001Good evening and thank you for joining us on this 21st day of September for our Board of Education meeting. Before we get started. I would like to, as I call this to order, I'd like to ask Mr. Neil James, the offer of an invocation, and then we'll welcome the Green Sea Fluids Army JROTC for the Pledge of Allegiance, Mr. Murphy. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good evening, everyone. Please join me in prayer. Most kind of grace, 70 fathers, we pause, we humble ourselves before you. Just acknowledging you as our Lord and our Savior. And as we pledge ourselves to take your will and enact it in all that we do, we ask that will you give us clarity of thought, unity in our purpose, and fairness in our decisions. Father, we pray that everything we do
002and say tonight will honor and glorify you. For senior precious and holy name that we pray, amen. Please rise. Preset. Cover. Ladies and. Gentlemen, please join me in the Pledge of Allesiance. And to the Republic of Sands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice. For all. Carry colors. Right. Face. Forward. March. Thank you, B. Seated. Thank you to Green Sea Floyds, JRO2C. Based on the agenda, I need an approval for the agenda. I'm sure to approve the gender. Sound circuit, okay, on Favorite Aye. All opposed hearing, none of motion passes. Now we need an approval of the minutes from September 8th. So move. So I can't. All in favor say aye. Aye. Those likes I'm hearing none that also passed. We move into the discussion Mr. James Facility's Committee Update. Thank you, Mr.
003Chairman. Earlier this afternoon, our facilities committee met with our facility's department. And we receive some information regarding the start of school. I can say that it's been a smooth start. To the 2627 school year. And our numbers reflect that. We have a number of maintenance issues that always occur, but the maintenance department facility department completed 77 percent of those orders within the first three weeks. And if y'all recall the end of August, 1st of September, was extremely warm. So they did a tremendous job in keeping our buildings cool. We also had 51 percent less work orders, and we had last year, which means that the ongoing efforts are paying off. We also heard that we have implemented some robots. Into our schools for cleaning. We have autonomous cleaning equipment at two schools, St. James Elementary
004and ATA. And both of them serve a little bit different purpose, but it's the steps in the direction of having more autonomous. I think Ms. Stockholm said that they always show up and they work until the battery dies. So very, very smart use of technology to assist us in cleaning. And the last item we heard was an update on the St. James Elementary School. As y'all know, we've anticipated that the final cost may be a little bit above what our budgeted cost was, and it is. The final construction costs was 71, 681, 044 dollars. We had budgeted 66 million, so we knew that, you know, with the, I guess, inflation, the cost of materials that it would probably escalate a little bit above. But our facilities department working with the finance department has found a
005way to fund the difference. The difference was a little bit over 5. 6 million. And if you look at the residual funds left over from 10 oaks, as well as Pine Island, you'll find that we had about 6. 3 million dollars worth so emotion was made to utilize those funds, and it was approved by the Facilities Committee that were utilized those funds for the completion of St. James'elementary. That particular item will be on the discussion tonight, and we'll vote on it next week. Or next meeting. Mr. Chairman, that's all of our items that we discussed today. I'll be glad to answer any questions. Thank you, Mr. James. Any questions? You're in none. I'm going to ask Mr. Burch. St. James Elementary Replacement School. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Board members, Mr. Jones. Mr. James, summarized our
006discussion fairly well. Um, but I will give you the overview. So we have negotiated our final guarantee maximum price with the contractor. And we've also tried to capture all the increases we expect in furniture, technology, uh, inspections, and other things. And as he stated, the deficit we're looking at is about five point, just under 5. 7 million. But we've identified six point, roughly 6. 3 million in funds that can be reallocated 4. 842 from Pine Island and 10 Oaks elementary, and 1. 451 million from the 2021 24 building program, which included Wintermore Port Middle. Uh, we would like to request that these two funds in total, 6 million, 293, 963, 000, be reallocated to the St. James Elementary Project. And of course, at the end of that project, if the money still remaining, we will
007return that to the uncommitted residual funds for use by the Board. I'll be happy to take any questions about that, and it'll be on a business item at the next Board Me, I believe. Mr. James. Mr. Chairman, as I stated earlier, this did receive approval from the Facilities Committee, so we think it's wise to use the residual funds towards construction activities. Thank you. Thank you. Joe, I just want to say you guys have done an amazing job staying on budget with the other two schools, and coming out with some excess funds. And it's beautiful that then we can use those funds to help finish up St. James'elementary. So great job from your department. Thank you very much. If any of the comments or questions. Thank you, Mr. Burch. Thank you, Jones. Chairman Cox, members of
008the Board, members of our community, September is national literacy month, and it's a great opportunity to celebrate the power of reading across, Hori County Schools. One year ago, this month, we launched the Superintendent's Reading Challenge with a simple goal. Get our kids reading more and making reading something we value and celebrate as a community. And our kids have responded. Last year they logged more than 68 million pages. They didn't stop there. Over the summer, their reading continued, and they logged another 2 million pages over the summer. But what I'm most proud about is that reading has really taken off as a community value. I see it when I visit classrooms and students. They're so excited to tell me what they're reading, and I see it when I talk to families all across our district. I
