A Summary of the Action Taken at the September 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, EJ McIver, and Alexis D. Pipkins Sr.  

Superintendent’s Update –
Dr. Richard O’Malley provided the following update:

School Renovation Projects - Briggs & Dewey Carter Elementary are the first two facilities to be renovated. Work will begin by mid-October and should be completed by winter break. Contract proposals for remaining schools will go out in mid-September. School facility improvements should be completed by June 30. Other major renovations include gymnasium bleachers, auditorium seats, and stage curtains at all three high schools. These projects should all be completed by December.    

In early October, there are plans for a website launch which will provide a visual representation of facility improvements at each school. 

Contractors and architects are also meeting to plan renovations for the McClenaghan project.

Human Resources -There are only eight vacancies in Florence 1 Schools including four at Williams, two at Wilson, and two at South Florence. All other schools are 100% staffed. Three-hundred fifty-three staff members have been hired in Florence 1 Schools.

Culinary Services - August numbers reflect an increase of 1,575 breakfasts served this year over the August 10-day period last year.  This year a total of 53,73 breakfasts were served. Over 10,000 more lunches were served during the 10-day period in August over last year.   Over 100,000 lunches were served in the month of August this year.

Action Items
The board approved the following:
•minutes, financial statements, personnel recommendations, and fields trips;
•make up day for Thursday, September 5 (missed due to Hurricane Dorian):  January 6, 2020.
•a $3.9 million fund balance withdrawal for purchase of property of Irby Street property (former Florence County Library).

Items for Discussion
Graduation 2020 - Dr. O’Malley informed the board that parents of graduating seniors will receive written communications regarding plans for the 2020 ceremonies as they did last year.   

The ceremonies will be held as follows:  May 27, Wilson; May 28, South Florence; and May 29, West Florence.  All ceremonies will be held at 7:00 p.m.   Promotion ceremonies for feeder middle schools will be held earlier during the afternoon on the same days which correspond to the feeder school at a time to be announced. 

School visits- Board members were asked to contact the chairman and Dr. O’Malley to inform them of their preferences for scheduling of school visits.

School board sub-committees assigned by Board Chairman Porter Stewart will be working throughout the year.

Recognition - Florence 1 Schools Honor Roll Teachers:  Valerie Church, McLaurin, Elementary; Katharine Bobbitt, Royall Elementary; Susan Bigham, Timrod Elementary and Alvinise Scipio, West Florence High; Piercen Lynch and Nate Ansay of South Florence High School, South Carolina High School State Champion anglers; and 14 high school students who recently received drone pilot licenses through Florence 1 Schools AINautics course.