001At this time, as we prepare to start our board meeting this evening, I'm going to ask Miss H if she would lead us in prayer, please. >> Heavenly Father, first of all, beautiful day that you have given us. It is my hope your day today. Heavenly Father, this evening we ask that you come into this meeting and make it what you want it to be. Help do it in your will. For those who are bereave me, we ask that you ask them to come to help for this evening. Lord there any those who have anything to do with our children to continue help that we need sure that our children we go with all our representatives on the the Lord that the decisions that they make heavenly father this evening not for a long prayer
002but to take this opportunity for and we get to you and is count it all done. Amen. >> Call the Kershaw County School Board of Trustees meeting to order. Is there a motion to adopt the proposed agenda properly? Motion by Mr. Blackman, second by Miss Furnace. All those in favor, let it be known by saying I. >> I. Those that oppose and that's unanimous. Is there a motion to adopt the consent agenda? >> Proper motion by Mr. Jean, second by Dr. King. All those in favor, let it be known by saying I. >> I. >> Those opposed. And that's unanimous. Awesome. It is great to see so many students and parents um here this evening and you all uh we're going to move into And prior to doing that, I noticed someone uh came in
003and don't normally do this, but I'm going to do it this evening. And um that's uh Miss Black uh Kershaw County teacher uh named the first um teacher of the year for Kershaw County and she's with us this evening. If she would just make herself or wave her hand so we can Oh, right here. [Applause] uh at this at this time we have recognitions. Uh Mr. Matthew, >> Dr. Smith, Dr. Goodwin, people in the crowd. Uh we will start our recognitions tonight by recognizing several outstanding students. When I Please come forward when I call your name and remain up front so we can take a group photo. Principles, you can have a picture with your your student after it's all said and done. So, first we'll recognize students who have earned the maximum score on
004standardizing standardized testing this past spring. This year, we had 21 current Kershaw County School District students to achieve this tremendous accomplishment. SC Ready is a statewide assessment that includes tests in English language arts, math, and science. SC Ready is administered to all students in grades 3 through eight. Items on SC Ready are aligned to the South Carolina College and Career Ready standards. As we call your name, please come up front to receive your certificate and stay up front for a group photo with the others. First, we'll welcome Toby Martinez from Blay Elementary. Toby earned the max to Toby earned the maximum score on the science SE ready assessment. Next, we'll recognize several Camden Elementary students. Katherine Alleo uh earned the top score in science [Applause] earning the top score in math. Emma McGary [Applause] Also
005from Camden Elementary, Arya Williamson is recognized for her English language arts assessment score. [Applause] From Camden Middle School, we have two students who earned top scores for their science SC ready uh test. Will McLaren Burch and Lincoln Picornney please come forward. I hope I was close. Lincoln, our next three honores are from Doby's Mill Elementary. Will Christopher Hansen, Emma Irving, and Grace Lee please come forward. [Applause] These three earned the maximum scores on their science ready test last spring. from Jackson School. Damian Gaines earned the maximum score on his SC ready math test. [Applause] Next, we recognize Jordan Dagustinino and Ty Jones. Jordan is recognized for his performance in English and Tai for his math. [Applause] from from Lugoff Middle. Riley Cannon earned the maximum score in English, Mason Gerard in science, and Colton Mendez
006in English. Lugof Elgen High's Alex Karineek is being recognized for his math SC ready score when he was a eighth grader at Lugoff Middle last year. [Applause] Come on. This is Emma. No, that's right. >> All right, we got it right. >> Katherine Corbett, Corbett, excuse me, and Adeline Sherborn from Pine Tree Hill are our next honores. Katherine is being recognized for her English score and Adeline for her math score. [Applause] Next, we recognize Baker Kato and David Ray from Order Elementary School. Baker earned the maximum score in English and David in science. [Applause] And our final recognition goes to Ludolf Elgen Middle School student Theodore Holmes, who earned the top score in math last year as a fifth grader at Watery Elementary School. [Applause] While they're doing that, let's give these outstanding students another