009was in Sokhus - D, and we had the literacy and of the lights. I see it with the kids going to the book vending machines based on good behaviors and rewards. I see it when we have school - wide novel studies so that we can connect, not only with the content, but also each other. And our new parent reading resources as well in our elementary schools allows parents to come in and talk with their media specialists about what kind of resources are out there to help them know and be able to teach their children how to read. That momentum is the heart of rise with reading, and our goal of having 95 percent of our students reading at or above grade level by 2030. We're well on our way. So during national literacy month, I
010encourage everyone, read with a child. Talk about books, ask a student tonight, what are you reading? Let's keep building a community we're reading matters, and I'm incredibly proud of them and proud of the Ori County Schools. At this time, I'd like to share a video. Lucas. Yeah, I love reading. I have a lot of books in my house. I don't know how we, but mommy and daddy leaves me sometimes. I like to read because I can learn things. I feel like as we do, like, re - books, like, it just creates memories and stories that we can, like, remember forever. September 8th, this international literacy day. I am Fern in Charlotte's Whale, and just my childhood books. So. I think it's important for kids to see that reading is fun, and to see that the
011adults around them love literature and love books, and find joy in books. I think the more that kids see that, the more they will love books across the District School celebrated by reading, creating artwork, and at Myrtle Beach Middle School, students worked on blackout poetry. Blackout Coaches retake like a passage, or in like a prompt from like a piece of a passage, and then you black out arts a story to make, like, your own phone that's inside of it. I think it's very, it's a very cool concept. Many schools had community members, students, former principals and teachers, and even famous local mascots come and read students. People that just haven't invested so much time in our school, in our community, you know, we just wanted them to be able to have an opportunity to give
012back to the students and just show the importance of literacy. Literacy is such an important part of everyday life. It's very important that these kids learn to read because it is going to take them through life. And I'm just proud to be part of a District and a school board that reinforces literacy starting at a young age. They were so excited this morning to know that a cheerleader or a football player may come to see them. And those kids don't realize how important they are to these little kids, but they make such a huge impression. Boy County School is Superintendent Clip Jones visited students to continue sharing his... We rise with reading initiative, which strives to get students reading at or above grade level. What we're creating a culture of reading, and that's what international
013reading day is all about, it's creating a culture of literacy, where we get to go and share the love of reading with our kiddos, uh, on their level. And we get to not only model reading, but also let them fill our buckets and let them fill our buckets with curiosity and questions and inquiry. Uh, I really enjoy events like this. And for students who are more reluctant to read educators say, find something they're interested in. I found a genre that I love. I love Dystopian fiction books. Once I found that genre, I read all of the books in that genre. So if your child's having trouble finding something that they like, try different genres until they find something that they like. That they should read it, see if they like it, and maybe they'll learn
014something. Well, international literacy day does come to an end fostering the love of reading is something Ori County School stripes for every day for every student. Re. Free. Thank you for letting me share that. Next we have Mr. Lee James, our chief academic officer will come up. Good evening, Chairman Cox, vice chair Wellens Board members, and Mr. Jones. Tonight we're excited to launch a new series of presentations designed to showcase each of the attendance areas across our district. While we are one school district, Ori County Schools is strengthened by the unique character of our communities, each with its own traditions, accomplishments, sense of community that really generates tremendous pride among our families, students, and our staff. Throughout the school year, we will highlight the impact, instruction, and innovation happening across our schools by sharing attendance
015area updates. Through these presentations, grade level executive directors will share information about each attendant's area, including student enrollment, student performance, and other information that highlights the contributions and stories of our schools. These presentations are scheduled following school visits within each area. Allowing for discussion of what we have observed and what we have learned while providing a broader picture of the work happening across the area. Tonight, we will kick off this series with an update from the ANR attendance area since we visited to ANR Area Schools just last week. We are pleased to have the ANDR principles with us tonight, and I want to start by expressing my sincere appreciation for their leadership and the important work that they do each day to serve the, excuse me, served the students and families within the community. And
