the last board
[1:14:25] meeting were actually answered. I was told that things were going to be
[1:14:29] under review, but we're asking for transparency.
[1:14:33] What's being reviewed? Who is responsible? What are we addressing?
[1:14:37] And when can we expect answers? Because as of right now,
[1:14:41] we're going into another school year, again, without any
[1:14:45] updated medical guidance with diabetes policies.
[1:14:49] Yet again, we are not aligning with current ADA guidelines,
[1:14:53] and I'm literally scared to start the school year, again, knowing that
[1:14:57] we're likely going to face some medical emergencies.
[1:15:00] We are asking for transparency. I just sat here and looked at
[1:15:04] your budget, and I'm actually caught off guard that with a $518 million
[1:15:08] budget, you're not prioritizing student safety.
[1:15:11] There was nothing in there about updating staff and nurse training, or
[1:15:15] nurse raises, or even how you're going to update medical
[1:15:19] training, or interventionists and therapists, and where is the
[1:15:22] investment in ensuring every child with a life-threatening medical
[1:15:26] condition is protected?
[1:15:28] Nobody thought about that one, but we have.
[1:15:32] I need some answers, please, on how these procedures are going to be reviewed
[1:15:36] and updated. When was the policy last written?
[1:15:39] Who's reviewing it? Can we get a meeting with them?
[1:15:41] Are families being asked for any input whatsoever?
[1:15:45] We need transparency in the district.
[1:15:48] We don't fear paperwork. We fear medical emergencies,
[1:15:52] and my child deserves answers. Our children deserve no less
[1:15:56] than to be safe at school. So as we go into this next school year,
[1:16:00] we are asking the district to give our children the safety and
[1:16:04] respect that they need. We're really demanding this of the district.
[1:16:07] Transparency, please.
[1:16:10] Thank you very much for coming to speak.
[1:16:12] The next speaker is Amanda Hebel, helping with teacher supplies.
[1:16:15] Welcome, Ms. Hebel.
[1:16:21] Hey, friends. I'm back. I know you missed me.
[1:16:25] I'm here tonight for a simple request.
[1:16:28] First, I need my teachers that are watching, especially those of you who are
[1:16:32] redeployed or moving to a new classroom, to begin sharing your
[1:16:36] Amazon wish lists. Second, we need you, district
[1:16:40] office and school board, to help those teachers that are being redeployed
[1:16:44] pay for their new classrooms, because you know what the district supplies?
[1:16:48] Four walls, and if you're lucky, enough desks and chairs for all your
[1:16:52] students. Since most of you haven't been in a teaching position in well
[1:16:57] over a decade, or ever, you may not realize the cost of turning
[1:17:01] a classroom into a home. Teachers who have been in a classroom for at
[1:17:04] least a year usually have a stockpile of materials that they may or may not
[1:17:08] reuse each year. However, new teachers and
[1:17:12] those that you're putting back into classrooms won't have those materials on hand.
[1:17:16] It's highly unlikely that the Title I facilitators, middle school coaches,
[1:17:21] innovative learning coordinators, and anyone else the district has moved back into
[1:17:24] the classroom will still have materials from when they were classroom teachers,
[1:17:28] some more than 15 years ago.
[1:17:31] What the district doesn't provide are things like books, classroom
[1:17:35] decor, lamps, expo markers, chart paper, more books, index cards,
[1:17:39] folders, crayons, markers, colored pencils, scissors, even
[1:17:42] more books, writing paper, pencils, pencils, and more
[1:17:46] pencils, cardstock, books, composition notebooks,
[1:17:50] magnets, copy paper, books, flexible seating options, hand
[1:17:54] sanitizer, tissues, indoor recess items, playground equipment,
[1:17:58] headphones, pencil pouches, supply boxes, special education
[1:18:01] curriculum, and so much more. Did I mention pencils and
[1:18:05] books?
[1:18:06] These are some items that make a classroom functional and feel like a second home.
[1:18:10] The average cost is approximately $2,828,
[1:18:14] give or take, depending on the grade level. And I know what you're going to say.
[1:18:18] There are supply lists for parents to purchase these items.
[1:18:21] But what about our Title I families?
[1:18:23] Are they expected to foot the bill for your redeployed employees?
[1:18:27] My ask is simple. Help the people you are displacing.
[1:18:31] First, start supply drives so that those with the means
[1:18:35] can help toward this daunting list.
[1:18:38] Second, raise the millage. You knew you were opening two new
[1:18:42] schools, yet you're refusing to fund them appropriately.
[1:18:45] This has been years in the making. You've had the time.
[1:18:48] Third, don't take a raise. Instead, use that money to help
[1:18:52] supply these classrooms. Dr. Dixon alone has received a salary
[1:18:56] increase of $125,000 since being named superintendent in
[1:19:00] 2022. Can you imagine what the salary increases for the rest of the
[1:19:04] cabinet have been? How many teachers could we have hired?
[1:19:07] How many classrooms could we have supplied?
[1:19:09] How many students could have benefited if just once you had said,
[1:19:13] "I'll defer my raise"?
[1:19:17] Thank you, Ms. Hibel. Up next, Ms. Lindsey Dragel, Budget and
[1:19:21] Accountability.
[1:19:25] Welcome.
[1:19:31] Good evening.
[1:19:33] My name is Lindsey Dragel. Not only am I a mom, I was an early childhood
[1:19:37] educator for over 20 years. Most teachers will tell you that once you're an
[1:19:41] educator, you're always an educator.
[1:19:43] It's hard for me to look past my own child's growing reluctance to go to
[1:19:47] school every day and not see the same thing happening to so many others.
[1:19:51] My background also includes being a director, which means I'm trained to step back
[1:19:55] and see the big picture. And right now, the picture is not good.
[1:19:58] The teachers are struggling, the administrators are struggling, the district is
[1:20:02] struggling. The system is failing our students.
[1:20:05] As a parent and educator at heart, I cannot sit back and watch the continuing
[1:20:08] downward spiral of our schools.