007hand. All right. Can everybody see me? Okay, everybody. Are you ready? Anybody else? >> Moms, grandoms, >> come on up. It's not Everybody >> everybody good? Congrat [Applause] Tonight we also haveized that have been named to the America's Healthiest Schools list by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. First, Lugof Elementary School has been recognized again this year as one of America's healthiest schools for their commitment to supporting students, staff, and family well-being. Representing Lugof Elementary School are Doc Principal Dr. Melissa Lloyd, assistant principal Jennifer Bonds, nurse Anna Deal, teachers Edward Rickwood, Aaron Teague, Katie Hancock, Edwina Atkins, uh Meg Henderson, and Jessica Giger. They won awards in the following four categories. Improving nutrition and food access, bolstering physical education and activity, cultivating staff well-being, and increasing family and community engagement. [Applause] Congratulations. >> Wonderful. [Applause]
008>> Y'all have to wait off to the side. Okay. Pine Tree Hill Elementary School was also re has also been recognized as one of America's healthiest schools this year. Representing the Pine Tree Hill Wellness Team tonight are principal Marquita Barber, nurse Carrie Tommpkins, teachers uh Quesia Wood, Kobe Wall, Jo Angel Cook, and Mary Vanat. They won awards in the following three categories: supporting school health services, bolstering physical education and activity, and cultivating staff well-being. He's so tall. Also joining us tonight representing the Alliance for a Healthier Generation is Taylor Hurlick and Robin Cooper and the Kershaw County Coordinator of Nursing Services, Elizabeth Starling. If y'all would come up, you can't hide. [Music] Congratulations to the count and the bull pups. >> Yes. >> Is that all? Okay. Our final recognition tonight goes to Woolard Technology
009C Center's agriculture instructor, Audrey Cathkart. Please come forward. There she is. Miss Cathkart was named the 2025 outstanding early career teacher by the South Carolina Association of Agricultural Educators during the organization's annual banquet held in Conway in July. This award honors beginning teachers who demonstrate passion, innovation, and leadership in their early years of service. The outstanding early career teacher award celebrates the essential role that new educators play in shaping the future of agriculture and strening strengthening the profession from the ground up. Miss Kathgart's uh impact as an educator extends far beyond beyond her classroom. Her dedication to hands-on learning, leadership development, and community connection has already made a lasting impact on her students and the agricultural education community. Please join me in congratulating Audrey. That's it. Okay. [Music] Our next agenda item is public forum
010and we have Becky O'Hare. >> Yes. If you would come and our public forum guidelines. They're pro on the screen. It's opportunity to share information with the board. Um and you are afforded five minutes and so we are open to hear what you have to share with us. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Good evening Dr. Goodwin, Chairman Smith, and members of the board. My name is Becky O'Hara. My husband Joe and I are parents of a ninth grader at Lugof Elgen High School and sixth grade twins at Lugof Elgen Middle School. I also serve as a certified South Carolina high school swim league official and a certified USA swimming official. I had a hard time deciding which shirt to wear tonight, so I'll just lay my swim mom shirt here. Tonight, I have the
011privilege of speaking on behalf of the swimmers and parents of our district high school swim teams, many of whom are here this evening. We respectfully ask the board to consider and financially support the YMCA development of an eight lane or larger competitionsiz swimming facility in our district and to place this project on the agenda for a future vote and a reply to the community. This facility would not only strengthen our district athletic programs, but also provide life-saving educational opportunities, new community resources, and a long-term value for Kershaw County. Our high school swim program is one of the fastest growing sports in the district. Since its start in 2019, it has nearly tripled, growing from 24 athletes to 70 athletes this year. 38 from Lugoth Elgen, 26 from Camden, and six from North Central. Without more
012pool space, we will have to turn away athletes who want to participate. All three high schools have placed first, second, and third in their regions each year. The team send a dozen or more swimmers to state each year. Last year, Camden senior Grace Boyce placed first in the state in the 100yard breaststroke and second place in the 200yard freestyle. She and Lugoff Elgen graduate Zaan Bar, both signed to swim at Columbia College starting this year. An indoor year-round pool would allow all high school sports teams the opportunity to condition and cross trainin. It would allow the swim teams to practice and compete consistently without weather interruptions and avoid swimming in a chili pool in a sport that runs into October. It would allow Kershaw County School District to hold large regional meets. An eight lane