016now I would like to welcome Ms. Samantha Coy, the executive director, or one of the executive directors, at the elementary school level who will share more about the schools in AINER, their accomplishments, and the work happening in that community. Good evening, Superintendent Jones Board Chair Cox, Vice Chairwellins, and members of the Board. I have the honor of highlighting the ANR attendance area this evening. Our ANR schools have a strong sense of community, small town values, and a deep commitment to academic excellence, rooted in traditions and values of a close - knit rural community these schools benefit from strong local support and a shared commitment to student success. I would like to introduce each of our principles, and please have them stand as their name is read. Mrs. Jennifer Parker has served as principal of Midland
017Elementary for 18 years. Mrs. Chamarkinlaw at ANR Elementary for five years. Mr. Dan Plaza at interm. Mr. Michael McCracken at Inter High School for 12 years. Mr. McCracken had a prior engagement this evening. Approximately 360 dedicated employees serve 300, 309 students across the AINER Attendance Area, with 105 bus routes providing daily Transportation to our students. Aynor is home to the International Baccalaureate Program and hosts their only middle school agriculture, Program in Ori County Schools. Our students and staff have also achieved remarkable success earnings six state championships across softball and middle school agriculture. Last year, inter high school earned a 96. 1 percent graduation rate, and we hope to be even higher this year. Here is a snapshot of the enrollment and student demographics. As we look at our grade level enrollment, ethnicity and subgroup populations,
018we gain a clearer understanding of who our students are and the unique needs they bring to our schools. This information helps us make informed decisions about instruction, resources, and support to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. This slide highlights the importance of attendance and the impact that every school day has on student learning. This snapshot shows the attendance area is maintaining a 98. 2 attendance rate with 3, 022 students achieving perfect attendance, reflecting a strong commitment to being present and ready to learn. Here's a snapshot of student performance and elementary and middle school ELA, math, and science, providing insight to where our students are meeting and exceeding expectations, and where opportunities for growth remain. A. Nur is performing above our state. These data points help God our instructional priorities and keep student achievement
019at the center of our work. This slide captures a comparison of our 2025 - 26 EOC performance with the state of South Carolina overall. You may first notice performance in algebra 1. Please remember the shift and mass standards this year significantly reduced the number of students taking the test, which had an impact not only on Ori County schools, but across our state. Ain't or celebrates a higher percentage of sea or higher scores in English 2 Biology 1 and U. S. history when compared to the state. Ainor High School provides students with a wide range of academic and career opportunities that prepare them for success beyond high school. Its strong academic achievement, graduation rate, and rigorous coursework in IB, AP, and dual enrollment, contributed to its recognition by the U. S. news and world report, as
020one of the best high schools in our nation. Students also benefit from CTE opportunities with 77 students completing a CTE pathway and 578 earnings CTE credentials last year. These opportunities reflect AN's commitment to providing every student with multiple pathways to success in college, career, military, and beyond. Each day, staff across the interintendance area planned with purpose, keeping the whole child at the center of every instructional decision. This intentional. Personalized approach helps students succeed. Reflected in the area's strong graduation outcomes, while each level focuses on specific priorities, at the elementary level, learning for all through targeted math instruction, gray level reading, and differentiation. At the middle school level thrive, through student engagement, thinking and writing, and building literacy every day. And in high school, excellence through preparing students for graduation, college, and career readiness. Ainor students
021have access to unique hands - on opportunities that connect learning to the real world, including the only middle school agricultural program in Ori County Schools, and an award - winning high school agriculture program. Students also benefit from enriching experiences such as the technology fair and family and consumer sciences, giving them opportunities to explore interests, build skills, and discover future pathways. Last year, the ANR attendance area brought the community together through literacy under the lights, engaging families around our shared mission to rise with reading and celebrating literacy as a community event. Our student, staff, and families come together to create endless opportunities for students to discover their passions, build meaningful relationships, and make a difference. From the blue PAM Jam Steel drum band and career day to FFA Leadership Patriots Day and Community Partnerships, AINS students
022are not only encouraged to thrive in their areas of passion, but they are empowered to give back and make an impact in the community they call home. A. Nur is stepping forward with purpose, honoring a strong history of excellence while ensuring students success. By building on its past and investing in the present, the ANR attendance area schools are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to grow through the support of their close Knit community. This concludes our presentation on the ANA attendance area. Does anybody have any questions? Chairman, I don't have any questions saying, but I just want to say how proud I am that I represent the ANR attendance area. I have grandchildren and three of the schools there, uh, my wife's career was there. And, uh, I think one of the things
023that you hit on is really important, that community part. And if you come out to our events, whether it's our high school games or the ho - down or whatever, you'll see how much they support the children in our community. Because we do believe that it takes a village and everyone works together. So thank you. I'm proud of all of these out here. Uh, I told Michael that, and I try to tell them all the time. Thank you for the job you each and every day. Thank you. Come. On, let's... Hearing. No more questions. Thank you, Samantha Coy, and thank you Aynor Principals. Next we have a young man who I met this summer. So Tom, if you could come up to the podium and I'm going to talk about you for a second. So
