001Let us pray. Our thought for the day is from Psalm 40, the 8th verse. I delight to do your will, oh my God. Your law is written within my heart. Let us pray. God of power and glory. We thank you for this opportunity to contemplate your goodness that reaches out to us with mercy and grace. We delight in your blessings upon us. Give us grace to help others. Continue your blessings upon our defenders of freedom and first responders. Heavenly Father, bless our armed forces in their duty to our country and state. Heal the wounds of our men and women who suffer and sacrifice for our freedom. Lord your mercy here our prayer. Like to call this meeting of the school board for February the 17th, 2026 to order. At this time, I would entertain a
002motion to accept the proposed agenda. >> The motion was made by Coach Blackman. Um, second by Dr. King. Any questions or concerns? If not, all those in favor of accepting the proposed agenda, let it be known by saying I. >> Any opposes? It stands. I'll entertain a motion at this time also to approve the consent agenda. The motion was made by Mr. Cameron, second by Miss Furnus. Any questions or concerns? If not, all those in favor of the second the consent agenda, let it be known by saying I. >> Any opposers? Thank you. I do not see anyone from the media this evening, but we do thank the the people that are here this afternoon. And at this time, we're getting to our recognitions and our celebrations, Miss Dr. Goodwin board. We'll begin our recognitions
003tonight by recognizing several outstanding students. First, we would like to recognize Blay Elementary School fifth graders, Satie Smith and Nina Dorinsky. Please come forward. Sadi and Nina were selected to participate in the South Carolina Elementary Honors Choir that performed Saturday, February 7th in Colombia. The students were chosen through a rigorous audition process evaluated by music educators outside of Kershaw County and are the only two students from the county selected for this honor. They performed with more than 230 students from across the state after extensive rehearsals and a guest conductor singing complex coral selections including music in German. Congratulations to you both. Moms and dads. All right, we're good. Congratulations, ladies. We'll have a mulligan on that. We'll now recognize another talented singer, Camden Middle 7th grader Sophia Allen. Sophia is the only student in the
004district to be selected to participate in the South Carolina Coral Directors Association's Honor Choir. Sophia is one of 358 students chosen statewide for this honor. More than,200 students tried out for the choir. She will perform among the best singers in the state at Coastal Carolina University. We're very proud of you. Please join me in congratulating Sophia. Congratulations again. Oh, come on, Mr. Falconberry. There we go. >> Our next recognition goes to Lugof Elgen High JOTC air rifle marksmanship team. Will the members of this team please come forward? We are recognizing this team tonight for qualifying to compete in the Army JOTC Service National Championship. Members of the team include Zachary Fitch, team captain, Danielle McCormack, Stella Stzman, Madison Kes, Leafoy Norris, and Dwayne Waters. They are coached by Lieutenant Colonel Ray McDow, senior R Army
005ROC instructor at Lugoff Elgen High School. The seniors have been teammates together for three to four years. The team qualified for nationals by placing fifth in the JOTC fourth brigade region which includes members teams from South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. 80 JOTC teams competed in the initial round and 20 teams qualified for the fourth brigade championship in Hickory. Lugof Elgen JOTC placed fifth out of the 20 teams in the championship earning them a bid to Army JOTC service national competition in Aniston, Alabama. There they finished 28 out of 52 teams in nationals with three students making their personal best scores. Please join me in congratulating the team. We would now like to ask members of the Woolard Technology Center uh FFA team and their sponsors to please come forward.
