🏫

MARCH 2025 SUMTER COUNTY SCHOOLS BOARD MEETING

Apr 8, 2025

Meeting Transcript Notes

Opening and Notice

  • Moment of meditation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
  • Meeting held in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act
  • Open to the public and available online via YouTube and Facebook

School District's Vision and Mission

  • Vision: Committed to educating, empowering, and enriching students to reach their full potential
  • Mission: Embrace diversity and equip students for local and global success

Board Members & Key Personnel

  • Sean Reagan - Chairman
  • Brian Austin - Vice Chairman
  • Dr. Gloria R. Lee - Clerk
  • Other board members: Britany English, Dr. Rap W, Tara Johnson, Matthew McLoud, Phil Lenis, Bonnie Disney, Deborah McQueen
  • Dr. William Wright - Superintendent
  • Shante Scott - Administrative Manager

Oath of Office

  • New board member Phil Lenis sworn in
  • Remarks by Mr. Lenis, dedicating service to family and past mentors

Agenda Approval

  • Agenda approved by consensus

Special Recognition

  • Military recognition for Mr. Sam Myers

Public Participation

  • 15 minutes allocated for public comments
  • Two public speakers:
    • Bryce Fiddler: Concerns about the 50% grading floor policy
    • Jason Johnson: Thanks for cooperation with Black History Month events

Board Communication

Announcements

  • Board members participated in Read Across America and visited various schools
  • Invitation to a Black History Bowl event

Committee Reports

  • Finance Committee: Discussed updates on capital bonds, Crestwood High School football field budget, and Maywood Middle School project

Legislative Update

  • State budget includes teacher raises and bus driver pay increases

Superintendent's Report

Around the District Highlights

  • Sumter High School recognized as a Banner Unified Champion School
  • Lamyra Elementary named a Blue Ribbon School of Beacon status
  • Open Enrollment period from March 3rd-31st
  • Assistant Principals Institute launched
  • Step team from Palala Springs recognized for achievements

Financial Report

  • General fund activity discussed
  • Revenue and expenditures outlined
  • Insurance credits and potential savings discussed

Realignment Discussion

  • Discussed revisiting the realignment plan postponed last year
  • Criteria for realignment reviewed
  • Board members expressed concerns and support for moving forward

Executive Session

  • Entered for discussion on student matters and personnel reports

Action Items Post-Executive Session

  • Approved student transfers and personnel report
  • Authorized superintendent to proceed with realignment

Consent Agenda

  • Approval of previous meeting minutes

Closing

  • Meeting adjourned