013competition pool is the standard required to host these events. It's important to point out that a swim meet of any size cannot be held in a four-lane pool, which we understand is the current plan without district financial support. The YMCA has proposed contract terms that would give Kershaw County School District priority access with the district retaining 100% of gate and concession revenue. We've also heard concerns over the location, which would only be an additional five-minute drive for North Central students than the current aquatic center. Our students deserve facilities that reflect the same level of commitment the district has shown to football, baseball, and tennis. Partnering with the YMCA is a bargain. It would provide these benefits at a much lower cost than building a standalone school district aquatic center. This project also goes beyond district
014athletics. It's also about safety and education. Kershaw County is a water community. Sadly, we have experienced at least three drownings in 2025 alone. Teaching children how to swim and be safe around water is the most effective way to prevent these tragedies. Neighboring districts like Richland 1 and Sumpter County include water safety in their elementary physical education curriculum for their second and third graders, respectively. A facility like this would allow our district to do the same. ensuring every child learns essential skills like floating and treading water. It would also make year-round swim lessons possible. Right now, the Kershaw County Recck Department summer swim lessons fill almost immediately, leaving many families without options. The facility could also expand after school and summer child care program, something especially needed for our older elementary and middle school students. The
015demand for aquatics in our school district and our community is clear. The county's summer swim team registration filled its 100 athlete cap in under an hour with a waiting list. The planned four-lane pool will not meet the demand of our schools, nor our community. A competitionsiz pool would meet that demand while also serving the broader community. It could host special Olympic events, adult water fitness programs, and rehabilitation therapy. It could support year-round USA swimming teams so families like mine don't have to drive daily to Colombia for club swimming. It would also create student job opportunities from lifeguarding to teaching swim lessons that provide valuable life skills. In closing, a competitionsiz pool with eight or more lanes would be more than a sports venue. It would be an investment in safety, education, athletics, and community wellness.
016One that would serve our district for generations. We respectfully request the board place this project on the agenda for a vote and provide a reply to the community. I also invite each of you to attend a high school swim meet this season to see the skill, dedication, and passion of our student athletes firsthand. Our home meets at the Kershaw County Aquatic Center are September 4, 11, 16, and 24th at 6 PM. Please come. Thank you for your time, leadership, and commitment to our students. Thank you. [Applause] for our July the 14th meeting. Um want to request that we take a vote to move that meeting to July the 7th. Uh if that would be fine with the members. Um yes, it's July the 14th. If we could move it to July the 7th. Um Dr.
017Goodwin have some things that he need to take care of. So if we could accommodate that, I would entertain a motion. Yes. >> Okay. And second by by Mr. Roberts. All those in favor, let it be known by saying I. Those opposed and it's unanimous. That's the motion was to move our July the 14th meeting to July the 7th. Thank you. Also, uh we have our annual legislative advocate conference and you have that for December the 6th and 7th. And if you plan on attending, if you would share, let Wendy know so she could sign you up. Dr. that one >> first to thank you for accommodating that move on the date. Um my wife will really appreciate it. Um I that's who that was most important to. Um last year the legislature passed a
018u proviso that says that annually we have to provide to you the booster organizations that operate within our county along with their officers. Uh this list is was in your package or in your folder today. It's on the long sheet. If you have any questions about those um please let me know. Uh some of those are still a little bit in flux this time of year because some of those groups haven't met yet. So um you know they'll they'll change a little bit but we do have that requirement to notify you. So we wanted to put that into your u to your folders. Mr. Sheriff, if I could also mention um you know the last time we met we were just the second day of school and it's always a fun time of the year
019but it also you know you have all the little kinks that you work out but wanted to report that things seem to be back to normal in school this year. Uh we seem to have settled in quite well and um we we're very thankful for that. We have a had a few teaching positions that were still open, but virtually all of those now have been filled. And uh so we're we're in really good shape staff-wise, which is a good thing. Uh we do have a full slate, they mentioned the the swimming uh schedule coming up, but we have a full slate of athletics that are really cranking up uh the next two weeks. It it gets quite busy. So if you have an opportunity to go out and support one of those or many of