006The WTC Kershaw County FFA chapter achieved three stars in the national champ national chapter award program. This program evaluates chapters in all 50 states and two US territories uh in the areas of building communities strengthening agriculture and growing leaders. The WTC Kershaw team was selected as a gold chapter in the S South Carolina FFA state convention in June. Gold emblem chapters are in the top 10% in their states and demonstrate involvement in communities commitment to leadership and passion for agriculture. Following this, the application advanced to the national level with the opportunities to earn one, two, or three stars. Three stars indicate that in all categories, WTC Kershaw FFA is going above and beyond and excels in all areas of their chapter and agriculture program. The FFA chapter has traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana during the National
007FFA Convention to receive this award. The FFA members, adviserss, and officers work so hard throughout the year, and this award reflects all the efforts made during the school and summer months. Big congratulations to the Kershaw uh FFA chapter for this national accomplishment. We would now like to recognize several staff members for outstanding accomplishments. First, North Central Elementary librarian Abby Spitzer. Miss Spitzer was named South Carolina Association of School Librarians Midland's Regional Librarian of the Year. This award recognizes certified school librarians who have made outstanding contributions to the school libraries in South Carolina by building an exemplary library program and serving as an active uh SCASL member. Qualities of of an exemplary library program include outstanding and effective support of student learning through well-rounded and innovative comprehensive program administration, effective collaborative partnerships with teachers in both
008teaching and learning and information access. Miss Spitzer certainly exemplifies these qualities in her school and her library is a wonderful example of an exemplary program. During this SCASL's conference in March, a statewide winner will be named. Thank you for all that you do for your school and your students. Next, we'll invite Blaney Elementary fifth grade teacher Mary Burnham to come please come forward. We are recognizing Mrs. Burnham for earning her National Board for Professional Teaching Standards reertification. National board certification is a voluntary advanced teaching credential that goes above and beyond state lensure and is often recognized as the gold standard in teacher certification. To earn national board certification, teachers undertake a voluntary two-part process that takes from one to three years to complete. The process requires candidates to reflect on their classroom practices, assess their
009understanding of subject matter, and examine their pre preparation techniques in addition to preparing a portfolio with videotapes of uh classroom teaching, lesson plans, student work samples, and reflective essays. Teachers must also complete the assessment center exercises based on content knowledge, which proves they are master teachers and have mastered the subjects they teach. They also pro possess the skills to teach them. Congratulations, Miss Burnham, on your reertification and all you do for your students. Our final recognition tonight goes to Lugof Elgen Middle School 7th grade ELA teacher, Christine Adams. Miss Adams is being recognized for several awards tonight. First, we recognize Miss Adams for being selected as South Carolina Veterans of Foreign Wars Teacher of the Year for grades 6 through eight, an honor awarded to only one middle level educator across the entire state. The
010selection was made from nominees submitted by VFW Post and districts throughout South Carolina recognizing educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to education, citizenship, and service to the school and community. As part of the recognition, Miss Adams attended the VFW Winter uh midwinter conference awards banquet in Myrtle Beach, where she formally received the award and delivered an acceptance speech. Before being named the state winner, she was also named VFW Post 11079's teacher of the year award and the district 2 winner. The VFW teacher of the year program honors educators who inspire students, promote civic responsibility, and foster an appreciation for American values and veterans contributions. Miss Adams is also being recognized tonight for being selected as the South Carolina Sons of the American Revolution Teacher of the Year. She will be formally recognized for this honor in
011April at their conference in Colombia Colombia. Miss Adams was nominated by the local Colonel Joseph Kershaw chapter of the South Carolina Society of Sons of the American Revolution. The American History Teacher of the Year Award recognizes an educator who distinguishes themselves in teaching the history of the American Revolution. Congratulations to Miss Adams for these outstanding achievements. Your innovative work does not go unnoticed. Please join me in congratulating Miss Christine Adams. I knew that >> you okay >> let's see to get You got dropped in my pocket. I must have missed it all before we leave. You'll get it. >> Thank you. We do not have anyone who signed up for public forum. The next item on our agenda is the proposed 2027 2028 calendar. Miss Becky Be. There we go. Okay. Um, we're not asking
