001Go ahead and call the meeting to order. Um like to welcome everyone to our March meeting with C County School District Board of Trustees and uh we will We begin as usual with our moment of silence for invocation along with our pledge of allegiance. So I'd ask at this time if everyone would please stand for the moment of silence. Mr. Chair, as as we stand, if you don't mind, sir, um I ask that we remember several of our staff members who have lost loved ones since we last um were together. Miss Cynthia Lesington, uh Mr. Warren Thomas, board member Frederick, Coach Sam Frederick, Coach Tom Frederick, Jennifer Willford, Mrs. Murdo, as well as Mr. Reggie Lambright and Miss Brenda Goodman. If we can remember those folks tonight in our prayers, To the flag of the
002United States of America is the excuse me, the approval of the agenda. And I'd ask at this time if I hear a motion concerning the agenda that's been presented before you. >> Mr. Chairman, I move we approve the agenda as submitted. >> All right. There's a motion to approve the agenda as submitted. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second to approve the agenda submitted. Uh any discussion? If not, all those in favor of approving the agenda submitted, please signify by saying I. I. >> All oppose? No. Motion carries and the agenda stands approved. Next is the approval of the minutes for the February 16th as well as the March 2nd uh board meetings for the board of trustees. Do I hear a motion at this time concerning those minutes? >> I
003make a motion that we approve the minutes for February the 16, 2026, which was a regular board meeting and also March the 2nd, 2026 for the special call meeting. >> All right. Thank you, Miss Frederick. Uh you all have heard our motion. Is there a second? >> Second. Motion and a second to approve the minutes for February 16th as well as March the 2nd of 2026. February 16th being the regular board meeting and March 2nd being the special call board meeting. Is there any discussion? If not, all those in favor of that motion to approve the minutes of February 16th, 2026 as well as March 2nd, 2026, please signify by saying I. >> I. All oppose? No. That motion carries and those minutes now stand approved. Next is the student recognition portion. Uh and Dr.
004Tull, uh Miss Murdo, you going to handle it? Not murd. >> Murdo, we'll turn it over to you, dear. >> Thank you, sir. >> To our esteemed board members, Dr. Tull, it is my pleasure in honor to honor a young lady on this evening. for a mighty work, a mighty accomplishment that she has earned. I ask that all of our board members along with Dr. Tullik, please come forward. At this time, I ask that Principal Denkins, Assistant Principal Ziggler, and our band director, Mr. Gore, please come forward. I would like to bring to your attention that this young lady competed for a chair in the region band against 300 other participants who auditioned. And so tonight we honor Miss Kaylee Jordan as she comes forward. Kaylee got the 21st chair with the South Carolina band
005directors associations re region 4 honor band. Baby, that's an esteemed honor. Continue playing that clarinet. You understand me? and continue doing a mighty work. Ladies and gentlemen, Haley Jordan. We all know that music is a universal language. photo op. Mama, get those pictures. Make those memories. Let us give her a resounding. Job well done, Kaylee. Don't Yeah. Yeah. Is Mr. Kingston Hunter here? Well, Mr. Dinkens, please come up and receive his award. Tonight, we honor Mr. Kingston Hunter for his heroic actions of performing the Heimlick maneuver on a choking classmate. He saved his life. And so tonight we honor Mr. Kingston Hunter. Thank you all very much. Mr. chair, board members, if I may interject. Um, I had an opportunity to speak with Kingston today. Um, and he apologized for not being he had a
006baseball game tonight. Very important. >> Um, so we, um, thank you, Mr. Denkins, for getting him for me today, but I had the opportunity to thank him for his heroic actions and others around him froze. Uh, but he jumped into action and literally saved someone's life. So, we certainly appreciate all that he's done. And, um, at some point, I ask Mr. Dinkens and we can get him in front of the school and make a big fuss and embarrass him in front of his classmates. Thank you. >> That that incident happened at school >> last Friday. Yes, sir. >> Wow. I I'm lost for words. I'm taking that gets that hits me in my heart as I know it does you all. Wow. To have a young person to do that. It just absolutely >> Yeah.
