001Thank you all for coming. To the Board of Education Board meeting on November 17. Before we begin. This meeting. I'd like to ask Ms. Dawson for an indication. If you will please bow your heads in prayer. Father in heaven, we come to you tonight with such grateful hearts. We're grateful to be here in service to our students and our community. We pray that you give us contrite hearts and willing hands to do the work before us tonight. Help us. Be mindful of our words and deeds as we go through the evening. We are grateful for all those who are in the room with us here tonight and all of those across the county who have an interest in Ore county schools. We particularly ask that you maintain a hedge of protection around our students, our
002staff, and. All of our employees across the county. We are grateful that you have protected all of us so. Far, and we don't take that for granted. Now, we ask that you continue to go. With us tonight through the week and into the future. In Jesus holy name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Ms. Johnson. Now, I'd like to ask the green Sea, Florida's Army J R O T C for our colors and pledge of allegiance, please stand. Freeze and colors. A little different. Join me with the pleasure of allegiance, please. Apply of the United States of America and to the republic, which stage one nation under God indivisible. With liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Be seated. All right, let's get this party started. Next, I'd like to introduce the board member,
003starting with Mr. Cook. Well. Good evening. My name is David Cook and I represent district one, which is the attendance area. Of Myrtle beach and North Myrtle beach. Good evening, I'm Tracy. Winners. I represent district three. Which is Carolina forest area. I also serve as. Regional director four for the South Carolina School Boards Association. Good evening. My name is Wendy Hodges. I represent district four, which is Sakistee St. James. And Myrtle beach. Hello, I'm Melanie Willens. District eight, which is portions of Carolina forest. Saucus T and Conway. I'm Pam Dawson. I represent district six, which is Sakisti and St. James in. A small portion of Carolina forest. Hello, I'm Janet Graham. I represent district seven, which is Conway in a part of Carolina. Forest. I also serve on the South Carolina School Boards association as
004secretary treasurer and the South Carolina School Board's Insurance Trust and the South Carolina Accountability Advisory committee. Good evening. I'm James Edwards. I represent district nine, which includes green Sea, Floyds, loris. North Myrtle Beach, a small portion of Carolina forest and a small portion of myrtle beach. Good evening. My name is Neil James. It's my pleasure and honor to represent district ten. Which includes portions of the Lords Green Sea, Floyds, Conway and Carolina forest attendance areas. Howdy. I'm Darryl Rickens and I represent district eleven, which is the angel attendance. Area, a part of the Conway attendance area and also part of the floyds part of the Green Sea. Floyd's attendant thank you, board members. And my name is David Cox. I have the pleasure of chairing this committee. And it is a joy indeed. Next, I
005need the approval. Of agenda. Second. All in favor say aye. Opposed? Like sign hearing none. The motion passed approval of the minutes. For November 3. So moved. Second. All in favor say aye. Opposed like sign hearing none. The motion moved. Moving into discussion, I'd ask Mr. Neil James to give us an update on the facilities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Are we prepared to show the video? Lucas, if you would show the capital projects update video, please. The Anorheyne Conway High baseball and softball stadiums are getting their new buildings dried in. And field renovations are nearing completion. Stadium seating and press boxes will be installed in the next few weeks. These projects are on schedule, to be completed in time for their use in the spring. Work on the roofing replacement at Ayner High continues and
006is on track to be completed within the next several months. The school's interior renovations are also continuing and include the replacement of the fire alarm lighting and ceilings. At Carolina Forest High, contractors have nearly completed bhouse and some ancillary buildings. Once complete Bhouse classes will shift from modulars back into the classrooms, and contractors will begin work on Seahouse, whose classrooms will then transition into the modulars. Orie County Schools facilities building on the penny. Status of the St. James Elementary School. Very pleased to share, and the board is aware that we have approved both the architect and the construction team, so they are now prepared to begin working. There will be a joint committee of representatives from the district, the design and the construction team that will do a site visit to visit a school that
007was replaced on an existing campus in Richland number two. That's scheduled in the next couple of weeks. We also have an update on our energy committee. We have a committee that's looking at how we can continue to be energy efficient in all of our facilities. So they are working to make sure that we do that. Attending several conferences. So. They're proceeding with that. We also had our 45 day enrollment. Our board members. You've? Seen the numbers, but our total enrollment for the year after 45 days is 45,666. Plus 1521 students that are in our K and K four programs. So we are a little bit less, about 1.29% compared to last year at the same. Time, but we believe there's still opportunity for some of the students to come back to our schools. And the
008last thing that we discussed is there will be a request made at our next meeting. To consider the renaming of the green sea floors community room after Mr. Rodney C. McPherson, who was affectionately known as Mr. Mack. He was the principal of the original Floyd school when they merged very instrumental in ensuring that they had a smooth transition. Into the green sea. Floyd's school. So that's upcoming in our next meeting. Any questions. Rodney c. Mcpherson. They called him Mr. Mac. He was the green sea Park Floyd. He would have been upset. I can tell you, Darryl, one thing I made a mistake on when I first was elected is instead of saying the full name Green C. Floyds, I said green sea. That is a monumental mistake for that community, so I apologize for getting
009them confused. Thank you for correcting me. I remember when you did? That. Okay, next. Let's see. Ms. Graham, South Carolina School Board Associations Trust Fund, please. Thank you. Mr. Chairman. The education oversight committee has to do a report every five years. They have a cyclical review. And so they formulate the South Carolina Accountability Advisory Committee. And I was asked by the school board association to sit in on that committee to help with the cyclical review. And what we do is we review the report card system for South Carolina public schools, and this past meeting, we looked at. Numerous ESSA accountability indicators. Full day, lots of work, lots of really smart people, lots of information. So that was what we did on that one. Also, we met another day. With State Superintendent Ellen Weaver and her
010department, the state Department of Education. And what she's trying to do is to have. An intentional engagement with school boards. So she did a presentation where she talked about. How we all can work together and then. Four of her deputy superintendents gave us reports on what it is that they do and how they do it. So we got reports on operations and support, college and career and military readiness, strategic engagement, and also the chief finance office and how all those different pieces fit together with the state Department of Education. And how we in all districts in South Carolina can engage with them. Very informative. And finally, we had a board meeting with the South Carolina school board's insurance trust, and we looked at work comp and property and casualty. What we did was looked at
011the financial position. In each of those different segments. And also we looked at the historical of what has been done. And we looked into the future of what the future views and plans are. The auditors and our investment professionals gave reports. Everything is on track. Nothing is out of the ordinary. And everything is very strong with the insurance trust. Thank you very much. Thank you, Ms. Graham. Now I'd like to ask Mr. Adam Embryo to come up to your city of Conway. Proposed river front and downtown redevelopment plan. Mr. Emrith. Good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. So I'm not Adam Emerick. I'm John Rogers with the city of Conway. Our council meeting is actually still going on. Came in Mr. Emmert's place. This is Gary Pope with Pope Flynn. His firm is representing
012us. In the tiff. As I said, I'm here on behalf of the City of Conway to request your partnership. In a tax increment financing district specifically focused on the riverfront downtown areas. The tiff represents a rare opportunity to revitalize a long dormant part of the city, stimulate meaningful economic development and ultimately increase long term revenue. For all taxing entities, including Orie county schools. And Mr. Jones told me to say Lucas next slide. When I was at this point, Thank you. First. I know you all have dealt with tips before, but. So I'll give kind of. An elementary overview. On what a tiff is. A tiff district allows the city to borrow a limited capped amount of money to redevelop a targeted area. The bonds used to fund that redevelopment or repaid only from new tax
013revenue created by growth inside that district, not from current revenue. And not from the existing tax base. A tiff is a tool that uses economic growth to pay for economic development. And Lucas. Next slide, please. It helps our community grow inward, focusing on density, walkability and existing. Infrastructure rather than pushing development outward into higher cost greenfield areas. For Conway, that means breathing life back into our riverfront district. Next slide, please. This is the redevelopment proposed redevelopment area. It includes 449 acres and we have here 296 parcels. It's actually 294 right on the very north end. There are two parcels that we initially proposed being in the site because we thought they would be in the city by now, and they're not going to be in time to pass the tiff. So they're very small parcels
014and. It won't. Make any difference in the grand scheme of things, but we will send you something amending the redevelopment plan. In the very near future. The area includes one of the most significant redevelopment opportunities in the region. The 318 acre site of the former Granger generating station, which has been sitting vacant for years. It also includes key portions of Conway's historic riverfront downtown. We believe this area is poised for transformational investment. Next slide, please. Today. The assessed value of the district is roughly $2.75 million after redevelopment and private investment the projected assessed value rises to nearly $13 million, with a fair market value of more than $266,000,000 importantly, these projections do not include natural growth, only redevelopment. Driven growth, which means their conservative investments. Next slide, please. And. I will here remind you that.