[1:20:11] When parents and employees begin bring forward data and
[1:20:15] concerns, the response has been redirection or deflection rather than
[1:20:19] answers,
[1:20:20] if we even get a response at all. I understand this board receives
[1:20:24] a lot of pressure from many directions, but you were elected by the
[1:20:28] community and the first stop beyond school administrators
[1:20:32] to bring our concerns to. We are worried about starting the school
[1:20:36] year without enough staff. We're worried about starting the year in survival mode.
[1:20:41] As of today, Applitrack, a job posting system the
[1:20:45] district uses, is currently showing over 100 open teaching positions with
[1:20:49] six weeks until school starts, and that number is likely just the surface.
[1:20:53] When positions are cut and allocations are reduced, the vacancies don't disappear,
[1:20:57] they just become invisible. The district even moved
[1:21:00] $4.1 million in salaries off the general fund
[1:21:04] into a separate fund this year. Redeploying employees into vacant
[1:21:08] teaching positions from positions that have been cut to prevent layoffs is only
[1:21:12] half the story. If the general fund grew by $31.9
[1:21:16] million and required a one-time $1.9
[1:21:20] million
[1:21:22] legal settlement transfer just to balance, what does that say about the
[1:21:25] underlying structural gap? How does a $31.9
[1:21:29] million general fund increase still produce staffing cuts?
[1:21:33] You cut one tax and raised another to match,
[1:21:36] then still cut
[1:21:40] staff. That was a choice. Opening two new schools doesn't fully explain the
[1:21:44] gap this size. The decisions you are making are not working.
[1:21:47] Some spend time in your schools, forget about the influences in your
[1:21:51] ears that are encouraging these decisions, and consider the human
[1:21:54] cost. Maybe we need to not spend money on the wrong things, like
[1:21:58] heartwarming videos. The district is promoting beautiful propaganda while the
[1:22:02] schools burn. We don't need more highlight reels.
[1:22:05] We need this board to spend time in actual schools and listen to what is being
[1:22:08] said, not manage the narrative around it.
[1:22:11] When I talk to teachers and fellow parents, the frustration is real and
[1:22:15] widespread. But frustration whispered in parking lots and social
[1:22:18] media doesn't move anything. So I'm asking you, the people in this room and the
[1:22:22] people watching tonight,
[1:22:25] make it loud, send an email, sign up to speak, show up,
[1:22:29] because the only thing this board cannot ignore is a room that won't stop filling
[1:22:32] up. Thank you.
[1:22:33] Thank you for speaking. The next speaker is Sarah Khalil.
[1:22:38] "Are you serving your stakeholders?" is the nature of her
[1:22:43] speaking. Welcome, Ms. Khalil.
[1:22:47] Good evening. My name is Sarah Khalil, and I am a representative of the Berkeley
[1:22:50] County Education Association. Tonight I ask the school
[1:22:54] board to reflect on one question. Are you serving your
[1:22:58] stakeholders? You are the elected representatives of the
[1:23:01] entire community served by Berkeley County School District.
[1:23:05] We depend on you to hold the district
[1:23:08] accountable for meeting the needs of students, teachers, and
[1:23:12] families. The district's decisions are hurting real
[1:23:16] people.
[1:23:17] Students deserve schools that are fully staffed, and by fully staffed I
[1:23:21] don't mean redeploying necessary staff to hide the number of
[1:23:24] vacancies. Parents deserve public schools that fully serve
[1:23:28] their children with robust arts programs, realistic class
[1:23:32] sizes, and academic programs tailored to each student's needs.
[1:23:36] Teachers deserve supportive work environments where they are not overburdened with
[1:23:40] tasks beyond the scope of an instructional day,
[1:23:44] and they deserve not to be harassed and intimidated by their
[1:23:47] administration and/or the district office for voicing
[1:23:51] concerns. The community deserves transparency from the
[1:23:55] district office, not rigged statistics, hidden
[1:23:58] salaries, and last-minute decisions.
[1:24:01] They don't deserve a district driven by corruption and nepotism where
[1:24:05] executives serve only their families, friends, and professional
[1:24:08] connections. Instead, stakeholders in BCSD are
[1:24:12] being completely overlooked.
[1:24:15] The district is refusing to respond to concerns and questions from the
[1:24:18] community.
[1:24:20] This lack of response is a sure sign that they do not value their
[1:24:23] stakeholders. They do not value their input.
[1:24:26] They do not value their concerns. They do not value their employees or the
[1:24:30] damage they have caused to their lives and careers.
[1:24:33] They do not value effective teachers. They do not value retaining them.
[1:24:37] They do not value our students as whole children.
[1:24:40] They do not value the support that these students need beyond the standardized
[1:24:44] curriculum. They do not value the families who have come forward with
[1:24:47] serious concerns and pleas for help.
[1:24:50] They do not value the damage and distress their self-centered decisions have
[1:24:54] caused. Because right now, the only thing the district office cares
[1:24:57] about is the district office.
[1:25:00] We do not value your propaganda, your endless loop of PR
[1:25:04] videos trying to put a glossy finish over deep systemic issues in this
[1:25:08] district. Fancy videos don't solve real problems.
[1:25:12] It is your job to make sure we solve them.
[1:25:16] Respond to your stakeholders' emails, calls, and requests for help and
[1:25:19] information. Fully staff our schools.
[1:25:22] Give us back our support positions.
[1:25:24] Tell teachers where they're going to land next year immediately.
[1:25:28] Reimburse them for the extra days, supplies, and miles required to
[1:25:32] create new classrooms. Raise the millage and
[1:25:36] fund our schools. Make district-level salaries public,
[1:25:40] just as CCSD does. If the district needs to make cuts,
[1:25:44] start with its hidden salaries. If they aren't publicly available, they must have
[1:25:48] something to hide. How do you justify inflated salaries when they aren't
[1:25:52] fulfilling their responsibilities?
[1:25:54] Perhaps the district office should ask teachers how to do more with less,
[1:25:58] something teachers have been doing for years. Thank you.
[1:26:02] Thank you, Ms. Khalil.
[1:26:05] Up next, agenda item six,
[1:26:10] superintendent's report. Dr. Dixon, you're recognized.
[1:26:14] All right.
[1:26:15] Good evening, BCSD board of trustees, senior-level
[1:26:19] cabinet, district staff, citizens, and guests.
