Anderson School District One Board meeting held in Powdersville

The Anderson School District One Board of Trustees recently convened for a significant meeting at Powdersville High School, addressing a range of crucial topics impacting the district’s students, staff, and operations. The session included recognizing outstanding achievements, reviewing financial reports, discussing ongoing construction projects, and approving important policies, all contributing to the continued development and safety of the school community.

Recognizing Excellence in Education and Arts

A notable part of the meeting involved celebrating the exceptional performances of students and educators from Powdersville High School. The board presented banners to Powdersville High choir teacher Meagan Long and her leadership students, acknowledging their receipt of the South Carolina Music Educators Association 2024-25 Outstanding Performance Award. Similarly, Powdersville High band director Garrett Young and his leadership students were recognized for earning the South Carolina Band Directors Association 2024-25 Outstanding Performance Award. Furthermore, Powdersville Middle School band director Chris Mitchell was also honored for receiving the same prestigious award from the South Carolina Band Directors Association.

Financial Overview and Project Progress

The financial health and infrastructure development of the district were key discussion points. Superintendent Dr. Young provided an update on the District’s investment accounts, highlighting a total investment of $10,671,000 across forty-seven Certificates of Deposit (CDs), generating an annual interest of $290,017. The report also detailed specific investments for Student Nutritional Services, amounting to $396,000 across two CDs with an annual interest of $4,368. Other significant account balances included the Operating Account and Payroll at $11,233,843, the Food Service Account at $736,428, and the Building Fund Account at $684,044. Additionally, the district maintains substantial funds in the S.C. Governmental Investment Pool ($20,575,920), SCLGIP-2022 GOB ($6,657,851), and SCLGIP Building Fund Investment ($23,545,398).

Finance Director Travis Thomas reported on two active construction projects: renovations at Oak Hill Elementary School and Concrete Primary. He noted that the Building Program Fund Balance stood at $13,913,537, with the Local Option Sales Tax reflecting a Fund Balance of $19,533,261. Dr. Young informed the board of an anticipated need to transfer funds from the local option sales tax in the coming months.

Enhancing Instructional Strategies and Student Support

Chief Academic Officer Brad Moore delivered an instructional report focusing on District One’s Tier 1 Instruction, stemming from A1 LEAD (Learn, Empower, Align, and Deliver) meetings. Moore emphasized the district’s commitment to fostering collaboration between its leadership and classroom teachers. The objective is to increase opportunities for these groups to work together, aligning and delivering effective professional learning and focusing efforts at the school level through dedicated “team time.” He also presented the A1 LEAD Long Range Plan for the remainder of the school year, illustrating the ongoing planning and collaborative activities.

Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Becky Brady provided an update on Student Nutrition Services, confirming a successful start and end to the school year. She reported that over $468,000 was transferred to cover the District’s Indirect Costs, an increase from the previous year.

Key Policy Approvals and Safety Measures

The Board made several important unanimous approvals during the meeting, including the 2025-26 Minority Business Enterprise Plan and Special Education Local Board-Approved Courses for middle schools. They also gave second and final reading approval to policy JLCG – Seizure Safe Schools and held a first reading for policy GCLE – Unencumbered Time and Livestreaming School Board Meetings. The latter indicates a move towards greater transparency in board proceedings. Additionally, Parent Organization/Booster Club Forms for Cedar Grove, Palmetto Middle, Concrete Primary, Hunt Meadows, and Wren High were approved, as was the Emergency Operations Plan for 2025-26.

Dr. Young also shared critical safety updates. These encompassed cybersecurity technology plans, the implementation of Ominlert Weapons Detection, a forthcoming Emergency Simulation scheduled for October, enhancements to Thrillshare Communication, and updates regarding Erin’s Law and Gavin’s Law Communication, along with improvements in Athletics and Extracurricular Activities.

Addressing Community Concerns and Building for the Future

Dr. Young took the opportunity to address what he described as misinformation circulating about an altercation following a District One athletic event. He assured the board that school administration and additional law enforcement on-site managed the incident effectively, identifying those involved and ensuring accountability. He also engaged with Athletic Directors to emphasize the importance of prepared security and adequate supervision of parking lots during events.

Regarding the building program, Dr. Young presented drone footage showcasing the construction progress at Oak Hill Elementary. The visuals included the school facility, car lines, and bus circles, with a specific mention of a small courtyard where a monument crafted from bricks of the original Oak Hill School will be placed. Photographs of the gym and library were also shared. The Superintendent noted that finishing touches were being applied to collaborative and innovative spaces within the building and the conference center, emphasizing the facility’s design to accommodate community growth for up to a thousand students. Furthermore, Mrs. Brady and her team are currently surveying staff to gather feedback for the school mascot.

Board member Brenda Ellison shared positive feedback received from the Piedmont Preservation Society, commending Anderson One’s efforts in the preservation and relocation of the Elrod cemetery.

Board Member Transitions

The meeting concluded with the Board entering Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. Upon reconvening in open session, the Board unanimously approved the resignation of the individual who briefly served as the Area 4 board member. Board member Wendy Burgess proposed a special called meeting to review candidates and their qualifications for the vacant seat before submitting information to the County Board for consideration. Board Chair Nancy Upton agreed with this approach, stating that the vacancy would be posted, and a meeting would be called after the submission deadline to review interested candidates. All board members concurred with this plan, with a new board member for Anderson School District One Area 4 anticipated to be sworn in at the September 30 board meeting.