015The large majority of the acreage. in this project right now is public land that is not drawing tax revenue so there is land in this that can be taken from public land to either residential or commercial primarily commercial land that will provide tax revenue for all the taxing entities in the future In terms of commitment, the city plans to invest approximately $78.9 million in public infrastructure. Improvements. It is not a small endeavor. We are putting real skin in the game. Next slide, please. For every dollar of the school district and county would contribute through their incremental revenues. The city will contribute a dollar 72 in city tiff and non Tiff funds. We're stepping up in a major way because we believe this project will redefine the future of Conway. Next slide, please. What we are
016asking of the district is straightforward. Contribute 100% of the incremental tax revenue generated inside the district. Again, only the new value created and participate for the full 30 year term of the TIFF bonds. This does not affect your existing tax base, your current revenues will remain intact. Next slide, please. And next slide. Thank you. At the request of the school district, the city engaged a third party economic firm to independently evaluate the TIFF proposals and their findings were clear. The project is estimated to generate $380,000,000 in total economic impact. The study supports the city's projections and confirms the cost benefit case for school district participation, and it also affirms that. This is a financially sound, beneficial partnership for all parties. Next slide, please. And let me address again. I hit on this. I want to
017address it again because I know it's probably your primary concern. How does this affect school revenue? Your existing revenue is untouched. Only the incremental increase inside the tiff district is temporarily captured. The school district is not giving up revenue. It is simply shifting the timing. Of when the revenue arrives. Additionally, the anticipated development is largely commercial and therefore. We do not anticipate it material. Materially affecting your student headcount. In the medium long term. Next slide, please. Based on the independent economic analysis, the school district breaks even five years after the tip expires. Over the long term. Across a 50 year horizon, the school district ends up $12 million. Better off with the tiff than without. This is a rare example of economic opportunity. Or economic development project, where the long term physical benefits to the
018skull are quantifiable. Positive and independently validated. The City of Conway has a proven track record of delivering on complex, multiface public projects and we understand how to responsibly manage capital improvements and are committed to doing so here. Tonight, we are asking for your partnership to help revitalize a long underused part of our community to leverage private investment in a way that benefits taxpayers and to position the school district for long term increased revenue. Tiff agreements between municipalities and school districts across South Carolina have shown real success when the parties collaborate and pursue creative solutions. We believe this project can be another example of that success. And we do want to say, while the Tiff will have a well defined district that will involve an intergovernmental agreement and. We are very open to. Hearing what the
019district needs from your side as part of that intergovernmental agreement, so. We understand this is a two way street. We're not just asking you here. Sign the form and trust us. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration on this. Or Mr. Pope. Be happy to answer any questions. Anybody request to speak, please hit your button, Mr. James. Thank you, Mr. Rogers, for presenting. I guess it was about a year and a half, two years ago, a similar request was made. From the city for something very similar. I guess I have two questions. What has changed from. The original request. And the original request had an automatic. If we didn't take action, it automatically proceeded. Is that still the case? No. So the way the tiff statute works is if. We send a notice to
020the school district, which we sent to Mr. Jones. There's unfortunately a shot clock that starts and you either object or you say we are. Very happy to fully participate without any guardrails or anything I'm not familiar with. Anyone, any school district in South Carolina that hasn't said that? It just said yes. We are fully willing to participate. Almost all of them now say yes, but on our terms. Yes, on. Our after we do our cost benefit analysis. Pursuant to the statute, you have objected. You can participate on a modified basis at any time that you choose. And the reason for the delay, if I will, is we wanted to get that third party analysis. Done, and that took a little bit longer than we expected, but in terms of the request, The request. Is in
021the same shape that it was in when we sent it over. You all have formally objected. And now we are asking for a negotiated participation in a way that would mutually benefit both. Parties. Okay, that sounds a lot better than the last time. So thank you very much. I can tell you the city of Conway has done a great job. Redeveloping their downtown areas. So I have a high level of confidence. My concern, and something we'll have to evaluate is making sure that we protect the best. Interests of the school district as well. Ms. Graham. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Okay, so we would break even after five years, correct? Five years after the end of the tiff. Okay? And then there's after 50 years. That's when we realized a 12 million. Dollars. Okay? Yes. Any
022more questions. Mr edwards. In one of your slides. You were using 119.1 for the millage rate. Ten meals of that is our debt service. And that's obligated for debt service specifically. So. Are you saying that's where it's going to be maintained, that 119 total. And this is also something that is commonly negotiated. I'm not trying to give away the store here, but. Debt service millage is commonly negotiated out of the eventual modified TIff agreement. So if you were to make a request to not attach debt service. That is a very typical. Part of the iga process. Thank you. Any more questions? I do have one last question. Excuse me. I should have asked this the first. Time. What's the time frame? Is there an expected resolution date? So again, you all have objected. So unless
023there is an agreement in the future. These plans will not impact you at all. We would very much like for you to participate. The city in order to go ahead and lock the assessed value at the December 31, 2024 value. Which is the last tax control date that's passed, is going to give second reading to just set the floor on the tiff in, I believe, December 1. You all can participate. We can agree six months from now. We can agree two weeks from now. I think the city would love for there to be. A. Conscientious and deliberate movement on it. But, of course, we need to make sure you all are very comfortable and pleased with the eventual product and understand that at the end of the day. You all aren't going to agree to
024anything you don't want to agree. To. And so we need to make sure you're very happy with. Our process. So just as fast as it takes for you all to feel comfortable moving forward, thank you. Anything else? One quick question. You mentioned that the majority of this property would be public. What does that mean exactly. So majority of the acreage. In this area now is public land. It is not drawing tax revenue. Who owns it? We own the constant city of Conway. Owns it? Yes. So it wouldn't. Be the former Granger site where the smoke stacks were. I got you. So that is not. Drawing the county, the district, anybody, any revenue. If we enter into public private partnerships over the course. Of the tiff which we plan to do for some of that property.