[1:26:23] Before beginning tonight's business, I want to first express my sincere gratitude
[1:26:27] for the outpouring of support my family and I received during the sad,
[1:26:31] sudden illness and passing of my aunt.
[1:26:33] Your prayers, cards, calls, and words of encouragement were deeply
[1:26:37] appreciated. During difficult times, you're reminded that
[1:26:41] beyond titles and positions, we are a community of people
[1:26:45] who care for one another. For that, my family and I are truly
[1:26:48] grateful.
[1:26:50] Thank you. And tonight, I bring before you, we bring before you,
[1:26:54] the second reading of the fiscal year 26/27 budget.
[1:26:58] This budget represents months of hard work, collaboration,
[1:27:02] innovation, and thoughtful decision-making.
[1:27:05] The board of trustees has been an integral partner throughout this process.
[1:27:10] While difficult decisions were necessary, I believe this budget is well-developed,
[1:27:14] fiscally responsible, and responsive to the economic realities facing our
[1:27:18] country, our county, our state, and our
[1:27:21] nation. Over the past four years, the district has
[1:27:25] experienced significant growth and achievement, and we cannot ignore that.
[1:27:31] I have shared these accomplishments with you on many
[1:27:34] occasions. While we are proud of our progress, we are not
[1:27:38] satisfied. We remain committed to continuous
[1:27:42] improvement and to ensuring that our time, talent,
[1:27:46] and resources remain focused where they matter the most,
[1:27:50] in the classroom. As part of this budget, we have consolidated
[1:27:54] senior cabinet positions, and upon
[1:27:57] approval, we will begin strategically realigning responsibilities
[1:28:01] among these highly qualified leaders.
[1:28:04] We have also repurposed school-level positions to strengthen impact
[1:28:08] in curriculum and instruction,
[1:28:10] while ensuring we have highly qualified teachers in the classroom
[1:28:14] and allowing more funds to schools to be used to
[1:28:17] directly impact student achievement.
[1:28:21] This is not new to Berkeley County, Charleston County, Dorchester
[1:28:25] 2, or Dorchester 4. This happens in every
[1:28:29] district. These changes are not simply
[1:28:32] organizational. They're intentional efforts to strengthen
[1:28:36] support for our schools, our principals, our
[1:28:40] teachers, our staff, our students, and
[1:28:43] families. Positions may have been redeployed,
[1:28:48] but unlike certain other places and other districts across our state,
[1:28:53] they have not lost any jobs. We have
[1:28:57] maintained and ensured that everyone has a position.
[1:29:02] Education is not a linear system. Every individual plays
[1:29:06] an essential role in student success.
[1:29:09] We need students in school and on time.
[1:29:13] We need nutritious meals that fuel learning.
[1:29:16] We need clean, safe, and well-maintained facilities where students can
[1:29:20] thrive. We need reliable technological infrastructure
[1:29:24] that allows instruction to occur without interruption.
[1:29:28] We need social and emotional and academic support that
[1:29:33] develop the whole child.
[1:29:35] We need leaders who are committed to the vision
[1:29:39] and teachers who place students first and embrace the
[1:29:42] power of an aligned research base curriculum.
[1:29:48] Research. Research consistently demonstrates that a
[1:29:51] guaranteed and viable curriculum is among the most
[1:29:55] significant school-based factors influencing student
[1:29:59] achievement. The budget before you supports each of these critical
[1:30:02] areas. Over the past several weeks, some have
[1:30:06] suggested that increasing taxes is necessary to address our
[1:30:10] financial challenges. As both a taxpayer
[1:30:14] and the superintendent of Berkeley County School District, I respectfully
[1:30:17] disagree that now is the appropriate time to increase the overall
[1:30:21] tax burden on our citizens. Instead, I
[1:30:25] stand firmly behind the proposed millage swap
[1:30:29] A strategy made possible because of the strong financial
[1:30:32] stewardship this board has demonstrated over the past four years.
[1:30:37] By shifting existing millage rather than increasing the
[1:30:41] overall rate, we are able to maintain critical
[1:30:45] services, preserve investments in our students and staff,
[1:30:49] and avoid placing additional financial strain on the
[1:30:53] families we serve.
[1:30:55] This approach provides meaningful relief to working families at a
[1:30:59] time when many continue to experience the effects of
[1:31:03] inflation and rising costs of living.
[1:31:06] Importantly,
[1:31:08] because many of our employees also reside in Berkeley
[1:31:12] County, this strategy allows them to retain more of their
[1:31:15] hard-earned income,
[1:31:17] and in many ways, it serves as an additional investment in our
[1:31:21] workforce without requiring additional district
[1:31:24] expenditures. This decision reflects several important
[1:31:28] principles. Relief for working families by avoiding
[1:31:32] additional local tax burdens.
[1:31:34] Protecting the take-home pay of our resident employees
[1:31:38] by avoiding additional tax increases.
[1:31:42] Fiscal accountability through responsible stewardship of taxpayer
[1:31:45] dollars.
[1:31:46] We got that funding
[1:31:47] Resource optimization by prioritizing needs,
[1:31:51] redeploying positions that are recurring costs,
[1:31:54] reallocating existing resources efficiently, and
[1:31:58] funding critical initiatives such as employee step increases
[1:32:02] and additional special education support without
[1:32:06] expanding the overall tax base.
[1:32:09] And this opportunity will allow us to put more of our
[1:32:12] federal dollars, our Title I funding, that
[1:32:16] we are using to creatively and innovatively
[1:32:20] redeploy into the hands of schools.
[1:32:23] As a principal, as an assistant principal, as a teacher,
[1:32:27] I never worked for a principal that did not provide me with the supplies
[1:32:31] I needed. And our state also provides us with
[1:32:35] teachers with teacher supply checks to help cover those resources.
[1:32:39] And we've always supported... I'm talking, no one else.
[1:32:44] And we've always supported our teachers when they needed the
[1:32:48] support with their funding.
[1:32:51] This is what responsible governance looks like.
[1:32:54] I also want to acknowledge something that often goes unnoticed.