012for a vote tonight. Um, that will come at a later meeting. We're just providing this for information. So the draft that you have today is a work of a countywide committee with representation from each school and the district office as well as community members. Each year the committee includes parents as well as teachers, principles and district office staff. And each year the calendar committee changes. As you know, everyone has an opinion on what the calendar should look like, but this group took the task very seriously and dedicated a lot of their time to it. Obviously, it's a tough task each year, but we always keep in mind what is best for academics and student success. At our meetings, committee members reviewed the principles of calendar planning, which we go over the laws, we go over
013the requirements, and then we go over some preferences that this district has. We talked about the fact that the calendar decisions do need to be made based on academics. Um, and with the best interest of children in mind. We talk about the fact that this process is one that often involves compromise even from the elementary, middle, and high level and then also of course with families and and the district. At our meeting, we worked through the requirements and the committee members had a chance to take a stab at developing calendars of their own and some recommendations. The district staff and attendance at the meeting answered questions and provided input. We didn't always agree, but everyone on the committee had a chance to voice their opinions. Uh following the meeting, district staff met and discussed the
014committee's input. Using those suggestions from the calendar committee, district staff came up with a draft calendar that is before you today. This was shared with the calendar committee electronically for further feedback prior to being sent out to all staff and families. Next, KCSD staff and families were provided with the opportunity to provide feedback. We heard from nearly 200 people. We know that 2728 seems like it is far out, but we like to provide our calendar in advance to help families make plans. So, next I'll just give you a few highlights of the proposed calendar, and I think you have this in your pack. Um, again, it is similar to the year- round modified calendar that we've been using for many years. This calendar has even semesters with 90 and 90 days. The students first day
015would be August 2nd. um Labor Day holiday which is a requirement is in there and then that is a long weekend with the Friday before Labor Day being a teacher workday which is used for parent teacher conferences. um students do not attend that day. And how that normally works is teachers um at any level, but mainly elementary and middle would work probably like a half day that Thursday night doing parent conferences um to accommodate family schedules and then half day that Friday um for for conferences as well. Fall break is October 11th through 15th and this was a request of the calendar committee to have that after the first quarter ended. Um Thanksgiving break is the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Um winter break on this draft starts December 20th through January 4th. Um for families
016um MLK day is on the calendar. February 7th, professional development day. And that's and know you might wonder that's a Monday that might look kind of random. So I just had a note to say that that's a regional professional development day. And so by having that day, it allows our um it's the OEC professional development. So that allows um librarians uh peed many groups to be gone on the same day for professional development. So, that was important for our staff. Um, of course, some go now, but it's hard to let everyone go on the same day if it's during a school day. Um, President's Day, which is not a requirement, but it is one that a lot of our um military and folks and all have that day off. And so, we have um put
017that on the calendar as a holiday weather day. And then March 10th is just a it's listed as a holiday. It's not a true holiday, but it would be a holiday for our staff. Um and then spring break and then that will include the Monday after Easter which is that Monday after spring break. Uh the last day for students would be May 24th and I had a note that that's before Memorial Day which is usually a request of our families. Um we have the three early dismissal days on there that are pretty standard and then we do have weather makeup days listed. Um, as you know, we are approved e-learning district, but we're still required to have those three weather days listed on the calendar. Um, I think it's important to note that leading into
018this calendar, students would get a 10-week summer break before this calendar starts and teachers would get a nine week um because the last day of school for the 26 27 calendar that's already approved is May 21st. So, as mentioned earlier, we received a lot of feedback from parents and staff, and the summary of those responses is in your board pack. Most of the responses were very supportive of the calendar with continuing at the modified schedule. We find that a lot of our families have gotten used to those breaks and especially fall break and things like that and like to take advantage of that. um they teachers alike like the little breathers here and there and you'll see that in February and March we tried to give teachers also at least a long weekend whereas like
