A Summary of the Action Taken at the December 12, 2019 Board of Trustees Meeting

Members present: S. Porter Stewart, Chairman; Barry Townsend, Vice-Chairman; Artie Buxton, Secretary; Trisha C. Caulder; Bryan Chapman, John Galloway, Davy Gregg, and Alexis D. Pipkins, Sr

Superintendent’s Update – 
Dr. Richard O’Malley reviewed the listing of facility projects that are being completed throughout Florence 1 Schools. To view these projects, visit the Florence 1 Schools website and click on the following link: https://florence1builds.org/projects-list.

Dr. O’Malley also provided the Board of Trustees with an update on the plans for the completion of a health/sciences magnet program which will be constructed at Poynor. In order to facilitate this project, the Florence 1 Schools Administrative Offices have re-located to 319 South Irby Street and 319 South Dargan Street. The Florence County Adult Education Program remains in the Poynor Building, and it will be operating on the first floor at the start of construction.

Dr. O’Malley indicated that the principals of the following schools have expressed an interest in year-round school (nine weeks on – two weeks off) schedules: Briggs, Carver, Greenwood, Lester, North Vista and West Florence. Principals will be surveying parents for feedback and further engagement regarding this issue.

Dr. O’Malley also presented the Board with a budget timeline for the 2020-21 budget.

Action Items
The board approved financial statements, personnel recommendations, field trips, minutes (9.12.19) and (10.03.19; and the firm of F-W Architects for projects which will be funded by 8% of the taxable income allowed for school construction.

Recognition
The Board of Trustees recognized Florence 1 Schools spelling bee winner Cailin Foxworth of McLaurin Elementary; National Institute for STEM Education certified teacher Sonya Fanning of John W. Moore Intermediate; and retiring School Resource Officer Gloria Howard for 18 years of service in Florence 1 Schools.