[1:32:58] Public education is built on public trust, and public
[1:33:02] service naturally invites differing opinions,
[1:33:05] disagreements, and criticism. Healthy dialogue
[1:33:09] is essential in a democracy, and every citizen has the
[1:33:13] right to express their views. However, I
[1:33:17] believe there is a difference between disagreement and a personal
[1:33:20] attack.
[1:33:22] Many members of the senior leadership team, including myself,
[1:33:26] have endured personal attacks on multiple occasions.
[1:33:30] Yet through it all, this team has continued to lead with
[1:33:34] integrity, professionalism, and unwavering focus
[1:33:38] on what matters most, our students.
[1:33:41] To my senior leadership team, I want to publicly thank you.
[1:33:45] Your resilience, courage, and steadfast commitment to our
[1:33:49] mission have been exemplary, and I'm honored to serve
[1:33:53] alongside of you each and every day.
[1:33:57] Leadership is not always easy.
[1:33:59] To whom much is given, much is required, and it requires
[1:34:03] resilience, courage, and an unwavering focus on purpose.
[1:34:08] Those who serve in leadership positions understand that criticism
[1:34:12] often accompanies responsibility, yet we must never
[1:34:16] allow disagreements among adults to distract
[1:34:20] us from our shared mission.
[1:34:23] Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "We must learn to live together
[1:34:27] as brothers or perish together as fools." I believe
[1:34:31] those words are as relevant today as they have ever been.
[1:34:35] Progress does not require uniformity of thought.
[1:34:39] It does, however, require respect,
[1:34:43] understanding, and a willingness to work together for the common good.
[1:34:47] We will not always agree, and different perspectives can
[1:34:51] strengthen our work when approached constructively.
[1:34:55] Personal attacks do not help.
[1:34:58] We can choose collaboration over division,
[1:35:01] solutions over conflict, and service over
[1:35:05] self-interest. That commitment becomes even more
[1:35:08] important during difficult moments.
[1:35:11] During times when we read Facebook messages that personally attack
[1:35:15] our families, our personal lives, and those that are
[1:35:19] around us.
[1:35:20] Everyone up here, including myself, has a son that has that
[1:35:24] available. And if we care anything
[1:35:27] about any human, to have a 16-year-old read
[1:35:31] these attacks should mean something to you.
[1:35:36] So that commitment becomes even more important during our difficult moments,
[1:35:40] particularly when criticism becomes personal or when
[1:35:44] efforts are made to undermine individuals rather than
[1:35:47] improve the system. Our responsibility remains
[1:35:51] unchanged. To stay focused on our mission during the good
[1:35:55] and the bad, and to continue doing what is best for
[1:35:59] the students, the staff, and the families we serve.
[1:36:04] My prayer is to never stop moving forward.
[1:36:07] We will remain focused on the real work before us, creating
[1:36:11] the conditions that ensure every student in Berkeley County receives
[1:36:15] an exceptional education and every employee feels
[1:36:19] valued and supported.
[1:36:22] The work is too important to allow division
[1:36:25] among
[1:36:29] students, adults to derail creating
[1:36:32] conditions for principals to lead, for teachers and
[1:36:36] staff to thrive, for students to achieve, and for our
[1:36:40] families and communities to benefit. Will we get it right all the time?
[1:36:45] No. Will we do our best to try? If we
[1:36:49] have time to try to do so, if we are allowed that
[1:36:52] grace, we will ensure that we will.
[1:36:55] Thank you for your continued leadership, partnership, and commitment
[1:36:59] to the children of Berkeley County School District.
[1:37:02] Thank you.
[1:37:03] Thank you, Dr. Dixon.
[1:37:06] We'll now move on from action from executive session.
[1:37:10] We'll start with student attendance appeals.
[1:37:13] We'll start with student number one for attendance appeals.
[1:37:17] Madam Chair, I move that we grant the appeal.
[1:37:19] Second.
[1:37:21] Which one is this?
[1:37:22] Student number one, attendance appeal.
[1:37:24] Okay.
[1:37:25] There's a motion by Mr. McQuillan, a second by Mr.
[1:37:28] Borden to grant the appeal. Any further discussion?
[1:37:33] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:37:37] Aye.
[1:37:38] Aye.
[1:37:39] Opposed, nay.
[1:37:40] Nay.
[1:37:41] Nay.
[1:37:42] Let's go. Ayes.
[1:37:46] One, two, three, four, five. The ayes have it.
[1:37:49] What was the-
[1:37:50] Five-four.
[1:37:51] Okay.
[1:37:52] Student number two.
[1:37:54] Madam Chair, I move that we grant the appeal and approve the student's
[1:37:58] request.
[1:37:58] Second.
[1:37:59] Second.
[1:37:59] There's a motion by Ms. Coates, a second by Mr.
[1:38:02] Borden to grant the appeal of student number two.
[1:38:05] Any further discussion?
[1:38:07] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:38:11] Aye.
[1:38:11] Aye.
[1:38:11] Aye.
[1:38:12] Opposed, nay.
[1:38:14] Nay.
[1:38:15] The ayes have it, eight-one. Ms. Littleton, on student one,
[1:38:20] were you affirmative or negative? I may have marked you down wrong.
[1:38:24] Affirmative. Affirmative.
[1:38:25] 6-3.
[1:38:26] It was six-three on student number one, eight-one on student
[1:38:30] number two. We'll now hear a motion for student number three.
[1:38:34] I move that we grant the appeal for student number three.
[1:38:37] Second.
[1:38:37] I approve.
[1:38:38] There's a motion by Wofford, a second by Coates
[1:38:42] to grant the appeal of student number three. Any further discussion?
[1:38:47] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:38:50] Aye.
[1:38:51] Aye.
[1:38:52] Aye.
[1:38:52] Opposed, nay.
[1:38:53] Nay.
[1:38:55] The ayes have it, eight-one. Student number four.
[1:38:58] Madam Chair, I move that we deny the appeal.
[1:39:00] Second. There's a motion by Mr. McQuillan, a second by Ms.
[1:39:04] Davenport to deny the appeal of student number four.
[1:39:07] Any further discussion?
[1:39:09] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:39:13] Aye.
[1:39:13] Aye. Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:39:18] The ayes have it.
[1:39:20] Student number five.