024I was running late to a Carolina Forest High School student leadership event. I didn't exactly know what I was getting into, but I knew that I was asked by Principal Driggers. Thank you for being here tonight to come not only share with them some leadership, but also meet the leaders for the next school year. Well, who met me, but Tom, at the door. And, uh, I will tell you, I learned a lot from Tom between the door and the student leaders that he introduced me to. And I'm really proud of him, both as a student and as a person. And tonight, Tom, will you tell us a little bit about what you did this summer and a little bit about you. Yeah. Um, absolutely. Um, I'm super grateful. You guys all have me here. Um,
025my name is Thomas Kyne. I am a senior at Carolina Forest High School. And this past summer got the opportunity to attend the Ronald Reagan Great American leadership conference in Malibu, California. Um, I represented our school and it's really, I got to be a part of our program that helps students become a better leader in their community. Um, so I would love to talk to you guys about what I learned and who I got to hear from. But first, what is the conference? Um, the leadership conference is a program for students all over the country to learn about how to be a better leader. Um, we had 38 states represented at this conference during my certain session. There were three sessions, but, um, I got to meet so many people from all across the nation
026and how they were, um, different leaders. We spent two full days at the Lagon Library touring and we were put through simulations of real world events. Um, I got to network with other students and staff throughout the week. And we got to listen, um, to speeches from public figures. And we took notes on their experiences and how we can apply that to our lives and become better leaders. Um, the first person I learned from was Francis Huy. She was the first Hong Kong activist again. U. S. Asylum, um, and she currently has a one million dollar bounty out for her arrest in Hong Kong. Um, she still resides in the United States. Um, and we got to hear from how what her experience was, um, fighting for things that are happening out in Hong Kong.
027A quote that she said was courage isn't the absence of fear. It's the act of doing something right even when you are scared. Um, and that really took, um, really hard for me because I feel as a leader, things where people are going to look to you whether no matter situation you're in. And if you can step up and be that light in the room, um, then it can carry you very far. She also said that freedom is not free. It comes with a price of courage that every generation has to pay for. And that includes my generation. And the generations to come. Um, I feel like that is very true. And it's something that I always keep with me. The second person I learned from was General Patrick Brady. He calls himself the greatest
028veteran helicopter pilot of all time. And, um, he's a medal of honor recipient. The reason he calls himself that was because his time from picking up a patient from the ground into a hospital bed was 33 seconds. Um, he saved over 300 lives in his time being a helicopter pilot. And I really got to learn from, um, his values and how we applied that when he was a pilot. Um, a couple of things he told us was a leader will fail over and over, but never quit. Any excuse you make is a cope of your mediocreness. You don't care for a person if you don't correct them. And fear is an emotion, courage is a decision and faith is an non - negotiable. I take that really to heart because I believe really much in
029my faith and how it's carried me today. Um, I believe I wouldn't be here today without my faith and all the paths I went through. And so just to hear of that from someone who's 90 years old and has had amazing career and has an amazing life really gave me hope for my next steps and where I want to be as a person. Um, my biggest takeaways from, from the conference, um, discipline equals freedom. I believe with good discipline, you can really go or anywhere, anywhere you want. Whether it's disciplined in school, discipline and activities, extracurriculars, having good discipline can lead you to wherever you feel like you need to go. Um, the second one is everything in life begins with self. Stop comparing yourself to others and strive to be better than you were
030the day before. This was said by Steve Newton, who was there at the conference, um, he spoke two days for us. And this man was someone who's played a major role in my life ever since the conference. He kind of told us how reality now in society, we tend to compare ourselves to other people that we look around. So whether it's social media or people in our school. And I believe that ever since I've adopted trying to be better than myself the day before, whether it's one percent, however much better you can be, um, I've seen a large growth in how much I've been able to get done and the people I've able to meet. I'm in the third thing is control the hands, convince the head and convert the heart. This is about a
031leader trying to point people in the right direction. Control the hands is do not give other people the other multiple options to look for. Have them. Sad, they're set their focus on your option and where you want to go. Convince the head. Don't allow them to think other thoughts, whether it's bad good, say the good things about where you're going and say how you're going to help them, whatever, like whatever their situation is. But I want you tailor your audience so you're convinced their head and convert the heart. Really strike them. And so wouldn't it make sense to do this? That is what I've learned to make me a great leader and have a lot of things, um, become done at our school, whether it was the leadership camp or different that are coming up.