007>> makes us very proud. I mean, he did it. He did it and he do it again. And uh you only hope that rubs off on some of his classmates and others. So please convey and I'd like to get his address. I'd like to send his car send him a little card. Thank you. >> Yes, sir. >> I'll get that from you. >> All right. >> Excuse me. What grade is he in? >> Fourth grade. >> Okay. >> Wow. >> You know, I shudder to thank the other side of it, but I want to thank God he was there and did what he did. It's just great. So, next on our agenda is the chairperson's report where we have um we're talking about the board meeting dates and we talked a little bit earlier about
008uh the two meetings in April. We have a meeting schedule on the 13th which is a Monday night. That is a a policies review at 6 pm at the district office. I'd ask and thrown out a date of April the 15th on that one. I think we'll be on spring break the week before that. You know, spring break starts on this Friday a week, right? >> April April >> April 2nd is our last day in class. >> April second, which is Good Friday, I think. >> April 3rd is Good Friday, right? >> Then we'll be out that whole week after that because Easter, I think, is on April the 5th, I believe. >> Yes, >> we'll be out that whole week after that. And then, so this is a board meeting that we had again
009scheduled on the 13th. And I'd ask you all to check your calendars to move it to the 15th, which is a Wednesday night. I know we don't normally meet on Wednesday night, but this being a policy meeting, we wonder if you all would agree with that. And then the other one is um a meeting on April the 20th and was asking if we could move that one to April 27th. We just be moving it up one week. Um and I for those of you that don't know, Mr. I think I told my fellow board members I'm actually involved in a we're doing a a play at the Cameron the Cahoon players down in Cameron uh it's a musical called 1776 is about the signing of the Declaration of Independence u which is kind of unique
010because this is the 250th anniversary of that signing of our Declaration of Independence and it's a it's a historical I was just telling Miss Frederick about you know it's really got some poignant moments Senate. Um Edward Ruddlich who was the and I'm getting way off the base now, but he was the delegate, one of the delegates from South Carolina. And of course in 1776, you know, the South was a big farming area and they had slaves and that was a big bone of contention in the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It almost derailed it. I say derailed it. Uh been made that it had to be a unanimous every colony had to had to vote yay. And if anyone voted no, then the declaration was off. They were not going to seek independence from
011England. And Edward Rutley was fighting hard for slavery because of what it meant to the farmers and the plantation people down in South Carolina, which is, you know, and I can talk about it today. Again, it is what it is. And again, um, I'm I'm I'm it gives me some pride to think that it was a part not Edward RDish is he was totally opposed to, you know, to doing away with slavery. Whereas Thomas Jefferson who wrote the Declaration of Independence has said, I think he said, or either John Hancock from Massachusetts who was very vocal in it, too. He'd already resolved that he was going to get rid of they all were slave owners too in the north. And then then there's a a another back and forth between the south who was, you
012know, for slavery and the northerners said because they said they weren't for it, but yet they accuse the northerners of being you're not for it, but yet you taking the ships over there and you footing the bill and you know capturing the slaves in the co Ivory coast of Africa and then bringing them back here. So you know it's all about money for you. So again, interesting story. Um and it's a historical thing. I don't say it's all true, but I mean to the best of what history revolves, but I think it's a great play. I I encourage you all to see it. It's a lot about the history of our country and I'm in that it's the week of the 20 that week of the 20th. That's why I can't I couldn't be here
013that 20 Monday night the 20th. That's why I asked to move the meeting. Um and and again, if if anyone if you all can't want to move that meeting that night, that's fine. I won't I just do without. But we need action if we're going to change the meeting. Do you all have y'all looked at your calendars as far as moving the April 13th meeting to the April 15th, which is from a Monday to a Wednesday night, and then April the 20th meeting to April 27th, which is a just moving it up one week. >> I cannot do the 27th. >> You can't do the 27th. >> Okay. All right. And and I'm I'm fine with leaving it on the 20th and you all can just I won't be here. Y'all can just have it
014and I won't be I'd rather do that. And I missed Michael than you missed. >> So So we're saying the 15th is okay, but not the 27th. >> Yeah. How about the 15th? Are you okay with the 15th, Michael? Everybody else okay with the 15th? >> I am. I'm I'm just just It's a a point. Uh that's tax day. I don't if those people that are late getting their taxes done, that would be the only thing you know about that. But uh it probably would shouldn't be a problem. It's not a problem for me. >> Okay. >> You going to have your taxes done? >> I hope so. >> Okay. Ned's getting a refund, so he get Yeah, >> I don't know about that. I know. >> All right. And then Well, let if you
015want to then do we all just leave the 20th or the 27th. We'll I mean, we'll leave the 20th meeting where it was. Okay. >> So, we going to do the 15th >> and the 20th. >> Okay. Gotcha. >> Cuz I'm going to be tied up that whole week. >> So, >> okay. >> Gotcha. >> We just moved that one and we need I guess we need action on that. Then I have a motion to move the April 13th meeting at the district office to April 15th at the district office at 6 pm. >> I'll move that we uh move the U April 13th meeting to April 15th. >> All right. Mr. Nelson made a motion to move April 13th meeting to April 15th. Um same time, 6 p.m. at the district office. Is there
016a second? Second >> motion and a second to move the April 13th meeting to April 15th, 6 pm at the district office. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor of that motion to move the April 13th meeting to April the 15th at 6 p.m. at the district office. Please signify by saying I. I. >> I. All oppose. No. That motion carries. And that's uh we'll Dr. Tullk if you all could uh put that blast out about that meeting. Again, that's the policies meeting on April the 15th will be now and we'll keep the April 20th meeting as it is. I just won't be able to be there. >> Okay. So, we'll do policies on April 15th and the regular meeting will be April 20th. >> That's correct. That that's not changing. All right.