[1:39:22] Madam Chair-
[1:39:23] Madam-
[1:39:23] Go ahead.
[1:39:23] Madam Chair, I move that we deny the appeal of student number five.
[1:39:26] Second.
[1:39:27] Motion by Ms. Coates, second by Mr.
[1:39:29] McQuillan to deny the appeal of student number five.
[1:39:32] Is there any further discussion?
[1:39:34] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:39:38] Aye.
[1:39:39] Aye. Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:39:44] The ayes have it nine-zero. Student number six.
[1:39:48] Madam Chair, I move that we deny the appeal.
[1:39:50] Second.
[1:39:51] There's a motion by Mr. McQuillan, a second by Ms.
[1:39:53] Coates to deny the appeal of student number six.
[1:39:57] Is there any further discussion?
[1:39:59] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:40:03] Aye.
[1:40:04] Aye. Aye.
[1:40:06] Opposed, nay.
[1:40:08] The ayes have it.
[1:40:10] Student number seven.
[1:40:13] Madam Chair, I move that we deny the appeal of student number seven.
[1:40:16] Second.
[1:40:17] Second. There's a motion by Ms. Coates, a second by Mr.
[1:40:20] Borden
[1:40:21] to deny the appeal of student number seven. Is there any further discussion?
[1:40:25] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:40:29] Aye.
[1:40:30] Aye.
[1:40:31] Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:40:34] The ayes have it. Students eight and nine
[1:40:38] are related, and they will be heard together.
[1:40:40] Motion for students eight and nine.
[1:40:43] Move to deny the appeals.
[1:40:45] Second.
[1:40:46] There's a motion by Mr. McQuillan, a second by Ms.
[1:40:48] Bradley to deny the appeals of students eight and nine.
[1:40:52] Any further discussion?
[1:40:55] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:40:59] Aye.
[1:40:59] Aye. Aye.
[1:41:01] Opposed, nay.
[1:41:03] The ayes have it. Student number 10.
[1:41:06] Madam Chair, I make a motion that we approve the appeal of student number 10.
[1:41:10] Second.
[1:41:10] There's a motion by Ms. Coates, a second by Mr.
[1:41:13] Borden to grant the appeal of student number 10.
[1:41:16] Is there any further discussion?
[1:41:18] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:41:22] Aye.
[1:41:23] Aye.
[1:41:25] Aye.
[1:41:25] Aye.
[1:41:25] Opposed, nay.
[1:41:26] Nay.
[1:41:28] The ayes have it, eight-one.
[1:41:31] Students 11 and 12 are related and will be heard together.
[1:41:35] Is there a motion for students 11 and 12?
[1:41:37] Move to deny.
[1:41:39] Second.
[1:41:40] There's a motion by Mr. McQuillan, a second by Mr.
[1:41:43] Baker to deny the appeal of students 11 and 12.
[1:41:46] Is there any further discussion?
[1:41:49] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:41:53] Aye.
[1:41:53] Aye.
[1:41:55] Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:41:57] The ayes have it. Student number 13.
[1:42:00] Madam Chair, I move that we deny the appeal of student number 13.
[1:42:04] Second. There's a motion by Ms. Coates, a second by Ms.
[1:42:07] Davenport to deny the appeal of student 13.
[1:42:10] Is there any further discussion?
[1:42:13] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:42:17] Aye.
[1:42:19] Aye. Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:42:22] The ayes have it nine-zero.
[1:42:25] Student number 14.
[1:42:28] Move that we deny the appeal of student number 14.
[1:42:31] Second.
[1:42:32] There's a motion by Mr. Baker, a second by Mr.
[1:42:34] McQuillan to deny the appeal of student number 14.
[1:42:37] Is there any further discussion?
[1:42:40] Hearing none, I'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:42:44] Aye.
[1:42:44] Aye. Aye.
[1:42:46] Opposed, nay.
[1:42:48] The ayes have it nine zero. In the matter of
[1:42:52] Student 15, I move that we grant the appeal of student
[1:42:56] number 15.
[1:42:57] Second.
[1:42:59] There's a motion by Wofford, a second by Ms.
[1:43:01] Coates to grant the appeal of student 15.
[1:43:04] Is there any further discussion?
[1:43:07] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:43:11] Aye.
[1:43:12] Aye.
[1:43:13] Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:43:15] Nay.
[1:43:15] Nay.
[1:43:17] The ayes have it seven two. In the matter of student number
[1:43:21] 16-
[1:43:22] I think it was three
[1:43:24] Oh, I'm sorry. Six three?
[1:43:25] Yeah.
[1:43:26] Six three.
[1:43:28] Me, Matt, and JP.
[1:43:28] Borden, Baker, McQuillan.
[1:43:32] And the poor new software can't catch up, so we'll just have a whole bunch of no's.
[1:43:36] I'm making a note. Yeah.
[1:43:37] It's bad. Student number 16. Is there a motion for
[1:43:41] student number 16?
[1:43:42] Move that we deny the appeal of student 16.
[1:43:45] Second.
[1:43:46] Second.
[1:43:46] There's a motion by Mr. Baker, a second by Mr.
[1:43:48] Borden, to deny the appeal of student 16.
[1:43:51] Is there any further discussion?
[1:43:54] Hear-
[1:43:54] Real quick. Isn't 15 and 16, aren't they siblings?
[1:43:59] They are related.
[1:44:01] Related.
[1:44:02] They're related.
[1:44:03] All right. So everybody that voted yes, remember that.
[1:44:05] They're related.
[1:44:07] All in favor to deny the appeal,
[1:44:10] please respond by saying aye.
[1:44:12] Aye.
[1:44:13] Opposed, nay. Nay.
[1:44:16] The ayes have it. It is denied for student
[1:44:20] 16.
[1:44:22] Student number 17.
[1:44:24] Madam Chair, I move that we deny the appeal of student number 17.
[1:44:28] Second.
[1:44:29] There's a motion by Ms. Coates,
[1:44:31] a second
[1:44:32] by Ms. Davenport to deny the appeal of student
[1:44:36] 17. Is there any further discussion?
[1:44:39] Hearing none, I'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:44:43] Aye.
[1:44:44] Aye.