025That would, at the end of the Tiff, be tax generating property. Thank you, Mr. Rogers. And without the tiff. This is our mechanism to make that happen. We do not see it happening organically. We appreciate that. Thank you for coming. Mr. Dawson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I come before you tonight to discuss BSR two, which is the board superintendent relationship? Policy. This was first discussed in our policy committee meeting on October 6. There were a number of revisions suggested by our policy committee members. Legal went back. And revised according to that input. It was reviewed again on November 3. At that time, there was only one minor change. It was to remove the word that in the last paragraph, which was done. In this revision. The policy committee took a vote. To refer. This revised
026policy to the full board with a recommendation to approve, and we present it to you. Tonight for consideration and discussion. Are there any questions? Hearing? None. Thank you, Mr. Austin. You're welcome. I'd ask Mr. Lee James to. Come up. Monitoring report r seven college and career. Good evening, Chairman Cox, Vice Cheryl Wellens, board members and Mr. Jones included near agenda packet for this meeting with a copy of the r seven monitoring report, which pertains to college and. Career readiness. This report summarizes student performance on several key assessments the sat, the act. Advanced placement exams. International Baccalaureate exams and the South Carolina College and career ready. Excuse me, South Carolina College readiness assessment. Along with the district's overall college and career readiness and on time graduation rates for tonight's presentation. I've selected several charts from the
027r seven report to highlight, beginning with student performance on the SAT and the. Act. In their junior year, high school students are given the option to choose between two college entrance exams. The SAT or the act. Funded by the Department of Education, these exams provide a measure of a student's readiness for college level coursework. Counselors, students, and teachers help parents select the exam which best? Aligns to their individual goals. Over the past four years, a clear trend has emerged. More students are opting to take the SAt over the act. These shifts in test participation can influence overall performance performance patterns on each exam. The next two slides highlight the most recent results from last year's graduating seniors. The SAT is a standardized college entrance exam that measures students readiness for college level coursework and evidence
028based reading and writing and mathematics. It provides a benchmark for students, schools, and districts to identify academic strengths and areas for growth. After decline in 2024, Orie County School's seniors improved their overall composite SAT score in 2025, with gains in both evidence based reading and writing and mathematics. The average composite score of 1033 not only reflects growth from the previous year, it also. Exceeds the state average of 1009 and the national average of 1029. This improvement highlights the impact of ongoing college readiness efforts across the district, and I want to thank the Board for your continued support in providing resources and opportunities to help our students succeed. The act. Test act is a college entrance exam that assesses student skills in English, mathematics, reading and science. Providing another measure of readiness for college level coursework.
029Like the SAT, it helps students, educators, and districts understand the academic strengths and areas for improvement from 2023 to 2000 and. 25 ACT scores in Oregon county have remained largely consistent across all tested areas. Last year, HCS seniors experienced a slight decrease in their overall composite score, which is reflected in the same trends noticed across the state and the nation. Moving forward, their learning services team will continue to review act preparation efforts and ensure that students. Who choose this exam will receive the support that they need to be successful. Advanced Placement or AP courses offer students the opportunity to engage in college level learning while still in high school. Challenging them to think critically and apply their knowledge at a higher level. Across our district, more students are taking on this challenge. And their success
030in these courses reflect both their dedication and the quality of instruction that they receive. In Oregon county schools last year, nearly 1900 students took an AP course, and approximately 75 more AP exams were administered when compared to the previous year. Even with more students taking the exams, our passing rate improved signific. Significantly. Last year, 88% of AP exams resulted in students earning a score of three or higher. Which is a 7% increase from the previous year. This demonstrates the hard work of our students. And the rigorous instruction in these courses, as well as a strong foundation provided by earlier coursework. That prepares them for this challenge. The International Baccalaureate, or IB, program provides students with challenging college level coursework that emphasizes critical thinking global perspectives and in depth learning. Both aner high school and socracy
031High School offer IB programs and has seen an increase in the number of ib exams. Administer. Administered with more students testing. Passing rates dips slightly at both schools. As participation grows, the learning services team is committed to supporting teachers and students to find success in these challenging programs. The South Carolina Career Ready Test is an assessment administered to all 11th grade students to measure the common skills that employers define as foundational to career success. Based on their performance, students can earn one of the following career ready credentials which can be used for employment. Bronze, silver, gold or platinum in South Carolina. To be considered career ready on this assessment, students must earn a minimum of a silver certificate. On the career readiness assessment or a county school. Students continue to outperform the state and from
0322022 to 2025, we have seen steady growth. Last year, 76.6% of HCS students earned a career readiness certificate with 58.8% of students earning a silver certificate or higher. This reflects our collective effort to prepare students with the skills and credentials that matter most to employers. and finally our last slide tonight highlights an achievement truly worth celebrating across the district both the overall on time graduation rate and the college and career readiness rate continue to trend upward reflecting the hard work of our students the dedication of our teachers the support of our families and the board's commitment to Student success. Last year, the district's on time graduation rate climbed to 89.6%. Which is the highest that has ever been since this metric has been reported. This milestone is a testament to the unwavering commitment to student
033success that defines ore county. Schools equally impressive, our college and career readiness rate reached an all time high of 82.5% demonstrating that more students than ever are graduating, prepared to thrive. In both college and the workforce. The increase in this readiness. Is not only the increase in this readiness. Not only. Excuse me. The increase in readiness reflects not only improved rates on the previously discussed assessments, But it also includes the district's commitments to multiple pathways to success. More students are graduating after completing a career and technical education pathway with an industry credential, successfully completing dual enrollment courses. And qualifying for service in our nation's armed forces through the Asvab test. The college and career readiness. Includes all high school students, not just those who receive a diploma. The narrowing gap between the college and career
034readiness rate. And the graduation rate shows that a HPS diploma means more than simply completing high school, it reflects true preparation for the next steps in life. While these metrics and others covered in. This report are focused on high school students, it is important to recognize that success in these measures begins much earlier. Oregon County Schools is made up of outstanding elementary and middle schools that laid a foundation for student achievement at the high school level and beyond. These results discussed in this report are a direct reflection of the dedication, expertise and hard work of all. HCs, educators in each of our schools. Thank you for your time, and I'll take any questions? Mr. James, do you know how many of those that are career ready are CTE completers? Compared to those who have passed
035a wind test, it is. In our, we have in our report the larger report, which I just showed a glimpse into. There is a section that outlines how many students. Are career ready based on the CTE, and I'll find it here. It's a lengthy report. So last year, we had 1063 of our high school students who finished their high school journey. With a CTE completed pathway and industry credentials, and you could see a very clear increase from previous years. Very good second set of bars there. Thank you. Ms. Dawson, Mr. James. Excellent report. And we are indeed very grateful to each and every teacher in the classroom. They are the ones, along with our administrators and students, who can take credit for the excellent performance of our students. Absolutely. Parents at home who encourage their
036children and communities who support us. So we're grateful to that. Regarding the ACT scores, I noticed you said that. The State SAT score was 1029. Our score was 1033. I may have missed it. What was the average state act score? I did not mention it is actually included in the report as well. And the larger report. so in the nation at 19.4 is the average 18.2 in south carolina and 17.9 in oregon county schools Thank you very much. I appreciate that. Thank you. It is important to note that our students choose to take one or the other, right? And we're 310. Tens of test. Right. Thank you so much. I appreciate that. Thank you. Any more questions? Hearing none. We'll thank you, Mr. James. Next, I'd ask Mr. Gardner come up for. Fgh. Fghni. Good
037evening, Chairman Cox, vice Chairman Wellens. Board members. Mr. Jones. Yes, you're right. We're going to be up here for a little while. The first thing we'll talk about is oe six financial administration. You ever received a copy of this report? And actually, this. Is the annual report that we indicate compliance with the board governance expectations. One item that I want to draw your attention to is a 2024 25 audit. The audit is essentially complete, but the auditor cannot issue a final opinion on single audit of federal funds until. The final supplement comes from the Office of Management and Budgeting, which is the federal government. This delay has impacted all school districts, all local governments, and other nonprofit organizations. We have been working with a draft of the supplement and do not expect any significant changes.