020those, I hope you'll take that opportunity to do that. So u Mr. Chair, that concludes my report. >> The annual booster club report. That's what Okay, so we're good. Mr. Willlet. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Dr. Goodwin, members of the board. Good evening. Uh we bring before you this evening uh for consideration and approval um what is called a minority business enterprise plan uh or an MBE plan. This is required of all government agencies within the state of South Carolina under law and code uh that we adopt a plan and that exact that is exactly what it is. It is a plan. It is a goal. it is not a required percentage that we have to meet. Uh but Mr. Morant, our procurement officer in the district has worked hard uh to uh get a lot
021of things related to procurement in good order. And this is one thing that we're bringing before you. What this does is it takes our total budget and removes rollable dollars meaning not federal dollars not restricted dollars but things where we procure goods and services uh with vendors. So we take that number of controllable dollars which is about $24.8 million in this year's budget and we are setting a goal of 10%. So that goal is 2,ion48 2,4 480,000. Um that is a lofty goal in this environment. Um and if you ask any auditor the goal that is set by the districts is typically not achieved. Uh but that is our goal and that is the state recommended percentage to use under the procurement code. So a little bit about the minority business enterprise from the uh
022the article from the state uh article 21 of the law. So uh what is the definition of that? So uh it looks at minority from an economical and a social disadvantage standpoint uh to include u uh racial and ethnic uh prejudice. From an economic standpoint, it looks at those who have a diminished capability of achieving market share uh because of impaired uh capital or credit opportunities. And this also includes woman-owned businesses. So, anyone in those categories who own at least 51% of a business can apply for and achieve this designation. So I want to be clear that it is the the company's responsibility to seek the designation and then it is the company's responsibility to inform us that they have that designation. If we do not receive that then they are not designated as so
023within our system. Uh with that we are not required to utilize this as any kind of preference when we choose vendors if it is a vetting or a bidding or a quoting process. uh but it is there for their benefit as issued by the state of South Carolina. So this evening we bring this for your consideration and approval. >> Any questions? >> Yes, Dr. King. >> Very quickly, Mr. Will, you may you may have inferred it just for clarification um with regard to how the monies could be spent. Is it is that generally in most districts for capital improvements that kind construction? >> Uh it >> used for pretty much anything. >> It can include capital. Um most everyday operations it would be in the way of goods uh supplies or services but it can
024be um you can find uh MBEs or minority business enterprises within the capital world for construction etc. Any others, questions? Hearing none, uh, it is before us for approval. >> Properly motion by Dr. King, second by Coach Blackman. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All in favor, let there be no by saying I. Those that oppose, it's unanimous. Thank you. Thank you. >> Is there a mot Is there a motion to go into executive session to discuss resignation and retirement of certified and classified personnel, employment of certified and classified personnel and assignment changes and transfer of certified and classified personnel. Properly motion by Miss Furnace, second by uh Miss All in favor, let it be known by saying I. All right. >> Those opposed. It's anonymous. convene to open session >> softly properly motion by Mr.
025Jean second by Mr. Roberts. All those in favor have been known by saying I. I. >> Those opposed. That's unanimous. In executive s session, we discuss resignation and retirement of certified and classified personnel, employment of certified and classified personnel, assignment changes, and transfer of certified classified personnel. Is there a motion to accept administration recommendation concerning employment matters? >> Second. >> Motion by Miss Furnace, second by Miss. All those in favor have been known by raising your left hand. That's unanimous. Is there a motion to adjourn and close with prayer? >> Properly motion by Dr. King, second by Mr. Jean. All in favor, let it be known by raising both hands. >> Heavenly Father, we thank you for abiding with us this evening. We leave this in your divine presence. We ask that you lead us
026safely back home and find all his will when we get there. And we give you all the honor and glory that is due you and is in the we count it done. Amen.