[1:44:46] Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:44:48] The ayes have it nine zero.
[1:44:51] For student number one for out-of-district appeals.
[1:44:55] Move to deny.
[1:44:57] Second.
[1:44:57] There's a motion by Mr. McQuillan, a second by Ms.
[1:44:59] Davenport to deny the appeal of the out-of-district appeal
[1:45:03] student number one. Is there any further discussion?
[1:45:07] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:45:11] Aye.
[1:45:12] Opposed, nay.
[1:45:14] Nay.
[1:45:15] The ayes have it eight one. Student number two for
[1:45:19] out-of-district appeals.
[1:45:20] Move to deny.
[1:45:22] Second.
[1:45:22] There's a motion by Mr. McQuillan, a second by Mr.
[1:45:25] Borden
[1:45:27] to deny the appeal of student number two for out of district.
[1:45:31] Is there any further discussion?
[1:45:34] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:45:37] Aye.
[1:45:38] Aye.
[1:45:39] Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:45:43] The ayes have it nine zero.
[1:45:46] We'll now move on to HR
[1:45:51] from executive session.
[1:45:52] Madam Chair, I move to accept the
[1:45:55] personnel recommendations of the administration as discussed in executive session
[1:45:59] for the current school year.
[1:46:01] Second. There's a motion by McQuillan, a second by Wofford
[1:46:05] to accept the personnel recommendations of the administration as discussed in
[1:46:09] executive session for the current school year. Is there any further discussion?
[1:46:14] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:46:18] Aye.
[1:46:19] Aye. Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:46:21] The ayes have it nine zero.
[1:46:24] Madam Chair, I move to accept the recommendation of the administration to name
[1:46:28] Samantha Kelleher as Director of Support and Compliance with a
[1:46:31] contract date to begin July 1st, 2026.
[1:46:35] Second.
[1:46:36] There's a motion by Ms. Davenport, a second by Wofford to name Samantha
[1:46:40] Kelleher as the Director of Support and Compliance with a contract to begin on
[1:46:44] July 1, 2026. Is there any further discussion?
[1:46:48] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:46:52] Aye.
[1:46:52] Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:46:55] The ayes have it nine zero. Congratulations, Ms. Kelleher.
[1:46:59] She's not able to attend tonight.
[1:47:04] All right.
[1:47:06] Madam Chair, I move to accept the recommendation of the administration to name Dr.
[1:47:10] Maya Rosenberg as Coordinator of Related Services with a
[1:47:13] contract date to begin July 1st, 2026.
[1:47:16] Second.
[1:47:17] There's a motion by Ms. Davenport, a second by Mr. Borden.
[1:47:20] Is there any further discussion?
[1:47:23] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:47:27] Aye.
[1:47:28] Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:47:30] The ayes have it nine zero. Congratulations, Dr. Rosenberg.
[1:47:39] Dr. Rosenberg was not able to be here tonight.
[1:47:43] Madam Chair, I move to accept the recommendation of the administration to
[1:47:47] name Stephanie Mansfield as Coordinator of Special
[1:47:51] Services for the middle school with a contract to begin July
[1:47:54] 13th, 2026.
[1:47:56] Second.
[1:47:57] There's a motion by Ms. Bradley, a second by Mr. Borden.
[1:48:00] Is there any further discussion?
[1:48:02] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:48:06] Aye.
[1:48:08] Aye. Opposed, nay. The ayes have it nine zero.
[1:48:11] Congratulations, Ms. Mansfield.
[1:48:23] Madam Chair, I move to accept the recommendation of the administration to name
[1:48:27] Latonya Brown as Coordinator Special Services for compliance with the
[1:48:30] contract to begin July 1st, 2026.
[1:48:33] Second.
[1:48:34] Second.
[1:48:34] There's a motion by Ms. Coates, a second by Ms. Davenport.
[1:48:37] Is there any further discussion?
[1:48:39] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:48:43] Aye.
[1:48:45] Aye. Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:48:47] The ayes have it nine zero. Congratulations, Ms. Brown.
[1:48:59] Madam Chair, I move to accept the recommendation of the administration to
[1:49:03] name Dr. Gilbertha Sandy Delice as
[1:49:07] coordinator special services for the elementary schools, with a contract to
[1:49:11] begin July 13th, 2026.
[1:49:14] Second.
[1:49:15] There's a motion by Ms. Bradley, a second by Mr. Borden, to name Dr.
[1:49:19] Sandy Delice as the coordinator of special services elementary, with a
[1:49:23] contract to begin July 13th, 2026.
[1:49:26] Is there any further discussion?
[1:49:28] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:49:32] Aye.
[1:49:33] Aye. Opposed, nay. The ayes have it, nine zero.
[1:49:37] Congratulations, Dr. Delice.
[1:49:47] Madam Chair, I move to accept the recommendation of the administration to name Mrs.
[1:49:51] Leslie Creel as coordinator of special service secondary,
[1:49:55] with a contract to begin July 13th, 2026.
[1:49:59] Second.
[1:50:00] There's a motion by Ms. Coates, a second by Mr. Borden.
[1:50:02] Is there any further discussion?
[1:50:05] Hearing none, we'll call the question.
[1:50:06] All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:50:09] Aye.
[1:50:10] Aye. Opposed, nay. I'm sorry, Cathy.
[1:50:15] The ayes have it. Congratulations,
[1:50:25] Ms. Creel. Congratulations.
[1:50:25] Madam Chair, I move to accept the recommendation of the administration to name
[1:50:29] Janet Kehoe as assistant principal at Stratford High School, with a contract to
[1:50:33] begin July 13th, 2026.
[1:50:36] Second.
[1:50:37] There's a motion by Mr. Baker, a second by Ms. Davenport.
[1:50:40] Is there any further discussion? Hearing none, we'll call the question.
[1:50:44] All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:50:46] Aye.
[1:50:47] Aye.
[1:50:48] Aye. Opposed, nay. The ayes have it, nine zero. Congratulations, Ms.
[1:50:52] Kehoe.
[1:51:00] Madam Chair, I move to accept the recommendation of the administration to name
[1:51:03] Blake Hall as the assistant principal at Stratford High School, with a
[1:51:07] contract to begin July 13th, 2026.