038The good news is that. We are ready. and have received an unmodified opinion on the basic financial statements again an unmodified opinion is the best opinion you can get And we have received a draft. Unmodified opinion on a single audit. If there's any questions regarding this, I'd be happy to address. No, go ahead. All right, moving on to OE seven asset management. Again, this is the Anna report indicating compliance. With the board's operational expectations. We interpret this policy to mean that the district will develop and adopt policies and procedures to safeguard the district's assets, including these safeguards, are provisions for adequate insurances, which includes property casualty liability and cyber policies. In addition, the district has established a preventive maintenance program and implemented me. measures for the stories security of assets If there are any questions
039regarding this, I'd be happy to address those as well. No. Okay, Lucas, we're going. To budget. Assumptions and parameters. Okay. So each year when we developed a new budget for 20, 26, 27, we base it upon certain assumptions and parameters. We'll go through these rather quickly. The number one is preliminary estimate a student population increase. Is expected to be TBD. Joe Birch has worked diligently on. Those enrollments, and I hope that we'll have something by the December eigth. Meeting share with you. Okay, very good. We know that certain operational costs are going to increase, including, but not limited to the insurances. And utilities. So what's the budget for that? We're planning the employees, we provide a step increase based upon their years of experience and any cost of living adjustment is determined by the state
040and or the board of education. Personnel allocation form will be reviewed to address any modifications to the instructional program and ask will be the next topic on the agenda, title one and other special funds will be used to provide additional opportunities ensure that all children have a fair, equal and significant opportunity to a high quality education and reach proficiency on. Challenging state academic achievement standards and state academic assessments. Revenue projections will be based upon the most recent version of the State Appropriations bill. So those are the assumptions, the parameters. The district will comply with all applicable state and or federal laws and regulations. Resources will support a district's vision to be a world premier, world class school system in which every student acquires an excellent education. The district will provide the curriculum, programs, instructional support,
041which have been proven to be effective for students. The district will provide instructional support essential to meet the state and local. Accountability goals. And the district must provide resources for unfunded mandates. They always come down from Columbia, so we'll have to address those when they come as well. Sports services and operational aspects of the district will be maintained. That essential services provided to students and staff will be continued. The district will identify funding sources for new programs and initiatives, and here comes a new one we added for this year. The zero based budgeting ZBB initiative for HCs will begin this year with the Academics division and the human resources division. Our goal is to align every dollar in academics and human resources. With student outcomes literacy, which was our rise to reading initiative, workforce readiness,
042and employee excellence. If there are any questions, I'll be happy to address those. Mr. James. I had one question, based upon your last comment. The zebra based budgeting concept. I know we had talked about implementing that over a five year period. Would it be possible to get a schedule of what? This year, you're focusing on HR and academics. Can we get an incremental. What you plan to focus on next year and the year after that so that we can ensure in five years we've looked. At the whole district. Mr. James. Thank you for that question. My hope. And I'm trying not to over promise. And deliver here is that we can do this in three years. And the reason being if we take two divisions and we had a discussion about this at cabinet, Academics
043is one of our larger divisions. Right? And HR is one of. Our strong but mighty smaller divisions. And so if we can do two at a time, which we're trying this year. It won't take us five years. I want to get through it first. So maybe if we say after we go through it. In maybe April or may, if we can come back to that question. Because I would like to be able to deliver to the board. The most accurate plan. And we are trying to do this in three years, okay? That's fine. I just wanted to see the schedules. That's perfect. Okay. The approval of the personnel allocation formula is the first step in the 2026 27 budgeting process. The only changes this time do we are recommending is a reduction in the pt
044ratio for kindergarten and the change in rounding parameters for middle school. And you can see the changes are highlighted. In blue. And takeaways are highlighted in red and strut through. So the kindergarten teachers. With the Max class size, currently at 27.5, we propose to reduce that by two to 25.5. We did some initial calculations based upon the current year numbers and it appears that it will add additional ten new classrooms because of that. On the middle school. Just change in the parameters. They used to be able to get a 0.5 fte. And recommendation from the middle school principals and executive director is we don't need a 0.5 ft. Either give us a whole person or no person, and so we're opposing to changed it to that were zero to zero point. 49 rounds to zero.
045Anything 50 and above rounds to a one fte the change in that. Calculation will be approximately two additional staff members at the middle school. So it's not a big change in that. Most recent HR committee meeting. There are several topics that were discussed at that time. What we were supposed to do is like we did last year, that at any time, as we go through this process, the board can make changes to it and future board meetings. So we'll be bringing items back to you as we progress through the budget process, but this is just to get started out the gate, and we'll be asking you to give approval for this. December eigth meeting. Any questions, I'll be happy to address Mr. Edwards. Mr. Gardner, I have one question from. The previous information you were
046given. Have we had any funding issues from the government shut down? No, sir. Not yet. Thank you. Mr. James. Mr. Gardner, if I understood you correctly, you said with the reallocation formula to. Add ten additional classrooms at the elementary level. Yes, sir. That's based on our student enrollment. At day 45. What is that based on? That's based on for 45th day numbers, okay? And two at the. Middle school, right? So I'm sure this will kind of trickle down to the impact on the facilities. Do we have ten additional classrooms at the elementary level because I know several of those are already at capacity. I provided a list to Mr. Prince and Mr. Birch, and they're going to be meeting with detective directors to see how that might pan out again. Kindergarten is one of the.
047Hardest things to predict. Joe saying he thinks it's kind of flat. Okay, but it may not be the same in every school. And remember, I'm saying ten based upon numbers a. Day. The difference between one kid can make a difference to whether you add a classroom or take one away. So our initial projection is ten. It. May be less than that once we get our other numbers. And to that point, there might be a request for portables based on this. You can't just put a kindergarten class anywhere in a building. Has to be in a certain place. And we are running those numbers. We'll come back to the board. When we feel like we've nailed that down. Okay, well, the reason I was asking. There's additional costs beyond just personnel. We had the additional position
048based upon the allocation formula, but it's also the classroom and. The support services that goes behind that. So it'd be interesting to see what the total impact is from this equation change. Ms. Dawson. Mr. Gardner, you may not be able to speak to this. This might be more directed to the superintendent. Mr. Superintendent, is it not true, though, that our literacy rate may be. Positively impacted by lowering the class size in kindergarten. The short answer to that is yes. I'm not familiar with any other state that has such high kindergarten ratios. I. Showed my former district. One to one, and we can't do that overnight. But I will tell you to the heart of your question. We can be more efficient and more effective, but certainly more loving and caring in a smaller class. Size.