032That's how I feel like we've succeeded in a lot of different things. Um, on the left are a bunch of quotes that were said, um, my favorite one, I'd have to say was the best time to plant a tree was a thousand years ago. The next best time is now. Um, I feel that is something that everyone kind of neglects, um, and the time that we have shouldn't be token for granted. I believe that every second year on this earth, um, you have a purpose. If you have a policy of a purpose and I feel like you're destined to go somewhere, you just got to go up and grab it. And on the right, we have a bunch of questions that, um, I heard from. And the question that I feel like is something that
033I can ask you as members is, um, how big of a gap is there between what I do and what I say I do. I feel like a lot of us say we allow to do a lot of things. We don't actually end up doing it. And so whether it's the main thing that I realized that you put into a practical situation for me is say you spend three hours on social media, looking at emails, writing emails on the phone. Whatever it is, we always try to make a difference. But I want to cut that down. Say you cut it down two hours and 45 minutes. 15 minutes doesn't seem a lot. But if you continue to do that once a day, every year, that adds up to 70 hours in a year. And I
034believe 70 hours can do a lot. Whether it's a skill, a public speaking, reading, anything that can make yourself a better person. I believe that you can do it. You just got to go out and get it. And any questions for you this time. That. Was awesome. Tom, thank you not only for telling us about your experience, but also being a leader at your school. I can only imagine what it's like to be on the other side of your leadership, sir. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Next we have some recognitions. Of Borcier to come up. I'm glad you're following him, Lisa. I know. Right. Good evening Chairman Cox, Vice Chair Wellens Board Members and Stiperintenant Jones. Tonight, we would like to recognize several students. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the
035names of 20, Orey County School students as semifinalists in the 72nd annual merit Scholarship Program. These HS students are among approximately 16, 000 semifinalists who have an opportunity to compete for nearly 6, 700 scholarships worth nearly 24 million dollars. And these are the semifinalists. From the Academy for the Art Science and Technology in North Myrtle Beach High School is Anthony Panza from the Academy for the Art Science and Technology in St. James High School as Cameron Studwell from Ain or High Sullivan Ray Carolina Forest High K. Taylor. Conway High Aiden Prigent. And from the Scholar's Academy High, we have Ian Bellamy. Christopher Botzy Bedu Noah Faundund, Jake Gray, Luke Johnston, Liliana Latarus, Paige Mayhew, Jaden Ockhart, Christine Fam, Catherine Ramos, Nathaniel Thomason, Keely Trentini and Siena Trentini, uh, from South Castile. We have Zachary Bovey
036and from Socrasti High is Colton War. In the next Ori County Schools received its 2026 Capitol Credit Refund from HTC in the amount of over 42, 000 dollars The HTC Boardard Directors approved a 2026 Capitol Credit Refund of approximately 9. 1 million dollars in total to its membership HTC has refunded over 204 million dollars to members in the local community since 1979. And next I will ask Mr. Ben Prince to come up who has our last recognition for the evening. Good evening, Chairman Cox, Vice Chair Welllands. Board members of Mr. Jones. Tonight we are honored to recognize Ms. Nora Freeman for her remarkable dedication and service to Orie County Schools. Ms. Nora's journey began with Ori County School's decades ago. First, using her own vehicle to help transport students with special needs to classrooms throughout
037the district, including her own daughter. She later became a school bus driver beginning in the loris attendance area before moving to the conway attendance area to finish her career. What began as a job soon became a lifelong calling. For nearly 55 years Ms. Nor safely transported generations of Ori County students with special needs and dedicated much of her career to serving students for this noble cause. She was known for going the extra mile. Learning her routes ahead of time, connecting with families, greeting every child with a smile and making every student feel special. At the South Carolina Association for People Transportation or SCAPT, summer conference in 2022, her dedication earned her the South Carolina driver longevity award, and she was recognized as the longest serving school bus driver in the state of South Carolina. Throughout
038decades of changes in BUSSIS, roads, technology, and transportation. One thing remain constant. Ms. Norris commitment to her students. Her service has such countless lives and Ori County schools as deeply grateful for the legacy she leaves behind. There is one commitment, however, Ms. Nor has held on to even longer than driving a school bus. And that's her marriage to her husband, Mr. Willard. The two have been married since January 11, 1959, and will celebrate 67 years of marriage in January. Clearly. When Ms. Nora makes the commitment, she means it. Ms. Nora, thank you. Thank you for your extraordinary years of service, your dedication to generations of students, and the example that you have set for all of us. We wish you nothing but happiness as you begin this well - deserved next chapter. As Dr. Bincen
039escorts Ms. Nor to the podium, we are presenting her tonight with a science certificate of appreciation, as well as her own, Orie County Schools BUS, to take with her. Thank you. Everyone. I have. Enjoyed my journey. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Chairman Cox, that concludes tonight's Superintendent Report. Thank you. Where are we at? Public comments, I believe, are now of Ms. Wendling. Do you have something to say? At the appropriate time for public speaking, you will be recognized by the Board Chair, and you will be given up to a maximum of five minutes to speak. Depending on the number of people who have requested to speak. A maximum of 30 minutes during the regular Board Meeting has been allocated for citizens to speak. Citizens will speak in the order in which they