[1:51:10] Second.
[1:51:10] There's a motion by Mr. Baker, a second by Ms. Davenport.
[1:51:13] Is there any further discussion?
[1:51:15] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:51:19] Aye.
[1:51:21] Aye. Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:51:23] The ayes have it, nine zero. Congratulations. Mr.
[1:51:27] Hall is not able to be with us tonight, but congratulations nonetheless.
[1:51:35] Madam Chair, I move to accept the recommendation of the administration
[1:51:39] to name Dr. Vanessa Middleton as coordinator of math,
[1:51:43] grades 6 through 12, with a contract to begin July 13th,
[1:51:47] 2026.
[1:51:48] Second.
[1:51:49] There's a motion by Ms. Bradley, a second by Mr. Borden.
[1:51:52] Is there any further discussion?
[1:51:54] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:51:58] Aye.
[1:51:58] Aye.
[1:52:00] Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:52:02] The ayes have it, nine zero. Congratulations, Dr. Middleton.
[1:52:14] We would love for you to stay and enjoy the school board meeting.
[1:52:17] It's got a couple of items left, but if you came
[1:52:21] during your summer to be promoted to a new position and you want to
[1:52:25] go celebrate with your family, please do so.
[1:52:28] If you would like to stay for the remainder of the meeting, please feel free.
[1:52:31] We would love for you to participate.
[1:52:33] We'll now move on to the reports from the standing
[1:52:37] committees.
[1:52:39] A report from the Committee on Academics and Innovation.
[1:52:42] Because Chair Littleton is on the phone, Mr.
[1:52:45] McQuilllen will be reading the report from that committee.
[1:52:48] Madam Chair, the Committee on Academics and Innovation met on June 15th,
[1:52:51] 2026. And on recommendation of the committee, I move to approve the Head Start
[1:52:55] budget expenditures report for April 2026, credit card
[1:52:59] report for April 2026, and prospective new hires.
[1:53:03] Thank you. We have a recommendation from the committee. No second is required.
[1:53:06] Is there any further discussion?
[1:53:09] All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:53:11] Aye.
[1:53:12] Aye.
[1:53:13] Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:53:15] The ayes have it, nine zero.
[1:53:18] Madam Chair, that concludes the report.
[1:53:20] Thank you, Mr. McQuilllen. Next is the Committee on Finance and Human
[1:53:24] Resources. Chairman Michael Ramsey, you are recognized.
[1:53:28] Madam Chair, the Committee on Finance and Human Resources met on June the
[1:53:32] 15th, 2026. And on recommendation of the
[1:53:36] committee, I move to approve out-of-state travel as presented.
[1:53:40] We have a recommendation from committee. No second is required.
[1:53:42] Is there any further discussion?
[1:53:45] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:53:49] Aye.
[1:53:49] Aye.
[1:53:51] Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:53:53] The ayes have it, nine zero.
[1:53:55] Also on recommendation of the committee, I move to approve the funding
[1:53:59] flexibility as presented.
[1:54:01] We have a recommendation from committee. No second is required.
[1:54:04] Is there any further discussion?
[1:54:06] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:54:10] Aye.
[1:54:11] Aye. Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:54:13] The ayes have it, nine zero.
[1:54:15] Also on recommendation of the committee, I move to approve the issuance
[1:54:19] and sale of general obligation bonds of the school
[1:54:23] district in the principal amount not to exceed $100
[1:54:27] million for the purposes of repayment of existing
[1:54:31] debt, funding of capital projects, and funding
[1:54:35] other initiatives of the school district, and paying the cost of
[1:54:39] the issuance of the bonds.
[1:54:41] We have a recommendation from committee. No second is required.
[1:54:44] Would like to note for the minutes that Mr.
[1:54:47] McQuilllen has submitted a recusal in writing per board
[1:54:51] policy.
[1:54:52] Is there any further discussion?
[1:54:55] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:54:59] Aye.
[1:54:59] Aye.
[1:55:01] Opposed, nay.
[1:55:03] The ayes have it, eight zero one.
[1:55:07] Also on recommendation of the committee from earlier this evening, I move to
[1:55:11] approve the second reading of FY26-27
[1:55:15] general fund budget as presented.
[1:55:18] We have a recommendation from the committee, no second is required.
[1:55:21] Is there any further discussion?
[1:55:24] Madam Chair, were we able to get the figure of salaries from special
[1:55:27] rev?
[1:55:29] Dr. Ling.
[1:55:47] Thank you for doing this.
[1:55:51] Thank goodness there was a ready computer to pull things up on.
[1:55:56] Special revenue really encompasses a large
[1:55:59] list of state and federal funding for
[1:56:03] very specific categorical purposes.
[1:56:06] Tonight, I can really only share the numbers for the three
[1:56:10] grants that have been submitted from our office for the state department's initial
[1:56:14] review, which are our Title I, Title II, and Title IV
[1:56:17] grants.
[1:56:20] This year, Title I, our preliminary allocation, and
[1:56:24] we will not receive final allocations for those formula grants until
[1:56:28] around late October, but our preliminary allocation is
[1:56:32] $8,419,009.
[1:56:36] $6,501,600
[1:56:40] is what is allocated at this point in the preliminary
[1:56:44] application for instructional salaries and benefits
[1:56:48] and instructional support salaries and benefits, which is
[1:56:51] 77% of the total grant.
[1:56:54] Thank you.
[1:56:55] For the Title II grant, which this year's preliminary
[1:56:58] allocation is $1.2 million,
[1:57:03] 1.1 is set aside for
[1:57:06] instructional support salaries and benefits, which is
[1:57:10] 92% of that grant.
[1:57:13] And for Title IV, which this year's preliminary
[1:57:16] allocation is
[1:57:17] $629,347,
[1:57:21] $439,454, which is
[1:57:26] 70% of that grant, is set aside for instructional salaries and
[1:57:29] benefits and instructional support salaries and
[1:57:33] benefits.
[1:57:34] Since special revenue funds from state and federal
[1:57:38] sources are all supplemental to general operating funds,
[1:57:42] all of these positions represented in these dollars, which is
[1:57:48] 79.6% of these three grants,
[1:57:52] are all supplemental positions as well.