049Thank you. Okay. Any more questions? Hearing? None. That wraps you up. I believe I have one more, Mr. Chairman. Number I. 20, 25, 26 holiday bonus for all active ACS employees. And I'll start with that. One. So, chairman Cox. And vice chair wellens and board members. Tonight, I'm bringing forward. An important recommendation regarding a one time December holiday bonus for all eligible Orie county school's. Employees. As you know, our staff has delivered extraordinary year of performance, one that Mr. James just went over. It's marked by the highest graduation rate in the history of ore county schools. And that outcome is the result of a system wide effort. It reflects the. Work of teachers in the classroom, bus drivers who get students to school safely, custodians who keep our buildings clean, food service workers who feed
050our children, and support staff who keep the district running and administrators who lead our schools and departments every day. So after reviewing the scenarios presented, by Mr. Gardner and his team. I'm recommend. Recommending as the superintendent. Scenario one. Scenario one is $896 gross for full time employees. For a total cost of $6.5 million, paid for by reserve funds. This recommendation is grounded on two assumptions, and that was assumption one, that this is our highest graduation rate ever. 89.6%. And that accomplishment is something that we should celebrate and say thank you for. Is reflective of a team. Behind that. And the second is that I would like to highlight. This idea that we transition to a more predictable compensation. Award in the future. So, looking ahead, I intend to bring forward a new structure in the
051upcoming budget that builds one time performance based compensation into our regular financial planning. So in future years, holiday bonuses would be around school performance, around attendance incentives. Around clear sustainable budget parameters so that this is something that all employees can work for from day one. This will allow us to move away from an ad hoc bonus to our more intentional model. That recognizes excellence while ensuring financial predictability. For now, this holiday bonus is simple. It's a meaningful way to say thank you. Thank you for your work. Thank you for. Your heart. Thank you for your professionalism. And thank you for your belief in our students. 89.6 doesn't just happen. Nori County Schools is rising. We're rising. Because our people help our students rise every day. And at this time, I'll invite Mr. Gardner to explain
052a little more. Thank you, Mr. Jones. You did a fine job with that. So, as Mr. Jones says, scenario one would be that gross pay would be for a regular full time employee $896 the net pay is how much they would take home after tax. It's a 574 78. Scenario two would be what if we want an employee to take home regular full time employee to take home $896. And we'd have to gross that up to $1,396.73 and. To do that for all those employees would be roughly around $10.1 million. And in scenario three is just looking at the base of $500. And you can see that that cost would be 3.6. And scenario four should look familiar. To you because that's what you did last year. And that's where everyone received a net check
053of $500. And the cost of that is roughly a little over $5.7 million. Mr cook. Anybody else have a question? Sure, Mr. Gardner. Let me just run through these numbers with you one more time. So I'm showing that we had 39.1 million available for other needs. We've allocated 2.5 of that to the rise with reading program, which left us 36.6 assuming we were to go with scenario one, it would net us down to a little over 30 million, that is. Correct. considering the more long range budgeting Requirements that the superintendent. Has alluded to for the future. Is it your opinion that that remaining. 30 point. Around 30 million might be necessary to meet next year's budgetary needs. We are. A portion of that would be. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Graham. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
054Okay. I like your idea and your proposal about. The matching performance. With the bonus. I really like that. I think that's great. When I look at the numbers. The first scenario. Is basically for the full time employees, they would be getting about $75 more. Than if we gave everybody $500 across the board. So I'm looking at everybody has added to our success. And I don't want anybody to feel like we're saying they because we don't. Know yet because we haven't started with your new program. So I'm leaning more towards what we did last year simply because it's a little bit less overall funds that we would be using, but a lot more. Level in what we're doing for everybody across the board. that's the way i'm looking at it because it's only $75 different For
055the full time employees and then everybody else. They would be coming up significantly, too. And we save money overall. Sister Edwards. Mr. Garner, can you tell us how many part time. Employees. That number reflects. How to get that. Spreadsheet. Because I know it's only $34,000 there. And then 76, 199. So that's relatively a small number of people. It is. Okay. Any more questions? Hearing? None. Well, thank you, Mr. Gardner, for information. Superintendent. No, Miss Allen. We've got you coming up for nine to twelve digital services. Thank you, Mr. Cox, Ms. Welling, board members, Superintendent Jones. Last week, Mr. Jones sent some information out on the high school student device selection planning phase and the recommendation from the technology department. In years past, this would have come through the technology committee, but since we dissolved that
056committee, that's why I'm standing before you tonight to share this information. As you can see in the documents that were sent to you, the technology department is recommending that we purchased the Dell latitude 31 40 laptop along with gum drop cases for each device. And looking at the numbers that he sent you, we have seen a drastic decrease in breakage. At the middle school level, and that's why we decided or felt like we would see. Similar results at the high school level, so we are recommending those cases. That was something new. We started last year, the total number of devices that we recommend. For purchase is 15,000, and the amount for this purchase would be approximately $10.5. Million. So tonight, I stand before you seeking approval for the devices that we have selected and. The
057expenditure. I also have with me tonight Ms. Missy Johnson, one of our directors in technology, and she monitors. The breakage. She is the one who monitors the expenditures and the breakage and the devices. So she and I both are here if you have any questions. Any questions, anyone? Seeing none. Thank you. Thank you. All right, Mr. Jones. It's you. Board members tonight, I'd like to start off with. A fairly sensitive subject, one that. I know that I didn't talk to my kids about enough. And so, over the past week, Ore. County schools has experienced two serious incidents involving something called sex torsion. And I want to speak directly to our families and our communities, because this is not just a school issue. This is a growing national threat. One that targets our children. Where they're
058most vulnerable online. Sex torsion is uniquely dangerous. It thrives on human shame. Fear. Secrecy, and it can push students into harming themselves. Or others, rather than reaching out for the help that is warranted under South Carolina's law, Gavin's law. Named for South Carolina teenager who tragically took his life after being victimized sex torsion. Is defined as intentionally threatening to release or distribute. A private sexual image of a person in order to force them to do something against their will. Often it's up to obtain more images or maybe money, or sometimes personal information. Gavin's law makes clear the severity of this crime. And the urgent need for awareness. Prevention and Swift reporting. as superintendent father community member I feel like I have a responsibility to ensure our community understands these risks and knows the steps we
059are taking to protect our students. But schools cannot address this alone. I need parents to step into this space. And this topic with urgency and care. I ask them to talk openly and honestly with their children about this. And I asked those conversations to be shared in their community, maybe with other parents. And my hope is that this doesn't just save lives, it makes our community a safer place. In the days ahead, we will continue strengthening prevention education. In our reporting systems throughout our schools, so that no child ever feels alone or without support. Transparency and swift action are essential to keeping our students safe. So please take time to have that conversation. please take time to engage in a meaningful dialogue in your home With your neighbors. Your partnership is essential. Our kids are
060worth it. So together, we can protect our students and give them the support they deserve. Thank you for letting me talk about that important subject. Next, I'd like to talk about the school celebration of Veterans Day. And we have a video, but let me just give you a little context. Last Tuesday, schools throughout our district pay tribute to our nation's veterans and observance. Of Veterans Day, we expressed our gratitude to the courageous men and women who have served in the military and the sacrifices they have made to safeguard our freedom. We have a brief video that's going to highlight how our schools commemorated. This significant occasion. This is what you could hear and see across Orie county schools on Veterans Day. We honor our very intimate Veterans Day. And we have been practicing. Could they
061protect our country before the songs and the thank yous and the smiles, every staff. Member, every visitor and every student. Stood silently and respectfully as these men and women who serve our country were honored. Representation. And that matters majorly, because now, my son, he says, mommy, I want to go to the army like you did. So representation matters. These military veterans, moms, dads, grandparents and even great uncles came to share veterans day with these students. Because. It's important. For my grand nephew. He's in the second grade. He's a wonderful kid. Maybe it makes him think. About what it's done in the past. How much people have sacrificed and then think about their country and how important it is. To respect this country. And to defend it. And the students may just surprise you with how