040have registered. In cases of abusive or vulgar language, profanity, threatening remarks, or comments of purely personal attacks on student, staff, or board members, the chair will rule the person out of order and require her HEM to relinquish the floor. In cases of speakers, promoting unsolicited commercial services, products, or of speakers promoting political candidates or related political activities, confidential information about students, employees, board members, or others, the chair will rule the person out of order and require him or her to relinquish the floor. Please note that the purpose of public for is to give the public an opportunity to make the Board aware of issues the administrative staff have been unable to resolve or to express a viewpoint concerning Board Business. The Board will listen to the VOIN Express, but will not respond to the individuals
041at the meeting. The Board will direct the Superintendent to do so within two weeks, if possible, or if needed. Thank you, Mr. Wellens. The first person that signed up would be Ms. Patricia Milley. Ms. Pat. Yeah, four minutes, 30 seconds, watch the clock, please. Thank you. Good evening, Chairman Cox Board and Mr. Jones. It's nice to be back. And I come with you tonight with to tell you what we want our children. To be or to think or to accomplish. In other words. I heard some women say, we don't want you to teach them what to think. We want you to teach them how to think. When my philosophy is that we teach them what to think and how to think both. Because the Bible is what they should be taught. When our schools were
042opened in the early 1600s, 1700s, the heads of the schools were preachers. The book was the one of the first books where Guff's readers. And they were all based, they were written by a preacher. And they were all teaching children character. So tonight I just came to ask you to look at the 10th Amendment to the Constitution. It says that all the power is not given to the United States. Is reserved to the Board to the state's or to the people. So the state of South Carolina should be in charge of our school system, not Washington, D. C. So I would ask you to ask the governor as Texas did. In Texas, Texas has put the Ten Commandments on the wall. They have the Bible and the School. And anybody who sues the state of
043Texas, Texas is defending their right to have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. And in Ori County, we have freedom. From religion, not freedom of religion. So if I have told you before, I've given these books out around the state to you, to the state board, to the governor. Everybody has these books. To me, they are the best in the world for our children. And parents had these books to put their children in their lap every night and read to them. We would have kinder, sweeter children. I know because when I taught school, I gave everyone to my children a Bible storybook and a Bible. I knocked him the door and gave it to their parents. And in 30 days, I had a different class. And in these books, we put a letter to
044the parent telling them how to use it. This book has the story. Questions for the child, the prayer, and the picture all the way through the book. Inside the label, we put scriptures that have helped us in our lives. We start off with John 3, 16. We go to the Great Commandment, the Ten Commandments. Those are the things that our children need in great of their hearts and our children need hope. The main problem with our children in the school district today is lack of hope. You get hope where spiritual beings. We get hope from the spiritual world. And you cannot be educated without knowing the Bible. You might be educated in how to commit a crime or how to do something like that. But to be truly educated and be a spiritual person, you
045need to know your Bible. You need to have it engraved on your heart. You need to memorize verses. You need to be prepared. This is the sword of the Lord. And if you have it engraved in your heart, your well - armed to get through life. So I would like for you to ask the governor to do just like the governor of Texas has done. And put in the Ten Commandments on every classroom wall to put the Bible back in the school and to make these books available to any child who wants them. They should have the option of having these books. So anyway, that's my speech today is that I would like you to teach our children not only how to think or what to think as long as it's the Bible. Because if
046you have God's word in your heart, you're right. Every word is true, I guarantee it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Milley. We'll see you next month. Mr. Robinson, do you have these? But she'll give them to Kenny. Thank you, Ms. Milley. I've invested Colonel Chaimes Davis, please. It's step to the podium. I had to think twice when you used that name, Mr. Chairman. You talking to me? Okay. Mr. Chairman in school board members. And my great friend, Mr. Jones, it's great to be back here again. It's like coming home, seeing everyone. I just here tonight just to share a few things of how the YSIN beta beta chat, they'll make a size five fraternity. Partners with OE County School and Education throughout the school year. You know, uh, when you see us, we're
047joining me, Jim, wearing a purple blazers and different capacities throughout the school year. Right before school started, we participated in an event. A back to school event that raised school supplies for schools, but kids all over the district. Primarily in the Conway area, but we also supported an other areas of the District as well. We just started out annual scholarship contests essay contest, excuse me, in the first, second, and third place winners of this essay contest. We'll get scholarships that will help them with their college tuition. And the writing prompt that we asked our seniors to write to this year is how can young people use leadership, service, and innovation to create a positive change in their communities. It's amazing. When you give the student an assignment like this of their creativity and what they