[1:57:55] They are not positions that are allocated through our
[1:57:58] salary formulas or our salary book.
[1:58:03] Thank you.
[1:58:04] Thank you, Dr. Ling. Any further questions or discussion related to the
[1:58:08] 2026/2027 general fund budget?
[1:58:13] Just for the board's certification, that's roughly
[1:58:16] $451 million on salaries total that'll be
[1:58:20] spent next year.
[1:58:22] Probably about 88% to 90% of the budget, I would think.
[1:58:25] It is. That's just the salaries.
[1:58:27] Yeah.
[1:58:28] That still has the other, so that's a lower-
[1:58:30] Even less that, yeah
[1:58:30] We're now hitting around 451.
[1:58:34] Any further discussion?
[1:58:36] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:58:40] Aye.
[1:58:42] Aye.
[1:58:42] Aye.
[1:58:42] Aye.
[1:58:43] Opposed, nay.
[1:58:45] The ayes have it, nine zero.
[1:58:47] Madam Chair, that concludes my report.
[1:58:49] Thank you, Mr. Ramsey. Next is the Committee on Capital Planning.
[1:58:53] Chair Joe Baker, you are recognized.
[1:58:55] Madam Chair, the Committee on Capital Planning met on June 15th,
[1:58:58] 2026, and on recommendation of the committee, I move to
[1:59:02] approve the award of
[1:59:06] IFB 76725-26 to Crew
[1:59:09] Kell Company Incorporated for an initial one-year term
[1:59:13] valued at 120,000, with the option to
[1:59:17] renew automatically for four additional one-year terms in single
[1:59:21] increments for an estimated contract value of
[1:59:23] $600,000. At the end of the five-year contract
[1:59:27] term, the superintendent may extend the contract for an additional two
[1:59:30] years. Actual expenditures for each contract shall not
[1:59:34] exceed the approved annual budget amounts.
[1:59:38] We have a recommendation from the committee, no second is required.
[1:59:41] Is there any further discussion?
[1:59:44] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[1:59:48] Aye.
[1:59:48] Aye.
[1:59:49] Aye. Opposed, nay.
[1:59:51] The ayes have it, nine zero.
[1:59:53] Also, on recommendation of the committee, I move to approve the award of
[1:59:57] RFQ 77125-26,
[2:00:01] Architectural and Engineering Services for Cane Bay High School addition,
[2:00:06] to Moseley Incorporated in the amount of
[2:00:08] 1,457,000.
[2:00:12] We have a recommendation from the committee, no second is required.
[2:00:15] Is there any further discussion?
[2:00:17] Very excited. I know Ms. Davenport wants to say that.
[2:00:20] Very excited to be moving ahead with the Cane Bay addition.
[2:00:24] Yes.
[2:00:25] All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[2:00:27] Aye.
[2:00:28] Aye.
[2:00:30] Aye.
[2:00:30] Aye.
[2:00:30] Opposed, nay. The ayes have it, nine zero.
[2:00:34] Also, on recommendation of the committee, I move to approve the award of
[2:00:38] Request for Qualification
[2:00:40] 77225-26,
[2:00:43] Construction Manager at Risk Services for Cane Bay
[2:00:47] High School addition to Harper General Contractors for
[2:00:51] pre-construction services in the amount of
[2:00:54] $119,200.
[2:00:57] We have a recommendation from committee, no second is required.
[2:01:01] Is there any further discussion?
[2:01:04] Hearing none, we'll call the question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[2:01:08] Aye.
[2:01:08] Aye.
[2:01:09] Aye.
[2:01:09] Aye.
[2:01:09] Opposed, nay.
[2:01:11] The ayes have it nine zero.
[2:01:13] Madam Chair, that concludes my report.
[2:01:14] Thank you, Mr. Baker.
[2:01:18] Oh, absolutely. So next is the board chair update,
[2:01:22] and I'm going to give some time back to Dr.
[2:01:25] Dixon
[2:01:27] because I think Ms. Brooks is here, and we missed the teacher forum
[2:01:29] recognition.
[2:01:31] Yes. We want to recognize the real MVP, Ms.
[2:01:34] Megan Brooks, our teacher forum representative.
[2:01:37] Let's give her a round of applause.
[2:01:41] Thank you for taking time out of your summer and tutoring to
[2:01:45] be here with us today, tonight.
[2:01:48] Thank you.
[2:01:49] So for the board chair update, there was a
[2:01:53] meeting scheduled for July the 6th.
[2:01:57] We are planning to have a July 20th meeting
[2:02:00] only. That will be the committees and then the full
[2:02:06] board after that. So no meeting on July the 6th.
[2:02:11] Both committee and full on the 20th?
[2:02:12] Both committee and full on the 20th.
[2:02:14] Yes, ma'am.
[2:02:16] Can I say something?
[2:02:17] Absolutely, Mr. McClellan.
[2:02:18] I just wanted to recognize Mr. McDowell.
[2:02:21] This is his last-- We're going to have you back, don't you worry.
[2:02:24] We're going to recognize you, but this is his last-
[2:02:26] We can get rid of him for the whole year
[2:02:26] ... meeting before he retires.
[2:02:47] Now, those are some big shoes to fill.
[2:02:50] I don't know anyone
[2:02:52] that we have that can resolve issues and
[2:02:56] calm fears, nerves, situations,
[2:02:59] deescalate like Mr. McDowell. You will be sorely
[2:03:03] missed, sir. I hope you enjoy being granddad, and as
[2:03:07] soon as you get bored of it-
[2:03:09] Back
[2:03:09] ... come on back because we'll be happy to have you.
[2:03:13] All right. I will now entertain a motion to adjourn.
[2:03:16] Make the motion.
[2:03:17] Second.
[2:03:18] There's a motion by Mr. Ramsey, a second by Mr. McClellan to adjourn.
[2:03:21] Any further discussion?
[2:03:23] Hearing none, we'll call a question. All in favor, please respond by saying aye.
[2:03:27] Aye.
[2:03:27] Aye. Opposed, nay. The ayes have it nine zero.
[2:03:31] We are adjourned.