019our current calendar that we weren't able to work that out and so we've heard about that. So that's one thing we've tried to do in February and March for teachers as well. Um, however, some some parents say they don't like the long weekends and they would prefer maybe a week at Thanksgiving instead. Um, there was some concern in the comments about the heat in for July starts or early August starts. Um, there was a desire to align spring break with neighboring districts and I did reach out to Richland one, Richland 2. Um, unfortunately, we are, and you know, it's kind of a double-edged sword that we are two years in advance. They have not begun working on their calendar yet. So, that's kind of hard for us to do. Of course, if we pass a
020calendar, we could share it with them in hopes that maybe they would have that same sentiment, but they don't have um their calendars yet. So, um there are a few upstate districts, but that's not really what people were referring to. They were referring to our neighboring districts. Um, some teachers have expressed a need for more dedicated work days after the winter break. We do have built in the schedule these last few years a PD day and a teacher workday before students return. Um, overwhelmingly the comment with the most consensus was the opposition to a Monday start. Uh responses include suggestions for extending the school year in order to allow for a later start and then some suggested uh starting winter break later. The adding days at the end of the school year doesn't really uh
021fix the problem for the Monday start because we like to keep the semesterers equal and get exams done before the winter break. But we have reviewed that feedback and responded to individual questions regarding the calendar. But in response to the main concern of the Monday start, we have considered this change to the calendar. And we'd welcome your feedback to keep the semester's even at 90 days and to allow students to complete exams before the winter break. If we move the first day of school to Wednesday, August 4th, to allow for the midweek start, the winter break would be pushed back to Wednesday, December 22nd. We would also then shift the return days in January to give families the full two weeks and not start school or families until January 6th. This would allow the change
022This would also change the end of school to Thursday, May 25th. uh following the meeting and your feedback, we can adjust the calendar of course before it comes back for the second reading and we would um you know value your input and we will also share it with the calendar committee if we make any further changes before a final draft is brought to you. And I'll be happy to take any questions. Anyone who may have any questions for Becky and the district calendar committee at this time, >> thank you for your diligence and the calendar committee taking a lot of things into consideration. It's not easy to do a calendar. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Next, we have a board policy review for Miss Elizabeth Stling. Good evening, Miss Hie, Dr. Goodwin,
023members of the board. Um, tonight I am presenting an updated district wellness policy for first reading and information. This update is based on the 2024 revised model policy issued by the South Carolina School Boards Association. We conducted a thorough review of our current policy and aligned it with the updated model to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements, reflect best practices in school health, and clarify expectations for implementation across the district. The updated policy strengthens and clarifies several key areas. It more clearly defines the structure and responsibilities of our district school health advisory council. It aligns language with current federal wellness requirements under the healthy hunger-free kids act. It updates guidance related to nutrition standards, competitive foods, and smart snacks compliance. It reinforces expectations for physical activity and physical education. It formalizes requirements for public
024transparency, stakeholder involvement, and periodic assessment of policy implementation. While many foundational components remain consistent with our previous policy, this revision improves clarity, strengthens accountability, and ensures we are operating under the most current state recommended framework. And I am happy to uh answer any questions you may have. Um, just to make sure that I'm in the right frame of mind, we're bringing this up to current South Carolina standards. I know the federal government has made some changes here in the last two months or so regarding that. So, I'm assuming that'll be a trickle down eventually as well. what we're we're working on is now technically according to federal standards possibly outdated. >> You are correct. >> I I just want to make sure that that that >> yes, this information is based on the most up-to-date
025uh model policy from the schoolboard association. Yes, that's a very good point. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions or concerns? Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Dis will give us a board policy review. >> Good evening, Madame Chair, Superintendent Goodwin, and members of the board. Effective July 1, 2025, the South Carolina General Assembly enacted the Educator Assistance Act. Kershaw County School District is in compliance with the acts requirements, and the following policy changes reflect those requirements. Recommended changes to the following policies include policy GBC, staff compensation. Updated language requires that in addition to annually issuing employment status notices to teachers before May 1, the notices also must include the projected district salary schedule for the school year. The changes also require districts to provide teachers with a final salary schedule once state and