048come up with. But we go through a process and we select some winners. And the ones who don't get the scholarships, the first, second, and third place we consider them for up to five of those as well. In the spring. We're going to look again at collaborating with the technology fair and service judges. What a great opportunity is there just to recognize the creativity and innovation of our youth. And, uh, we just enjoy being a part of that. Last week we started our program partner with Laura's Middle School where we're mentoring the six and seventh graders and different activist character development, communications, uh, leadership. And just meeting weekly to just uplift the students there at Laura's Middle School. We reignited our Omega Reed Program last year, which is very consistent with the Superintendent's Reading Program
049where we went to elementary schools and just, uh, read to students. And I said, I said it before, I said again, I get more joy out of doing that than I believe they do. So it is really a great opportunity for us to be able to participate in that program. And this past year, we work with the United Way as well when they done the same thing. Throughout the collectively, we do about 5, 000 dollars in scholarships a year, which doesn't seem like a lot, but it goes a long way for those students. Um, and we adopted a highway, a two mile stretch, you have four mile road. You may have seen our signs. If you're here on Saturday, you drove down four mile roll, you'll see us picking up litter. So we're doing a
050lot now, our community just to ensure that our students have additional support. And we have a partnership with our nonprofit organization, uh, 501c3 Omega Man or Re County, which operates independently as a nonprofit in the community that partners with us for many of these activities. And so what we want you to know is that we are a resource. We are a community resource and we are here to support the students in our district. And sometimes you look and say, I don't know, what are those guys? Just remember, we're the cues. We're omegas. Okay. Uh, and we are here to be a service to our community. Our motto is friendship is essential to the soul. So when you see us, we'll love and know each other very much. We're very proud of what we do. And
051we're going to take pride in supporting our community. I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak to the Board of Day, Mr. Chairman. You guys have a great evening. Thank you, Colonel Davis. And thanks to your brothers. For all you do. Next, I'd ask Ms. Yeah, that's right. That's good. Ms. Emily Gary. If you would, please. Did somebody checking. While we're waiting, we have. A Renthia Gary. They're coming. That is gray. Okay, now who are you? Yes. Thank you. What's your name? Renthy O'Gray. Okay, Aranthi. I mispronounced it early. I'm so sorry. It's okay. Please go ahead. I mean, do you agree? Good evening. And thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Academy of Hope Charter School. I'm speaking on the behalf of a school and a
052group of children who mean so much to me every morning. Our students walk through our doors carrying more than backpacks. They carry dreams, challenges, hopes, and incredible potential. And every day our teachers and staff meet them with dedication, compassion, and the belief that we're a child begins should never determine how far that child can go. I see it firsthand in our classrooms and in our hallways. And they know special moments when I'm going through an inside each classroom watching and observing. And I see and I realized when a student says, Oh, I can do that. Or, Hey, that's it. I got it. One thing we notice is that children do not all learn in the same way. And they do not. All thrive in the same environment. Some students need a quiet space to concentrate.
053Some need movement and hands on experiences. Others flourish through collaboration, small group. Instruction, uh, technology intervention or opportunities to learn beyond the traditional classroom setting. The learning environment should never become a barrier to what a child can achieve. It should be one of the tools that help that child succeed. That is why I am not simply asking for a newer or bigger building, but I am asking for an environment that allows us to educate the whole child a safe and welcoming place. With classroom and flexible seatings and spacings to support the intervention enrichment collaboration, creativity in the social and emotional needs of our scholars. We want every child who enters our school to feel that there is a place there for them and that they belong and that they can be successful. Our school already
054has the heart. I'll say that again. Our school already has the heart. We have dedicated educators. We have families who believe in us. And most importantly, we have children filled with potential, who deserve every opportunity that we can give them. What we need now is a building. That supports the work that's already happening in our school and in our walls and in our every classroom. They're becoming everything we know that our students can be. So I'll respectfully ask you to look beyond the request for building. And see what we are truly asking for. We are truly asking for the opportunity. To see our children, to see their different needs, to see their potential. To see their future. And help us provide a place where every child, regardless of how they learn, has the space and