017And that's all I have as far as a chairperson's report. So that brings us to finance, Mr. Brunson. Good evening, members of the board, Dr. Tullik, and members of our viewing audience. In your packet, you have a copy of the financial report and budget adjustments for the period of January and February 2026. Highlights of the port report include the revenue for the period. We collected 38.7 of our annual revenue and 71% has been collected year to date. Our expenses for the period were 16.2% 2% and we have expended 62% for year to date. Our encumbered expenses were 32% for the year-to- date. What would be the board's pleasure for the January February 2026 financial report and budget adjustment? Are there any questions? Anybody have any questions, Mr. Russell? And this was January and February, right,
018Mr. Russell? >> Yes, sir. >> Both the financial report and budget adjustments for both months. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. If we don't have any questions and do I hear a motion to approve the uh finance report and budget adjustments for January and February of 2026 as presented. >> I make a motion that we approve the financial report as well as the budget adjustments for both January and February of 2026. >> All right. You all heard Mr. Jenkins motion. I won't repeat it. Is there a second? Second motion and a second then to approve the monthly financial reports and budget adjustments for January and February of 2026 is presented. Is there any discussion? If not, all those in favor of that motion, please signify by saying I. >> I. All oppose? No. That motion
019carries and that those budget adjustments and financial reports stand approved. Anything else, Mr. Brunson? >> Um, just one note. We are um heavy into working on 2627 budget >> and at our next meeting I hope to bring you all the first draft. >> All right. Hope that goes well. >> Always >> I I do as well. >> I I when you tell tell us about the budget is you're doing a putting a budget together. It's hard to believe. We just I feel like we just did that last week. >> All right. But I guess that's what you get for getting old. That's what I my problem is. >> Yes. Time flies too quickly. Yeah. All right. >> Thank you, sir. >> Next and on the agenda is the superintendent report. So, Dr. Tulllet. >> Thank
020you, Mr. Chair. Again, thank you, Mr. Brunson, uh, for your presentation. Uh, this evening, Mr. Chair and board members u, Miss Keller will be coming with second reading for um, a number of policies that will be followed by the facilities update uh, by Mr. Kieran, uh, Miss Keller, and Miss Murdo will then come with a staffing update. I will then come behind them and bring a couple of updates from the superintendent's desk. Um, I ask your patience this evening as Miss Keller mentioned something about a basketball game being on tonight. So, she may rush through these policies, but please be patient with her. Thank you, Miss Keller. >> I'm a witness. >> Forgive me. Yes, USC girls are playing at 8:00. Um, tonight, good evening members of the board, Dr. Tullik, and of course our
021audience. I'd like to give second reading on 15 policies, four administrative rules, and one file. Beginning with policy CCB, line and staff relations, all school employees are responsible to the superintendent to the board. The information highlighted in yellow is the addition and the information highlighted in red should be removed. Policy HAO environmental education states the board is committed to integrating environmental education throughout the curriculum to help students gain the knowledge, skills, values, and sense of responsibility needed to use natural resources wisely. The information highlighted in red should be removed and the information highlighted in yellow is the addition. Policy IHAP consumer education states the board will lead and ensure all district school and ensure all district schools provide age appropriated coordinated consumer education access subjects with support and training for teachers. The information highlighted in
022red should be removed. The information highlighted in yellow is the addition. Policy IH AQ career transition to work education establishes the district's commitment to providing K12 students with aligned academic instruction, career guidance, work-based learning opportunities, qualified counseling support, parental involvement, and targeted assistance programs. The information highlighted in red should be removed and the information highlighted in yellow is the addition policy IHBA special education programs for students with exceptional education needs. The board will ensure that all students with exceptional needs exceptional educational needs forgive me receive a high quality education. The information highlighted in red is should be removed and the information highlighted in yellow is the addition. Administrative rule IHBA-R special education programs for children with exceptional education needs states that students are evaluated by a school psychologist reviewed by a placement committee with parent
023involvement before any special education placement monitored through periodic reviews and that parents have the right to consent request reviews and appeal decisions. The information highlighted in red should be removed and the information highlighted in yellow is the addition. Policy IHB gifted and talented programs establishes special elementary and secondary programs for students in grades 3 through 12 identified as gifted and talented using state board of education criteria to guide selection. That policy is just a date change. Policy IHBC programs for at risk/disadvantaged students requires the district to identify students at risk of dropping out and implementing state approved researchbased high school programs to support them and improve their chances at graduation. The information highlighted in red should be removed. The information highlighted in yellow is the addition policy IHBD/IHBDA compensatory education remedial instruction establishes a flexible