026local appropriations are complete. Policy GCK, Professional Staff Assignments and Transfers. Professional staff assignments must be communicated no later than 14 days before students are scheduled to return to school. Additionally, teacher reassignments must be communicated to professional staff members at least five school days in advance of the reassignment except when a critical district need make such notice impossible or the staff member has requested the reassignment. Policy GCQ, GCQD, resignation of professional staff. Revisions to this policy relate to breach of contract as just cause and the protocols for such breaches. Lastly, policy IC school year. Revisions to this policy specifically detail how the 10 teacher professional development days should be designated throughout the academic school year. Additional policies related to the Educator Assistance Act will be presented at future meeting. Madame Chair, these four policies are respectfully
027submitted for first reading approval. >> Are there any questions or concern for Miss about the policy changes? Thank you very much. Just a reminder that this weekend the South Carolina School Boards Association will be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina starting that Thursday and ended on that Sunday. And we have representation this year for student performances. I am just so so so happy that we're going to have representation. If I'm not mistaken, I think it's from Lug Elgen Middle School is going to be performing that Sunday morning at 8:30. And uh I've been on this board for 15 years and I've been saying Kershaw County has very gifted children and we should be able to be represented. Thank you. I'm glad I don't think we've had representation before. I may be wrong. Correct me if
028I am, but it's a it's a great accomplishment for our district. Thank you. Um state budget outlook, Mr. Brad. Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the board. Dr. Goodwin, good evening. Um, in addition to the information that we'll look at tonight, uh, at your seats, uh, I also placed a draft budget timeline just so that you all have an idea where we will be as we go through the process. Uh, mind you, that will probably change uh, based on the legislative process, but at least you have an idea. Uh the information before you tonight, as you will see, is very much more of a legislative update versus a budget dollars update. Uh because we're very early in the process and we would have provided this in advance, but we wanted to have the most up-to-date
029information um as we brought it to you this evening. So, the first thing that we uh have before you is the legislative calendar. Um you will notice a few things have already happened. um ways and means subcommittees have met in preparation for the full ways and midies uh ways and means committee uh deliberations this week and you'll see that the BEA estimates have already uh been taken in. Uh just a quick comment on that. There's not a lot of change statewide. The revenue projections came in or the revenue came in a little less than projected. Uh but we've been told that that is not um a major discrepancy. Um mostly they attribute that to holiday sales being a little bit off versus prior years. And uh tax season as always will be a big determining
030factor where that falls as we get into the session. But again, you'll see that ways and means uh is happening this week. And you can see the remainder of the calendar. Um what you will notice here is that there are no dates for Senate or Senate Finance. So please be mindful that they have not uh finalized their calendar as of yet, but we will keep you a breast as to when they get that set. So as we move into uh the chart with some of the legislative information, uh we wanted to share with you some of the key things that we think are going to go into this uh budget session. And what we are sharing with you comes directly from the Department of Education and the governor's offices with regard to their recommendations and
031proposals. So, real quick, one thing you will not see on here is $120 million, and that is money that is in the budget just to continue current operations. So every year a segment of the budget has to maintain the current operations before they start adding. So you will not see that but that is part of the budget. So the first thing that we list uh before you is $150 million that's set aside in the state for the teacher salary schedule increase and that is proposed to raise the starting minimum salary uh to 50,500. that's on the minimum schedule and that's a $2,000 increase. And that $2,000 increase would be applied to each sale across the schedule. And again, that's changing the minimum salary schedule, not the it's not a raise per se because districts have
032the authority to do whatever they need to do as long as they're meeting the minimum. Um now Miss Soul uh mentioned in her policy update the state law where we need to release the projected teacher schedule um much earlier than we have and that is when letters contracts those things happen. And if you remember the past few years, legislation has not completed the budget until sometime in June. But we're being asked to provide that uh the first part of May. So just want uh everyone to to look at that with a bit of caution because what we will have to do at that time is issue a projection that we hope would not change uh downward. But that will be a projection and we will finalize that as the session progresses. Uh next one is