055the opportunity to belong to grow, to thrive and to soar. Thank you for allowing me to speak. Have a good evening. Thank you, Ms. Gray. Ms. Constance Cooper. Ms. Constance Cooper. His. Analy, Gary not in all. The rings. It was Emily Gary in the other room, do you know. She was not, okay. You know, if constant Cooper is in the overflow. She's ill. Okay, thank you. Katina Richmond. There she is. Good evening. To the chairman, Board Members. The Superintendent and the members of Orey County. Thank you for this opportunity. My name is Dr. Katina Richmond. I'm a pharmacist by profession. And currently serve as the Director of Pharmacy at Healthcare Partners with South Carolina. I have been an Ory County resident for more than 20 decades. And I have had the privilege of serving this
056community for much of that time. I stand before you tonight not only as a servant of this community, but also as a parent to a four - year - old pre - K student. And her name is Kennedy. She's incredibly smart. She's independent. She's compassionate and she's strong - willed. These equalities that I believe can become the foundation of strong leadership. My village has invested in my daughter, and it is my responsibility and our collective responsibility to raise her to become irresponsible citizen who will one day contribute and strengthen the community around her. I choose the Academy of Hope. Because of its mission. To maximize the potential inherent in every student by building character, promoting critical thinking, encouraging intellectual curiosity, cultivating entrepreneurship, and instilling a sense of global responsibility. This mission aligns with my personal
057desire for what I want from my little sunshine. This is what I expect from the institution that I trust with her education. As a parent and as a healthcare professional, I believe the environment in which our children learn matters. I expect that environment to be clean, to be safe, and conducive to their health and ability to learn. This is an area where I believe this board can assist. And where I believe we have an obligation to our children, the educators, and the staff. When I walk my scholar, little Ms. Kennedy into the current building, especially after a good rain. My health care senses are immediately put on alert. The hint of poor quality air is pretty evident. The quality of air our children breathe can affect their respiratory health. Particularly for those who already have
058conditions such asthma or other respiratory illnesses. Our children deserve the opportunity to learn in an environment where the air they breathe supports their health rather than potentially compromising it. And this concern extends beyond our students. The teachers, the administrators, the support staff, all who dedicate their time, their talent and energy to educating and caring for our children deserve a healthy working environment as well. We owe our children more than a simple place to learn. We owe them an environment in which they can grow, learn, and thrive. I thank you for granting me the opportunity to be heard tonight. I respectfully ask the sport to support our scholars, our educators and support staff by taking meaningful steps towards providing a healthier, safer, and better quality learning environment. Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate that. Okay.
059Yes. The last one would be Marcella Hethway. Marcel Ahthway. No, okay. She's a no - show, that's fine. Next, we'll move on to business. I'd ask Mr. Generat. Come forward, please monitoring report OE. Three, this will require a vote. Good evening, Chairman Cox. Vice Chair Wellens. Board members and Mr. Jones. Reporting out on Operational Expectation, uh, or OE3. This is in reference to the treatment of stakeholders. As shared at our last Board meeting of work session, this particular, um, modern to import OE3 focuses on creating and maintaining an organizational culture that treats all stakeholders with respect, dignity, and courtesy, the management of information. In keeping confidentiality and the family education rights and privacy act and what is known as PERPRA intact, making sure that we have ways to resolve concerns or complaints through various processes.
060And also making sure that we take into account and value individual differences of opinions and keep open communications through various superintendent cabinet groups, which includes our business, Fate - based Community Cabinet, our parent cabinet, our principal cabinet, our student cabinet, our support staff cabinet, our teacher cabinet, as well as opportunities for the Superintendent to engage the public through conversations with CLIFS series and various speaking opportunities with a variety of groups and organizations throughout the county. Again, this effort is to make sure that we foster open and honest communication. At this time, I hope that the Board moves forward to accept what we have in reference to your OE3 treatment of stakeholders. Thank you. Entertaining any questions at this time. Questions. Mr. What's the motion? I move to accept report. Second. Okay. Okay, thank you. Are
061we going to use our voter. All right, please vote. There you go. That's me, unless. Okay, thank you very much. The next item would be appointment of advisory board members. Does anyone have an empty seat, Tracy. First, I'd like to start with thanking Denise pastor for serving a four terms at Palmetto Bay Elementary. Second, I would like to acknowledge the following who were elected to serve two - year terms last year. Kelly Hanley at Carolina Forest High School, Vincent Napolitano at River Oaks Illinary. Lonnie K. Oaks Elementary School. Third, I would like to appoint the following for two - year term. Jamiya Ponder at Ocean Bay Middle, Julia Wagner at Carolina Four Sell Minory. And then the following for one year term. Windy Wallan at AAST, Michelle Goonan at Ocean Bay Elementary, and the Reverend
062Tyler Strange as the community member. Motion to approve. Okay. Second. Only Favorite say aye. Aye. Who's like saying, thank you. Anyone else? Okay. I guess that concludes the Advisory Board Members. Next, we need to approve the agenda. So I move. Second. Okay, on a favor, say aye. Aye. Proves like sign. And then we need to... We adjourn? Yes, right. Second. Solid Farrisaye. Aye. Bridge, Jordan. Thank you all so much. And thank you to members in the audience.