024district program to provide targeted academic support for students in kindergarten through grades 12. It is a date change administrative rule IHBD-R/IHBDA-R compensatory education remedial instructions under the Early Childhood Development and Assistance Act of 1993. The district must create and regularly update a researchbased plan to provide targeted early childhood and academic assistance programs. The information highlighted in red should be removed and the information highlighted in yellow is the addition policy IHBG homeschooling. Parents and guardians may homeschool their children either by joining an approved homeschool association that meets South Carolina Association of Independent Schools or another qualifying association without needing board approval or by applying for and receiving approval from the local school board with the right to appeal any denial to the South Carolina State Board of Education. The information highlighted in red should be removed.
025The information highlighted in yellow is the addition Administrative rule IHBG-R homeschooling. The district will approve homeschooling if a qualified parent provides at least 4.5 hours of instruction for 180 days using a core curriculum, keeps and submits required records and progress reports. The information highlighted in red should be removed and the information highlighted in yellow is the addition. Then we have file IHBG- the annual application for at home instruction. It is in your packet for review. The information highlighted in red should be removed and the information highlighted in yellow is the addition. That was one that we had the conversation about at our last board meeting. I'm sorry. policy IHBH charter schools explains that a charter school is a public nonprofit non-religious school within the district that must follow anti-discrimination laws, be open and tuitionfree to
026district students, meet district academic standards, operate independently under a board approved contract, and apply by March 1st for approval with the school board have an authority to approve, deny, or revoke the charter. The information highlighted in red should be removed and the information highlighted in yellow is the addition. Policy IHCA summer school states the district will offer summer school when there is sufficient interest. The information highlighted in red should be removed and the information highlighted in yellow is the addition. Policy IHCD, advanced college placement, establishes that the district offers advanced placement courses or dual credit college options for eligible students and grants college credit according to South Carolina state guidelines. That is a date change. Administrative rule ICD-R advanced college placement requires high schools to offer college board advanced placement courses to eligible 11th and
02712th graders. The information highlighted in red should be removed and the information highlighted in yellow is the addition policy IHCF child care program states in accordance with South Carolina law. The district will provide a support license before and after school child care programs for children ages 5 through 14. The information highlighted in red should be removed and the information highlighted in yellow is the addition policy. IHD adult community education establishes that the district will offer self-supporting adult and community education programs including high school equivalency preparation, diploma courses, basic education, job training and enrichment opportunities. The information highlighted in red should be removed. The information highlighted in yellow is the addition. And finally, policy IIA, grouping for instruction. Students are placed in flexible non-discriminatory groups based on their needs and success to create the best learning
028environment and minimize disruption to their education. The information highlighted in red should be removed. The information highlighted in yellow is the addition. Are there any questions on second reading of the 15 policies for administrative rules and one file? Anyone have any questions of this color? If not, then do I hear motion to take second reading on the 15 policies, four administrative rules, and one file that she has just gone over with you that are included in our packet in the uh in our packet board packet tonight? I so move, Mr. Chairman. All right. The motion made then to take second reading on the 15 policies, four administrative rules, and one file that have just been gone over and that are included in our board packet for this evening. Is there a second? >> Second. >>
029A motion and a second to take second reading on those 15 policies, four administrative rules, and one file. Is there any discussion or further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of that motion to take second reading on the 15 policies, four administrative rules, and one file is presented this evening, please signify by saying I. >> I. All oppose. No. Motion carries. And second reading has been taken. Thank you, Miss Keller. Next, Dr. Tull is still your superintendent's report, so I'll just let y'all let you take it from here. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. Thank you, uh, Mr. Keller. Mr. Karen, if you would please come with the facilities update. >> Yes, sir. Good evening, Dr. H. Distinguished board members, I come before you this evening with the facilities operations update for March 2026, St.