062much they really do understand what veterans are. Because she has been through a lot and she never gave up and went to the army. Why? Do you think it's important for other kids that don't have military in their family to see people like their mom. To be expired? To be inspired. It's a big word for an elementary school student, but. What's important is that they understand the meaning. Knowing how we fight for our country. That's mainly the most important thing that we fight for our country. I said thank you. For showing our country so we could be swinged. Oh, my grandma's inventor. And then. I talk to her all the time. Cc. Thank you for your service. We are. Party. Marty marching, marching together with a top two. We are. Well, that is inspiring. Thank
063you for that. Next. Another inspiring event happened in our school system. This was principal for a day. It happened on veterans. Day as well. And we hosted our annual principal for a day event, which my first time going through and it was fantastic. So thank you. All that went into planning and executing that it's. A program that invites local public figures. And other community members and leaders to shadow a school principal and participate in a normal day to day activity. And primary, elementary, middle, high, or even a program. School. The program gives to the school principal and the principal for a day. The opportunity to discuss each other's roles and the responsibilities. It also allows the principal for a day to see how the leadership role of the principle has changed since they were in
064school, and I heard that from a lot of folks. They didn't. Realize what a group of ninjas and leaders that we had in our principal seats. And so I just want to thank those, and you're going to hear a little bit. About it, but it was really the next morning. The next morning we had a breakfast, and in that breakfast, we had a chance for all participants who gathered there to share their experience, and they got to share it out loud to each other. And what you heard and what you saw in that event was. A true reflection of being in somebody else's shoes. They had not only empathy, but respect in that moment for our principals and what they do every day. And so it was significant. It really was. And the last speaker
065in that morning, I stood behind her and watched the crowd, and she had everyone in the crowd. Doing this number. Doing this number because of what she felt and how important her day was to her and seeing what our principals do. So we're pleased to present a video showcasing the significance of this event. Port between Orie county communities and schools is important. So important that once a year, community members are invited to be a principal for a day to see exactly what's happening in Oregon. County schools. So we've been on the go. I've already gotten 5000 steps today in the short amount of time that we've been here this morning. We've done a veterans day program. We've had donuts with dad and muffins with mom. We were out in the cold, obviously waiting for all
066the school buses to come in and the coordination and the preparation. And. To finish the safety. We are all about providing opportunities in the neighborhood, especially starting with the children. So with that being said. I want to see. What goes on on a daily basis with the kids in our community. And my kids grew up in this community from early morning drop off to the dismissal bell, principals for the day got to experience just about everything. And we mean everything. That really sticks out in my mind when I walk through these halls is I see so many. Examples of children's reading and writing. Every classroom that I've walked in, I've seen children actively engaged in learning. You walk into a school and there's 17. 715 students. That's nothing that you quite understand or experience what
067that looks like when they're in their walking and orchestrated so well they're singing. Their interactions, but most importantly, to care to principal officers for the students. Because when we walk through the halls, There was no. Let me straighten up. As Mr. Paza, it was a relaxed respect. They were respectful, but they smiled. They engaged. He smiled and engaged them. When we go into classrooms, They were just normal. I didn't see a big shift because the principals in the room like this is who we are. This is what we do. It's incredible to see such a large campus and the amount of effort and teamwork that goes into making that run. I've had a tour. I think of almost every building. I think there's still. A couple on the dock, but it's great just to see
068the integration kind of see. How many assistant principals help run that day, so I've really enjoyed it so far. It's a great opportunity just for me, myself to see and what my kids went through. Our principles for a day combat together and these. Business owners and community members share what they saw and often how they felt. She never hesitated to stop and hug a kid that came her way. There were so many children that just came up to her, and it was almost like they expected. That hug, that greeting, that smile. Some kids don't get that at home. Or you don't. Know that that might be the only hug or smile they get that day. The culture that has been created at a brand new school was just unbelievable. And when you're creating a new
069school, sometimes you're coaching teachers that don't. Want to be moved from where they're at and brought into this new environment. But the staff culture, the faculty culture, it just works. But how? It just seems so smooth. They make adjustments to us. All of us do in our work, but seems like they figured out a good rhythm, and you can see that reflected both in the students and the teachers as well. Things that we saw early in the morning is that we just saw a young lady struggling that when they go home. They have that little girl times ten, times 20, times 30, and it never, ever stops. And they have to go home and live their lives and at the same time worrying about not just that. One young lady, but so many. So I
070was at Ocean Bay Middle School with Mr. Timmons. He was wonderful. My expectation was that. We were going to have chaos, and we're going to get pulled in one direction or another because middle school. Just in general. But really, the truth is he runs a well oiled machine. He has a plan in place for everything. It's really impressive. It was definitely a community, even each classroom. Was a community. So I was pretty blown away. In the veterans day. It was really sweet. I got a bunch of veterans day thank you cards. From the kids I love. Sweet, too. So really cool experience. Thank you so much. And when we talk about some of the kids that had difficulties, but you were able to help. Them to find a niche. You keep going and don't you
071give up. And no matter what happens. No matter what anybody says. I want you to know that girl girlfriend you guys are. Doing the thing, and I am so glad that I could see that, yes. Yesterday. For more information. Log on to old countypools net. That's right. Next, we have some athletic recognition. So I'd like to call Jason Cox to the podium. To share those, Mr. Cox. Good evening. Our student athletes and coaches of that. An excellent year so far. And last week was another great week for us. We had five cross country teams and four individuals compete at Aiken steeple. Chase for the cross country state championships and Green Sea Floyd's boys cross country team finished in first place, so. Congratulations to the class A state champions, the Green Sea, Floyd's Trojans. We still
072have three teams remaining in the state playoffs for football. The third round is this Friday. Night. Carolina Forest will host Somerville. Myrtle beach will travel to Berkeley. Loris will travel to Newbury. And we also have three teams competing at Colonial Life arena in Columbia this Saturday. For the competition. Cheer state championships. Carolina Forest will compete in class five, a division one. And Myrtle beach and St. James will compete in the class five a division two, so good luck. To all of our student athletes still competing. And again, congratulations to the green Sea Floyds Trojans. Thank you. And how about those? Lowest lions. Twelve and a. Yeah. He said it's okay. It's worth repeating. That concludes the recognition for tonight. Mr. Chairman, thank you so much. Okay, so now we're going to public comments. At the
073appropriate time, you will be recognized by me and you will be given up to a maximum of five minutes, of which you will have tonight. Depending on the number of people, the maximum of 30 minutes during the regular board meeting has been allocated in cases of abusive or bogular language, profanity, threatening remarks. Or comments are purely personal attacks. I will rule the person out of order and require him or her to relinquish the floor. In cases of speakers promoting. Commercial services. Are political candidates. Or confidential information about students, employees, board members or others, I will rule the person out of order. And require. He or she to sit down. Please note the purpose of the public forum is to give the public an opportunity to make the board aware of issues the administrative staff have
074been unable to resolve. Or to express a viewpoint concerning board business. The board will listen to the viewpoint expressed, but. Will not respond to the individual at the meeting. The board will direct the superintendent to do so. Within two weeks, if possible. Or needed. And having said that, I would like to ask that the first person that signed up this week was. Ms. Tracy Kent Glode about the staff dress code. Ms. Global, please. Thank you. You have five minutes. Good evening, Mr. Jones, members of the Orie County School board and community members. My name is. Tracy Kent Glode. I'm proud to be a fifth grade teacher here in ore. County schools and a member of the SCEAA. I come before you today to respectfully advocate for. The removal or revision of the current tattoo policy.
