Draft only until approved by the board at the February 23, 2021 meeting.
Minutes of the January 26, 2021 Board of Trustees Meeting
The Anderson School District One Board of Trustees met in regular session on January 26, 2021, in the George Seaborn Boardroom at the District Office at 6:00 p.m.
Copies of the agenda were sent to the Anderson Independent, Easley Progress, Greenville News, Powdersville Post and Williamston Journal.
Board members present were:
Mrs. Nancy Upton, Chair Mrs. Wendy Burgess Mrs. Pat Cox
Mrs. Brenda Ellison, Vice Chair Mrs. Melissa Hood
Mr. David Merritt, Secretary Mr. Mike Wilson
District administrators present included:
Mr. Robbie Binnicker, Superintendent
Mrs. Jane Harrison, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Mr. Travis Thomas, Director of Finance
Dr. Kelly Pew, Assistant Superintendent of Administration (Absent)
Mrs. Upton called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., and Mr. Merritt offered the invocation. The invocation was followed by the pledge of allegiance.
Mr. Binnicker welcomed all visitors to the meeting.
Media present included:
Mr. David Meade, The Williamston Journal
Others present include: Kevin Borden, Anna Carpenter, Graham Carpenter, Mike Carpenter, Bridget Cowen, Maya Dixon, Amanda-Grace Emery, Lynda Grant, Hannah Keller, Patti Livingston, Alphonso Richard, Jr., Amelia Scales, Kyle Stewart, Hannah Toole.
Mrs. Upton asked the Board if there were any changes to the November 17, 2020, board minutes. Hearing no changes, the Board approved the November 17, 2020, minutes as presented.
Superintendent’s Report Covid-19 Update
Mr. Binnicker indicated that the number of positive COVID cases and quarantines in Anderson One appear to be declining since returning from the winter holidays. Between the weeks of January 11 and January 18, the District decreased by120 quarantines and 15 positive COVID-19 cases. Currently DHEC is vaccinating all phase 1a employees which includes nurses, OT, PT and speech teachers. Phase 1b includes all other District staff and substitutes. The District has preliminary systems in place through Prisma and AnMed to vaccinate the 1b employees. These systems may change as the hospitals move from 1a to 1b employee vaccinations. In addition, the District is negotiating with two pharmacies to provide 1b vaccines on-site. In a recent survey of all staff, approximately 18% of Anderson One staff do not plan to get the vaccine at this time.
Financial Report
Mr. Binnicker indicated that the activity reports from each high school were provided to the Board, and the schools are managing their accounts well.
Mr. Binnicker reviewed the District’s Investment Accounts. The following are the balances as of January 25, 2021:
·Investment Account $3,723.09
·Operating Account $12,252,904.80
·Food Service Account $1,801,527.67
·Building Fund Account $14,810,087.41
·S.C. Governmental Investment Pool $16,667,582.13
·SCLGIP-2019 GOB $39,040,921.87
Mr. Thomas updated the Board on the Local Option Sales Tax revenue for the month of December, 2020. The Board was reminded that Anderson School District One receives 31.596 percent of Local Options Sales Tax which is based on the District’s average daily membership. Of that amount, 20% goes toward Property Tax Relief and the remaining 80% goes to Capital use for Anderson One. During the month of December, the District received $768,634.33 in Local Options Sales tax revenue. The beginning fund balance for the month of December was $7,127,390.55 . Expenses incurred during December were
$55,631.19 leaving the ending fund balance as $7,686,666.82. There was an encumbrance of
$160,174.01.