033highquality instructional materials. Uh you'll see that 70 million is set aside for that part of that general fund, part of it other recurring, part of it non-recurring. And you can see the breakdown. And if you look at the comments, you may say, well, they say $81 million is needed and that doesn't come up to $81 million. Well, the uh standards that are being rewritten for social studies are yet to be completed. So, they're not asking for the full amount. Uh but if it does require that, they would then change the numbers um as needed to uh satisfy the materials that are needed. uh safety grants. That's one that's very important because it has allowed us as a district to take care of some things we need to uh within our buildings with regard to safety
034and security. Um two that I would mention first and foremost would be cameras and access controls. There are a myriad of things that are allowed under this uh grant and we have successfully applied for the past couple of years and received that money and according to what we're hearing we will uh learn I think in March Dr. a good one. Uh what our aotment would be there assuming we are approved and we would move forward with those u those critical things we need to do within our buildings and that is a very valuable uh piece of our budget. Um, outside the general fund, however, that comes from EIA. The education scholarship trust fund. I'm sure everybody has heard about that and how that's been proposed and changed uh within a matter of two to three
035years. Uh, $61 million is being requested. Um, 41 million of that recurring and 20 million coming from the lottery fund. um that simply the way that it is being proposed makes more and more students eligible. So the poverty level in which this is gauged is being moved up. So as you will see that means that nearly 87% of the students in South Carolina would qualify. Now the projected funding would not um support or handle that many. Uh the current level of support through that is I believe it's $6,000 uh per student and they are requesting enough funding to get that from what is currently 10,000 to 15,000 and eventually to 20,000 students. Um what's interesting about that is um if you if you take a look at the list of of approved providers, you're going
036to see anything from independent tutoring firms, technology retailers because this money can be used to buy devices for the home. Um they can get reimbursed for travel for academics. Um there are a myriad of things that can be uh that can be done with these funds assuming they qualify, they they they hit the window correctly and they get approved. Um one thing however that can be done uh that benefits the district is this is where out of district students who are approved through our processes to come across county lines to attend our schools, they are eligible. So they can utilize that money to pay the tuition that we uh charge because we do not get any state funding support or local funding support for them being here because they are out of county. So that
037is a way that that particular pot of money can stay within Kershaw County. Um we wanted to mention the strategic uh teacher career ladder pilot. Um it's it's something we think that will gain some traction. There's not a lot of funding being requested for that 1.4 million. Um I do stress to you that this is not done by application. This is not something that that we can we can seek and apply for. This is done by uh priority based uh academic outcomes and teacher turnover rates. Uh but they are looking to advance uh things like the advanced lead and mentor programs um supporting 150 teacher leaders. So, if you look at that, you can get up to 10 out of 15 districts. Bus lease purchase uh obviously an important uh uh part of the budget.
038We we've got to keep those buses on the roads and we've got to provide a safe uh way for our students to be transported. So, $40 million for them to begin acquisition of 300 new buses in the current year and moving into the next year. in addition to the the printed instructional material, uh a little over $8 million for the digital curriculum support. And uh you know, this is something that Mr. Matthews could certainly talk to um more intelligently than I can, but these are uh the class links uh everything for our database of plans uh learning management system and the uh repository for those uh uh pieces of curriculum. The next two go hand inand these are a little bit new um and Dr. Goodwin has a good bit of knowledge on about these
039because he has been a part of that committee but the uh fiscal oversight and data infrastructure and then the statewide education finance data platform. So first the fiscal oversight u with the uh evolution of the fiscal practices act that came into place several years ago uh we see that more and more districts are uh coming under guidance of the state being taken over maybe or we see districts being put on watch list or cautions and we we we read the news. So, we want to have a tool in place that creates one a mentorship program that partners with our finance association, Scazbo, uh partnering tenure finance folks with the new ones so that we get them up to speed. Uh develop an early warning system so that we can pick up on these issues before