075In our employee handbook. When this policy was first created, tattoos carried a stigma that no longer exists today. In fact, approximately 32% of american adults now have tattoos, reflecting how tattoos have become a widely accepted form of personal expression and art. Many educators, including. Myself view tattoos not only as distractions, but as meaningful art that reflects individual stories, values, and creativity. To gather input from our staff. I shared a survey with Ore county school employees, 522 respondents. 338 voted to revive the current policy. And 155 voted to completely remove it. That is 95% of the respondents who want the policy. Adjusted in some way. This clearly shows a strong desire among our educators for change. We are all aware of the teacher shortage impacting schools nationwide, including here in Oregon county. Restrictive policies like the
076tattoo rule may discourage talented prospective candidates from joining our district. They might look elsewhere. For workplaces with more modern, inclusive standards. Revising these. Policies could help us attract and retain dedicated educators who want to serve our community. Additionally, the current requirement to cover the tattoos with bandages or wraps often draws more attention and can look less professional than the tattoo themselves. Students frequently ask about the coverings, and they wonder what happened, which can be a distraction in the classroom. In contrast, visible tattoos open up honest, natural conversations and promote understanding rather than curiosity around their concealment we must also give thought to our southeast climate, which is warm most of the year, being required to cover tattoos on arms and legs can be uncomfortable. For staff, affecting their focus and well being throughout the day.
077Addressing the tattoo policy would be a quick and meaningful morale booster for our staff. Something achievable far more rapidly than legislative changes, state testing adjustments or pay increases. In closing, I urge you to reconsider the current tattoo policy to better support our educators. And to foster a comfortable, inclusive workplace. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you, Ms. Glenn. Next, I would ask Mr. Ron Blackman. Mr. Ron blackman. Mr. Unbutton. Seeing no. Mr. Ron Blackman. We would ask. Ms Susan Hobgood to step forward. Good evening. My name is Susan Hobgood, and I serve as president of the Ori County Education. Association. I'm here tonight to talk about something urgent. Raising salaries for education support professionals. I want to share one story that shows why this matters. Not long ago, I sat with one. Of
078our custodians to help him complete short term disability forms for his recent bout. With prostate cancer. He has been with ore county schools for twelve years full time. Because I was helping him, I saw his pay stub from the previous year. Even with overtime, he earned less than $35,000. A few weeks later, a student vomited. In my classroom. All over the floor, students yelled, Miss Hobgoody's throwing up. So I had to call for help to come clean it up because I watched bloodborne pathogens. And no, I'm not supposed to touch it. And this same custodian came to clean it up without hesitation. This reminded me of how much our custodians do that most people never see. They opened a school early. Clean the messes students leave behind. And as a middle school teacher, I love
079those children, but they are messy. And prepare the building for special events and keep classrooms functional every day. Custodians are just one part of our support staff, which also include paraprofessionals. Bus drivers, cafeteria workers, front office staff, attendance clerks, maintenance workers, et cetera, et cetera. All essential to keeping schools running. Yet too many cannot live on the wages they are paid. Consider the numbers. Paraprofessionals start at 1689 an hour, which, based on their hours, Their contracted comes to $21,872 annually. Special education paraprofessionals started 1872 an hour which is 25,974 annually. Custodians start at 1561 an hour. $27,473 annually if they are 220 day employees A single adult in Orie county needs $45,610 annually just to meet basic expenses. A preparer professional won't reach the poverty level for a family of three, which is $27,150 until
080step 16. District to district comparison are often mentioned, but they don't reflect what our employees need to survive here. Even if we were the highest paying district in South Carolina, many would still fall below a living. Wage. Comparisons don't fix the problem. The cost of living does. Raising ESP salaries is in a luxury. It's a necessity. Fair pay retains experienced staff. Stabilizes classrooms and ensures students receive consistent support. We're asking the board and the superintendent to take a first step, develop a plan that begins to increase every ESP salary, so no full time employee lives in poverty. Our support professionals show up for our students every day. It's time we show up for them. Thank you. Ms pat milly. Good evening. Superintendent Jones and board. I'm happy to be back again tonight. I want to
081talk to you about? The scores of South Carolina and the scores of the nation. And the stress on our children. This is what is known as a bell curve. And it's the way God creates people. It's graft. In other words, this is the high end with IQ's 130. And up these children. Are probably. In the scholars academy, and it's probably the happiest school in the district because. They have to go on the bus to the home school and then to the academy, so they have two extra hours a day to get there and back, or either, if they drive a car. Or walk. They can enjoy two more hours a day of their time, and they are self driven. So they want to be there and they're motivated to be there and. It's appropriate for
082them. That's your best school in the county. You've done a good job. I gave you an a plus on the scholars academy. Now the other part. Of this fail curve. If you take south Carolina's iqs and average them, we are 38 out of 50 states. And our reading scores are 38 out of 50 states, so that is an a plus. Most of our population is more on this side by about five points. New Hampshires is more on the high side. So New Hampshire and Massachusetts are always getting the best scores in the nation, and South Carolina is always about 38 and per mississippi. I mean, they've got a lot of intelligent people, but. They've got a lot more slower people than the rest of the world. So Mississippi is on the bottom, but that doesn't
083mean their schools are bad. Their schools? Can be very excellent. But what I'm saying is if we have more of our students on this side, so. Therefore, you are pushing them to overachieve. Our schools are excellent, except they're abusive. Our children need recesses. They need a shorter school day. They need curricula that is appropriate. The curricula is too difficult. Parents should have their children bring home their science in social studies book and have them read to them. And if they struggle with more than five words per page, that book is on their frustration. Level. Instead of their instructional level. If a child can read every word that's of their fun. Level. If they miss less than five words, it's instructional. If it's more than five words that they struggle with per page is frustration. And
084I would say that probably every site's book. And social studies book in this county are on the frustration level for most students and the curricula is on the frustration level. It needs to be rewritten. Our children, our high school kids have a vaping problem from anxiety. Our lower schools have medical issues, and I have a senator that promised me he has requested from Dhak to get the pill boxes in every school. For so we will know the medical problems of our children. It is not right to deprive children of their childhood. It is not right to take children down here on this low end. Spectrum where they are the slowest in the county and make them go to summer school. They are children and they need their summer. Now, if they want to go to