030Matthews Cade and Ken County High School had our fire inspections, yearly fire inspections this past month. Both inspections went very well and we're rectifying any concerns that the fire chief identified at both schools. We also had our district-wide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 11th throughout the entire district. As you know, it is it is tornado season. So, we had our tornado um drills. On March 3rd, we had an earthquake mitigation walkthrough. This also went very well. I'm waiting for the final report for any suggestions. This was the first earthquake mitigation walkthrough I've ever conducted, ever been a part of. It was set up by the Ken County Emergency Management Services. They come through and give suggestions for earthquake mitigation. So, I'm waiting that report, but that went very well as well. I'm also very pleased
031to rece uh announce that I received a response back from a safety grant that I applied for back in August. Back in August, I it was a state offered a South Carolina offered a safety grant. I applied for it. I kept waiting to hear back. I heard nothing and nothing and they told me November. I kept calling and calling. I think they were getting sick of me. After the holidays, I called again. Nothing. I said, "Well, I guess I didn't get the grant." Couple weeks ago, uh Doc Tull announced and let me know that we received the grant. The grant was for intercom upgrades throughout all three of our schools. >> Uh we received the grant. We received a half a million dollar grant. >> So, we're real happy about that. That's ecstatic and we're
032real real happy. Um that's going to be going towards our intercom systems. We're moving from a analog system to digital system. So what will simply happen is if we need to lock the school district down or secure evacue, whatever we need to do. Tornadoes coming, we can pick a phone up, connect all three schools on one phone call and do what we have to do. We can isolate different sections. We get different bell schedules. It opens up a world of possibilities for us and once again makes our school district safer by having this. So, um, we're right now we are looking at vendors. We're looking at visiting some schools that have these systems to kind of see exactly what we want, but um, we are looking at trying to get this done this summer. So,
033as we progress through this, we'll keep the board updated as we move through this this grant and this intercom system upgrades. Also, I'm pleased to announce that we'll be having May 2nd our next say not to class and that'll be 8 to 12 o'clock at the district office. So, any questions regarding the uh, facilities update, operations update for March of 2026? How many people applied for that grant? >> I don't know. Was it it was a statewide grant and that's a good question. Um, a lot of people and I don't know the exact number of school districts applied for it, but I know there were a few the few districts I've talked to, they received grants as well. And when I I shot for the moon, you know, I asked you never know what you're
034going to get. And getting a half a million is is going to help us. Congratulations. >> Yeah, I'm real real happy with that. And, you know, when you look back at safety through the school district, you what was our number one concern? Intercom system. When our intercom systems go down, they're older systems. Sometimes it could take a week or two weeks to get a part. So getting this grant was is put my mind at ease knowing we're going to get this system and you know keep this thing up and running and really prioritize safety through the school district as we always do. >> Any other questions? Facilities operations updates. >> Thank you. >> Certainly. Thank you, Mr. Karen. And again, congratulations on receiving the grant and look forward to the work that's going to be
035done to upgrade our intercom systems. Um, Miss Keller and Miss Murdo, if you would please come with the staffing update. >> Good evening again. >> So, tonight we like to provide a few updates regarding staffing. And so for us, for the office of human resources, our primary focus in recruitment is staffing our schools with certified teachers. Yeah, that's um our goal is to ensure that all students receive high quality instruction by placing a certified teacher in every classroom. Overall, staffing across the district is stable and strong. We have maintained a high level of teacher placement to support our schools and students effectively. I described I describe staffing as strong and stable because 97% of our teachers in a certified teaching in teaching positions are certified. We filled them with certified teachers. Only 3% of our
036teachers 3% of our teaching assignments are currently filled with non-certified individuals. This reflects our district's continued focus on prioritizing certified educators in our classroom. And while I'm on that slide, um um what happened to is this year the Department of Ed launched a pilot program that said we can hire non-certified teachers up to 10% of teachers in our schools can be non-certified. However, we didn't apply to be a part of that pilot program because our staffing level is a lot lower than the 10%. Again, most of our positions are filled with certified teachers. The positions that are that are teaching positions that are staffed with non-certified teachers are two at the high school band and music, three at St. Matthews K8, kindergarten, fifth grade math and science, sixth grade math and science, and two at