040they become real big problems. Uh so that's part of the uh state department's initiative and then a platform. Um you may have heard about the idea that we want to go to a centralized accounting system and these types of things. That is not on the table. That is not something that this is meant to do. What this is meant to do is to utilize vendors who are well suited to build platforms that will streamline our reporting process. Um we have made a list and Dr. Good one has probably seen it. That will absolutely blow your mind at how often we have to report, how often we're reporting things that are duplicate, duplicated, and we just want to get that streamlined. So, money would be there so that we could investigate a finance platform that will
041streamline that reporting and make it more efficient for both districts as well as state level agencies. Um, and then the last couple that we wanted to mention, uh, summer reading camps. Um, again, extremely valuable to our processes, even though not all of this money comes through the general fund. Um, Read to Succeed, uh, has, you know, it's been a successful program and it targets, as you can see on the notes, um, over 37,500 students between grades first through third, um, who are not at reading proficiency. and they're moving that target a little bit not only to address first grade but also moving that on to second grade for the actual um uh assessed part of it. And what this does and and I will say we do not have to supplement that program out of
042general fund. The state funding takes care of that program. And what it does is it mitigates the need for additional afterchool services. it it mitigates the the risk of students being held back because they get that summer help. So, we certainly hope that remains intact so that we do not have to supplement that out of the general fund. And then the last one, uh, $17 million being requested to go to what they're calling disconnect to reconnect, which is an initiative to, um, have age appropriate instruction about the impacts of cell phones, screen time, and social media. So, we're not sure where this one is going to go, but we wanted you to be aware of it because for the past year, um, you all heard a lot about cell phone policy, etc. So, we wanted
043you to be aware that this one is out there. What's interesting is they're already naming a vendor that's tied to this, and we're not quite sure how that can happen, but uh, keep it keep an eye on that as well. So, um, we wanted to mention before we wrap up just a few other key items that we don't want you to think that we're forgetting about because certainly as we get into the budget process, we will get more information about statemandated bus driver pay. That's typically linked to the uh state cost of living increase. Uh, those things have not been discussed yet, but we do expect to get those um probably midway through our budget process. um the RFA, the funding model recommendations, which you all have heard about. Um you know, and these things
044we're talking about here is good information to listen to as you go to the conference, uh that you may hear about in your sessions. Um you know, the governor has has chosen some recommendations from that list as well as legislators and we just need to wait and see which how that's going to play out. uh but I would like to reassure you that the combination that we see of those right now is a positive uh for traditional districts. So uh we are looking at this in a very positive outlook and of course uh the state health plan we're not sure what PEIBA's recommendations are going to be. Um if if it were to happen again for the 26 27 year where employees do not incur an insurance increase and it's all put on the districts.
045I think that will be the 14th straight year that there has been no increase to employees for health and dental. Um I am not saying that that is a bad thing. Um, but I do feel at some point there there comes a point where the districts can't shoulder all of that burden when it's only a partially funded mandate. So, we're going to keep a close eye on on how that goes. Um, and then two tax relief items which I'm sure you both you all have heard about both. The Homestead um tax break uh talk about that being phased in and there being some type of hold harmless that goes to districts. So, we're not sure how that's going to going to go. As well as boats, you know, it seems small, but uh when you
046look at statewide um taxes that come in, it could be significant. And then Dr. Goodwin and I as we were talking about this list, he said, "Hey, we we also need to take a look at state income tax relief because there is talk about that rate being reduced as well in South Carolina that could have an impact on revenue as a whole. So, that concludes our outlook this evening to give you some things to keep an eye on and look for as we go through the process. And I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have tonight. >> Do you mind going back to the strategic teacher career ladder? >> Okay. Um, so I think I was so distracted by the 500% in the previous row that I didn't hear everything. >> Understandable. >>
047Um, so the mentor certification, is that in addition to the current mentor program or is that different from the current teacher mentor program? >> Uh, to my knowledge it would be an addition to. Is that correct, Dr. Goodwin? This is a focus on uh identifying people as master teachers who uh can can have levels where they can lead and mentor younger teachers, not just like one teacher like they do with with Adept and and the induction year, but a a whole group. The idea is is trying to encourage teachers to stay in the classroom much like national board does instead of seeing their only route of of advancement being either administration or guidance or something like that. It's it's an incentive to keep high quality teachers in the classroom. >> Um thank you. >> You're