085summer school, that's another thing. But if they don't want to go to summer school, they should. Never have to go. Because these children are going to be your domestic helpers and your workers. And God knew he needed that he created. A population so that you have the high IQ people over here that take the responsibility and carry the load and they are required much. Who? Much is given, much is required. These people over here on this side. They do service jobs. They don't need to do algebra. They don't need to. Do biology. They don't need to do chemistry. You need to look at this side of your bail curve and make that age developmentally appropriate for these children. You're doing the a plus over here. You have a long way to go over here. And
086you have to remember that if our average IQ is lower, Then our test score should be lower. You don't want to overachieve. And there was the one more thing I wanted. To tell you just went through my head. What was it about? These scores anyway. It's time that we were better to our children and that we had healthy, happy children. Instead of frustrated, score conscious children. Thank you, Pat. Appreciate your comments. Oh, I forgot to tell you this. If I have 92. Sigma tiers. Well, you can bring this back next time. Thank you, Pat. Okay. We thank you so much. Gene reed para educators pay. Good evening. My name is Jean Reed. I serve as the vice president of the Ori County. Education association. I would like to piggyback on what our president, Susan Hobgood,
087had shared with you. I have been asked to read a day in the life of a paraprofessional. From one of our members. As a paraprofessional, we are required to do many jobs in a day when I arrive, I have to check folders for any notes from parents, get them to the right. Person. Check for permission slips. Keep track of who needs school, lunch, get money to the right person. Now. I'm the secretary. I keep track of the breakfast count. Clean up from breakfast, wipe down the tables, take the trash out. I make sure the sink is cleaned out because it never gets clean. So milk could sit there and turn our sink molding. Now I'm a janitor too. While the teacher is doing morning meetings and teaching, I'm keeping an eye out for kids. Doing
088the right thing or not doing. The right things and dealing with those behaviors. I'm handing out papers and helping kids that need help doing seat work, getting kids to and from specials. And in that 45 minutes, I have to get the bus tags in order, stuff the folders and make whatever copies the teacher might need. I also have to get everything together. I need to teach my two small burst groups, so now. I'm a certified teacher on a paraprofessional wages. Next, I have my lunch in the lunchroom, at the tables with the kids after I help 23 kids get their lunches and serve them now. I'm a cafeteria staff worker. Then I open 23 milk cartons, opening frozen, icy snacks that spill everywhere, and then I have to clean it up. So now I'm a
089janitor again. This all before I get to five minutes to actually eat my lunch. Then I have to play janitor again and dump. All the kids trays into the garbage while lining up 23 kids. And watching them in a lunchroom with three other classes around. And that's all before noontime on a calm day. I have been scratched, bit, hit, kicked as well as tripped and falling, all while dealing with out of control student running down the hall while asking for the secretary. To call for my. Assistant principal being told they can't find them. And also not trying to call or use the walkie talkies to find anyone or I'm chasing a student so they don't run out the door or hurt anyone else. Only to chase that student back down the hallway to the classroom
090and then watch the student throw. Chairs, books, rip things off the wall before I finally get some help. But wait, I still have to help the students get to rece. Recess. At recess, we have to watch 46 kids with four teachers. Watch for parents that enter the playground because they are all going to wait 20 minutes for parent pickup. So now I'm a security guard making sure none of the kids leave the playground because someone left the gate open. Or being scared a child is going to walk off. Or be taken by someone because we allow people to walk through the playground while kids are at recess. Now it's time to get the kids inside and packed up to go home, get them lined up in the right bus of water. But some kids need
091to use the bathroom or need help getting their backpacks, and I don't want to be next to little Tommy. Because he's looking at me or Tommy is. Hitting them, plus listening to the announcements because there are always bus changes where kids have to wait. In the gym because they have to go on a different bus. I now have to go to my car rider duty and get the kids in the cars. I am out there ten to 15. Minutes past my contracted time with no pay, and that's every day. 50 to 75 minutes every week with no pay, then another 15 minutes once a week in the morning. On that day, I did my job. Paraprofessional, teacher, secretary, cafeteria worker, janitor. And also behavior control person as well as security guard. But yet again, I
092get paid to do one job, and I can't ever afford to live on my own or get a car. That's reliable. And a moment of personal privilege. I would like to thank Mr. Rickett for taking the initiative. To go observe in kindergarten and child development classes to actually. Get firsthand experience as to what happens in classrooms that have paraprofessionals. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Reed. Now it's time to go into executive session. To discuss the contractual matter pertaining to property. I need a motion. So moved. Second. All in favor say aye. Opposed? Like sign hearing none. We will be back. Mr. Chairman, for the record, the purpose for executive session this evening is a contractual matter pertaining to property. Thank you so much. Did you come back into session? Mr. Chairman, I make a move
093that a motion that we exit. From our executive session. Executive session. And resume our business meeting. Second. All in favor, say aye. Those like sign. Let's get started. Mr. Chairman. Yes? Make the note for the record that during executive session, no decisions were made or no votes were taken. Thank you so much, man. Last year. Okay, so next we're going to have to ask. Mr. Generate to come forward. Monitoring port. Portman cox. Vice chair Wellens board members, Mr. Jones. At your previous meeting, I shared with you information in reference to oe eight. And again, we met all those criteria as far as that's concerned, want to make sure that we're here to answer any questions that you may have as far as its approval. Any questions? Mr. Chairman. Yes. I move to accept the superintendent's
094monitoring report on OEA. Okay, let's use our machines. We got a second? Please vote. Looks unanimous. Thank you, Mr. Gener. Thank you. Next. Mr. Lee James Literacy. Mr. Chairman. Vice chair. Well, and board members. Mr. Jones, at your last meeting, I reviewed details of the r one monitoring report, which pertains to literacy and was able to highlight some of the growth that our students have experienced with reading as we all strive to rise to higher levels. For their rise. Reading initiative report has not changed since that time. And I'll be. Happy to answer any questions. Any questions hearing? None. Need a motion? Motion to approve. All in favor, please vote. Oregon page. And it is. Thank you, Mr. James. Thank you. Mr. Gardner, up financial administration. Mr. Chairman, there has been no changes since our
095last report. Okay. Need a motion. Move to approve. Mr. Chair. Second, please vote. Thanks, Mr. Birch. Baseball funding. Softball funding. Thanks. Mr. Chairman, there's been no changes on the request since the last discussion we had. About additional funds, okay? All right, please vote unanimous. Thank you so much, Mr. Burke. Thank you very much, Mr. Neo. James. Naming request, Mr. Chairman, the original request came from the Conway Advisory Committee to rename the gym. At the Rivertown complex in honor of Mr. Willie J. Great. Okay, I moved that we accept. It, okay, please. all right we're good to go thank you so much And that's it. Now we're going to the consent agenda motion to approve second all in favor, say aye. Those like sign. Second. All in favor, say aye. Those likes sign. We're adjourned. Thank
096you.