037Sandy K8 special education and third grade. And along with that comes teacher student re ratios. And this is valid because we know that um our funding is based upon the number of students and knowing our classroom ratios is vital. Now, when it comes to our student teacher ratios, the superintendent at any time can modify the staffing allocations to meet the needs of the district. Also, partial regular education staffing allocations of 0.5 or more may be rounded up. Oversized classrooms, teacher assistance may be added at the discretion of the district to add to any classrooms that are oversized. Currently, we don't have that issue. The and that comes into play with preK and kindergarten. Those are mandated areas that must have teacher assistance because they are 10 to one in prek and in the uh kindergarten
038classes. We must have a teacher assistant staffing allocation exchange guidelines. No instructional allocation no funding can be used in a noninstructional area. All changes are current for the have to be current for the school year and all changes must re be reviewed and approved by the deputy superintendent. All elementary schools are required to utilize their enrichment staff to provide all of our related arts. Now talking about our ratios in prek monastery it must be 20 to1. It cannot exceed the 20 to1 ratio. That is the state regulation in grades kindergarten through sixth grade. I want you to see this. The state regulations say we can have 30 to1 but a few years ago Dr. decided to change it to 26 to1 to lessen the class size and that comes with class size reduction in seventh
039between seventh and eighth grades the state regulations is 30 to1 in English and math it's 35 to one in social studies and science This was a district change to make it 29 to one for all areas. 9th grade through 12th grade is 32 to1 for the state and the state regulations is 35 to1. So we're still beneath the state regulations. And for all related arts classes, it is 40 to1. But none of our related arts classes have 40 to one uh in those classes. Just to give you a snippet, at St. Matthews K8, the largest class size ratio is 24:1. at uh Sandy Run, the largest class size ratio is ELA and math, 8th grades, 24-1. And so we are still at a nice class size and and looking at what the state regulations ask
040us allow us to have. Any questions? Is that enrollment issues that we're at 24 to one or you know that we're falling way below the your even we're below even what our uh adopted regulations are. So >> that is correct um with our students the number of students that we serve in our district and I believe that Dr. Tullik will do that study with you all. um the past seven years and this year uh we are at about 1300 plus students in our district but he does he did a study and I'm certain that he will share it with you all. >> All right. And the only other question I had was the the uncertified positions that we say there's three in St. Matthews. Um, and there's two in Sandy Run. How long How long
041have those positions been filled by uncertified staff >> this year? >> Just this year? Yes, sir. >> For the entire year or just a portion of the year? >> A portion of the year. At St. Matthew's K8, we had two teachers that resigned. Um, I believe in December, >> one in October and one in December. >> And in S, how about in Sandy Run? Um they one at Sandy K8 is in a teacher education program now. She's enrolled in Carolina cap and so she should be completing certification. The other individual has not um completed a teacher education program and is not enrolled in a teacher education program. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Is that the third grade teacher, Miss um Keller, or the special ed teacher at San? third grade teacher is enrolled
042in Carolina Cap at San. >> So, the special ed teachers are not involved in any kind of a certification. >> And I'm sure we're looking for a certified special ed teacher. I know those are harder to come by. >> Actually, we've um interviewed as well as offered. >> Okay. >> The special a certified special education um Miss Martin and the young lady came before the board I think at the last maybe at the recommendation came before the board. I believe in the last four years so fast. >> And and last question, do they keep state averages? I feel like 97%'s a pretty good number >> that like do we know what the state average is for keeping certified? >> Off the top of my head, I'm sorry, I do not know that I will get
043that information. >> That's okay. It's okay. >> I think 95%'s a good number. >> I think it is. I mean, I think from what what I gathered, from what you all said, that's above because you said they've got that pilot program that allow you to have 10% >> Yes, sir. >> non-certified positions and we're only at three. >> Correct. >> Um and and I I was going to ask something kind of like what Mr. Diaz is asking. Do you know what surrounding districts just just an idea? I know you all don't like Lexon and four or five Arsburg school district. What kind of ratio do they have as far as certified versus non-certified? >> I do not. However, I do know that um Fairfield County School District applied to be a part of the pilot