048welcome. >> Any other questions? Thank you for the hard work that you're doing for us. >> Thank you all. >> You're welcome. Matthews will come to us with a course for elective credit. Madam chair, board, in your packet, you have tonight six courses that are we are asking to be locally board approved. This came about as as a result of a course number audit that Janette uh Johnson in our uh powers school office performed to determine that the state let me back up. In our Kate classes, our WTC classes, they're all worth two credits for levels one and level two. Well, state changed for level three and made them only eligible for one credit instead of two credits. So, that creates a problem for any student who's currently enrolled in a what they assume to
049be a two credit class. So, currently they're getting a credit for first nine week or third nine weeks, but they wouldn't be eligible for a second credit with that same course number. you can only give the prerequisite uh amount of credit for the course number that they have. This would allow us to give that second unit of credit for those WTC courses. And you can see that there's one in agriculture, food and natural resources, uh law, public safety, uh and security, pre-engineering and engineering, manufacturing internship, education training, and hospitality and tourism. These are all third level courses at WTC. So, we're asking for your approval uh of these courses so those students can get that second unit of credit. >> Any questions? >> Yes. >> Motion's made by Dr. King and second by Mr. Roberts
050that we accept the recommendation for the elected credits for WTC. >> Thank you very much. >> Those students will be very happy. >> All those in favor, let it be known by saying I. >> Any opposes? Thank you. >> Dr. You want to share something? >> Yes. In your uh folder tonight, you have a um a small flyer about the uh Kershaw County Celebrating the Art Series. that is uh we that's something we've done in previous years, but you'll notice that's been beefed up some uh and and increased opportunities. I would encourage you to uh the honors choirs concert are on the February 24th at 6 p.m. at Luga Fton High School. The dance and theater uh performances are February 25th. They will be held at Camden High School. Uh the the art gallery that
051I know that y'all like to visit because I've seen a number of you there. um is uh March 24th through the 26th at the city arena. And then finally, the high school honor band is going to be at Lugaf Elgen High School at 6:30 p.m. on the April 16th. That's the one we're not exactly sure how that's going to to completely pan out as a performance. Um it's our first stab at it's sort of an honors kind of opportunity in quite a while. So, uh, but I can assure you they're going to play something that night. It just may not be their whole repertoire that they that they work on during the clinic. So, uh, thanks to, um, Miss McDonald and and all of our arts folks for putting all this together. Uh, it'll be
052quite a, uh, an opportunity. The other thing I would mention is the heritage tea. Um, I regret to say, y'all know, we don't that that's not a district uh, uh, opportunity. That's actually a community opportunity and the date that they've scheduled it on is the date of our next board meeting um which is March the 3. and we we've you know we've made them aware that you know we really like it when it's not on a board meeting night you know so that y'all can attend but uh it just did not work with the calendar at the arts center and so um I I do regret that that happened but you can stop by and see the displays um at another time you know before or after uh they'll be out so that does give
053you that opportunity so u madam chair I think that concludes my remarks >> thank Thank you. Is there a motion to go into executive session to discuss resignations and retirements of certified and classified personnel, employment of certified and classified personnel, and assignment changes and transfers of certified and classified personnel. Motion was made by Mr. Cameron, second by Miss Rlet that we go into executive session. Any questions or concerns? If not, all those in favor, let it be known by saying I. Take a decision. session. We discuss resignation and retirements of certified and classified personnel, employment of certified and classified personnel, and assignment changes and transfers of certified and classified personnel. Is there a motion to accept administration's recommendation concerning employment matters? Motion was made by Mr. Roberts. Second by Mr. Rlet. Any question of concern?
054If not, all those in favor of the of the um the section the administration's recommendation concerning employment matters, let it know by saying I. >> Any opposes? >> Okay. Okay. I'm sorry. >> One thing. I'm sorry. >> I I said this in executive session. I thought it's pretty relevant for the public to know. Um one of our great district employees, longtime person, um just and you all probably know it, but Ginger Kato is going to be uh representing um our area for the uh state school board of education. And we'll be um sworn in in March for that position. And I feel like we're very fortunate to have her in that capacity. I'm I'm happy for us. She's a great advocate and ambassador for our district. >> I don't hear that. The motion was made
055by Mr. Cameron. Who's the second by? By Dr. King that we adjourn this meeting. All those in favor let me know by saying I we stand a journey.