044program as well as Lee County School District applied to be a part of the non-pilot um the 10% >> which will allow you to go up to 10%. >> Yes, >> I do not like that what they're trying to push. >> I don't either. I mean I ideally and I think we all would concur that we would rather have 100% certified staff in all of our classrooms at least in our teaching positions but um 97% you can always do better and I know you all are striving to do that as you said we made an offer to >> one just now that is certified that would rectify one of those so hopefully we'll continue to move in that direction and um love to see it at 100% And I know you all strive for that
045every day and I thank you and appreciate that. So, thank you for the report. >> Two teachers. >> Oh, as um yeah, thank you, Miss Murdoch. Um actually, as a part of our induction class this school year, we had Okay. Induction is for those teachers who are first year teachers to the district as well as the non-certified teachers. We invite them to induction class too because the state says that we have to offer them support out of our induction class this year. We did have two people that became certified and so we would like to applaud Kendrick Forum for becoming a certified um teacher this school year. Amen. >> Again, we're moving in the right direction. >> Yes, sir. And Miss Heather Bell at Sandy Ranka. Um, >> I just want to give hats off
046to uh, Miss Keller and her staff because, as you know, we're still is still a need for certified teachers coming out of colleges and universities. So, I believe she deserves a round of applause. >> Thank you all. >> Thank you, ladies. Um and certainly we have to say thank you to Miss Keller and Miss Williams and the Office of Human Resources that provide us with um applications to get us qualified certified folks. So Mr. Chair, if I may, I want to continue on. Um, at this time I'd like to recognize Miss Iris Laramore, who is our head cheerleading coach, for her upcoming induction into the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame, for her 35 years of dedicated coaching service, and all of which I believe have been here in Calhoun County um at Calhoun
047County High School. Her formal recognition will take place at the Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame dinner on Saturday, July 5th at 25th, I'm sorry, Saturday, July 25th in Greenville. And again, I say congratulations to Mrs. Laramore. I'm going also like to congratulate Dr. Nelson and the principles as we have achieved district-wide compliance of 100% of all of our schools meeting all reporting deadlines and statutory requirements to ensure that all school improvement councils have fulfilled their legislative requirements. So, thank you Dr. Nelson and our principles. As we approach the spring assessment season, a schedule of assessment dates will be shared with parents prior to testing. The district will observe the last early release Tuesday next Tuesday, March 31st, 2026. When we return from spring break, we will have regular dismissal in the remaining Tuesdays. That's 3:00
048for the K8 schools and 3:15 for the high school. So again, that is to allow for a complete day, a full day of testing should we have to test on a Tuesday. Uh we mentioned spring break. Spring break will be upon us in a couple of days. Spring break will be observed Friday, April 3rd through Friday, April 10th. Students and staff will return to the classroom on Monday, April 13th. Uh there will be no more scheduled breaks a in the calendar after the spring break. The last day of school for students will be May 22nd. Graduation will be held on May 23rd at 9:00 a.m. on the football field. I encourage everyone to check social media accounts, websites to stay in touch with your schools um regarding schedules for the end of the year activities
049and events. Um at our April meeting, we'll be recognizing young superlatives from the third quarter. That meeting will take place at the district office in the boardroom and I think as we mentioned earlier, that will be on April 20th. Um, also I'd like to thank for um the okay at our last policies meeting u April will be the last policies meeting before our summer break. So again I thank everyone um staff board members for your meticulous review of the policies so that we may stay up to date with our policy. So again thank you everyone for your work when it comes to the policy. So again the April meeting will be our last policies meeting before the summer break. We will get dates um to you. Mr. Kieran mentioned the vaping class um but that
050will also um affect the Saturday with the superintendent. Um that Saturday with the superintendent meeting will be here at Sandy Run. Um and we will send the date out to folks now that we've changed board meeting time. Um but those again who wish to come out for a conversation, share an idea or concern can sign up with Miss Kennedy um via email or by calling the district office at 6557310. And again, we will give that date um in our next communication. Again, um I encourage everyone to come out in support of our spring sports teams as they're in the height of their seasons. Schedules have been posted on the various school websites and the district website. I'm proud of the work that our young people are putting in in the classroom as well as on
051the athletic fields as they serve as ambassadors for not only the district but also for this community. So, we certainly thank them. And then lastly, we mentioned uh Mr. Hunter earlier. I'd like to recognize Kingston once more, a fourth grader here at Sandy Run. Mr. Hunter sprang into action last Friday and performed the Hanick removal on a classmate who was choking and prevented a detrimental situation. Um so for his heroic actions, we say thank you to Mr. Hunter and certainly thank you to um Miss Ziggler and Mr. Denkins for getting the call to me as Miss um to inform me of what occurred. And Miss Ziggler, thank you for your calm manner. Um that's all that I have. Mr. Chair, if um there are any questions, I'll certainly entertain them. I turn things back to
052you. >> Thank you, Dr. Talk. Um next on our agenda is the public participation um portion of our meeting, and I've been handed the signin sheet. No one has signed up to address the board, which then takes us to executive session. So, I would ask at this time if I hear a motion concerning the executive session that's on our menu, on our agenda. I make a motion that we go into executive session to discuss uh personnel matters as well as the uh 2026 27 professional instructional staff contracts as well as the 2026 2027 administrative contracts and upon completion of these items we return to regular session. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Jenkins. Um I will repeat his motion. Is there a second? >> Second. Motion and a second then to go in executive session
053for the aforementioned items, personnel recommendations and resignations. The 2627 professional instructional staff contracts as well as the 2627 administrative contracts. Uh is there any discussion? If not, all those in favor of that motion, please signify by saying I. >> I. All oppose? No. The motion carries and we will now go into executive session. We're going to go down in the conference room, okay? And then we'll be back here when we finish. Thank you all. >> Hopefully it won't be long. All right, we are back in open session. See if I can sit in the chair without falling out. I heard the other day somebody called me and told me said, "I heard you fell out the chair." I said, "No, I didn't. I almost did. Chair got away from me and we had a big
054audience." Anyhow, we're back in open session and I'd ask at this time is any business to come before the board at this time. >> I make a motion that we um approve the personnel recommendations and as presented by the superintendent. >> All right, Mr. James has made a motion to approve the personnel recommendations as approved by the super as submitted by the superintendent. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second to approve the personnel recommendations and resignations. Right, Mr. Jenkins? >> Correct. >> Is submitted by the superintendent. Is there any discussion? If not, all those in favor of that motion to approve the personnel recommendations and resignations is submitted by the superintendent, please signify by saying I. I. >> I. All oppose. No. Motion carries. Uh, is there any further business to
055come before the board? >> I make a motion that we um approve the 2026 2027 professional instructional staff contracts as presented by the superintendent. >> All right. You've heard Mr. Jingga's motion to approve the 2627 professional staff contracts. Uh is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second to approve the 2627 professional staff contracts is submitted by the superintendent. Is there any discussion? >> If not, all those in favor of that motion. Please signify by saying >> I'm I'm not I'm not in favor of doing that, approving it. >> Okay. >> I know I'm going to get out voted, but I'm just going to be on the record. I understand. Um and again I'll ask all those in favor please signify by saying I. >> I. >> All oppose. No. >> No. >>
056All right. We have one no and four A's. Uh yes. All right. So that motion is approved. Next. Uh is there any further business to come before the board? >> I make a motion that we approve the 2026 2027 administrative contracts as presented by the superintendent. >> All right. Uh motion is to approve the 2627 administrative contracts as submitted uh by the superintendent. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second um to approve the administrative contracts. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for the vote on that motion then to approve the 2627 administrative contracts. Uh all in favor, please signify by saying I. I. I I all oppose. No. >> No. >> All right. Uh we have one no and four yeses on that one. So that motion also stands
057approved. Is there any further business to come before the board? >> None. >> And then do I hear a motion to adjurnn? >> I move we adjourn. >> All right. Motion to adjurnn. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second to adjurnn. All in favor, please signify by saying I. I. I. >> All oppose? No. We stand adjourned. Thank you all and we will see you all next month.