Mr. Thomas shared the following Building Program updates for the month of December:
Total Building Program Revenue $134,521,449.06 Building Program Expenditures $90,229,709.79 Building Program Encumbrances $426,437.87
Total Building Program Expenditures/Encumbrances $90,656,147.66 Building Program Balance: $45,540,559.79
Projects in Progress:
Replace Palmetto Middle School;
Replace Wren Middle School;
Roofing: Powdersville Middle School, Wren Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, Spearman Elementary Renovations: Wren High School, Palmetto High School, Adult Ed
Completed Projects:
Practice Field-Wren Middle School;
Roof- West Pelzer Elementary School;
Additions at Powdersville Elementary, Spearman Elementary and Powdersville Middle Schools;
Secure Vestibules at Hunt Meadows Elementary School, Powdersville Elementary School, Spearman Elementary School and West Pelzer Elementary School
Security Upgrades at all schools Wren High School Roof Replacement Concrete Roof Repair
Pelzer Auditorium HVAC
Powdersville High School including the Multipurpose Building and Press Box renovations
In addition, Mr. Binnicker stated that the bid for Powdersville Middle School’s roof has been finalized. In addition, the District is preparing the bid for roof repair at Wren Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, and Spearman Elementary schools. Cedar Grove Elementary school’s addition will be completed by the end of February, and the preliminary design on the renovations to Palmetto High, Wren High and Adult Education are currently being completed.
Mr. Thomas reviewed the General Fund revenue accounts and expenditure accounts with the Board. He stated that funds are coming in as expected for this time of year. Revenue collected is 41%
(or $33,234,782.20) of total budget with expenditures at 41%_ (or $32,778,179.00) of total budget – both at acceptable levels.
Financial information is published in detail on the District’s website.
School Board Recognition/Instructional Report:
Mrs. Harrison recognized Wren High School Senior, Cadet Lieutenant Commander and Commanding Navy Officer Anna Carpenter for the Bronze Cross for Achievement. She was joined by Commander Borden, US Navy Retired Senior Naval Science Instructor.
Mrs. Harrison shared that Anderson One will be allowed to count the End of Course exams for Algebra I, English II, Biology and US History as a major test grade instead of 20% of the final grade. This change is because of a one-year waiver provided by the SC State Department of Education. In addition, Mrs.
Harrison stated that all Anderson One high schools will adopt a 4X4 schedule for the 2021-2022 school year. The decision to change the high schedule was made after a task force from Anderson One, Anderson Two and the Career and Technology Center unanimously recommended the scheduling change. This schedule will allow students to take four 90-minute courses each semester.
School Board members were recognized for their service to Anderson One. Mrs. Harrison said more than 600 school board members serve SC public schools, but Anderson One was fortunate to have the seven
best board members in the state. The combined years of service of our school board is 92. David
“Moochie” Merritt was recognized for 25 years of service and received his 25 year pen from the SCSBA.
School Board members signed the Ethical Principles as part of their commitment to serving Anderson One.
At the end of the instruction report, Mrs. Harrison submitted her retirement to the board effective June 30, 2021.
Student Nutrition Report:
Mr. Binnicker indicated that this month’s Student Nutrition Report shows that the State continues to be behind in reimbursements. If the District had received the reimbursements, Student Nutrition Services profit would be $254,104.78 instead of the current negative balance. Mr. Binnicker indicated that the District continues to show an increase in participation by 19.42%. The USDA approved three area schools (Palmetto Elementary, Cedar Grove Elementary and West Pelzer Elementary) eligible for the free afterschool snack program.
Consideration of Proposed 2021-2022 School Calendar:
Mr. Binnicker shared the proposed 2021-2022 school calendar. During the fall, representatives from all five Anderson Districts collaborated to create a county-wide school calendar. Teacher representatives were included as a part of the calendar committee. Mrs. Tamara Cox from Wren High School served on this year’s calendar committee. Mrs. Burgess made a motion to accept the 2021-2022 school calendar with a second by Mrs. Cox. The calendar was adopted unanimously (7-0).
Consideration to Approve Renewal of Youth Athletic Field Lease to the Town of Williamston:
Mr. Binnicker recommended the Board approve an extension to the athletic field’s current lease with the town of Williamston. The renewal of the lease will be for 20 years, 2021-2041 for the purpose of increasing opportunities for the town of Williamston to receive grants. Mr. Merritt made a motion to approve the renewal of the youth athletic field lease to the town of Williamston with a second by Mr. Wilson. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).
Consideration to Approve a Bonus for Permanent Employees:
Mr. Binnicker shared that Anderson One employees have had an enormous amount of work creating a safe environment for students. Faculty and staff implement specific safety protocols during the current Covid-19 pandemic. Our employees have shouldered the process of getting students back face to face. Mr.
Binnicker requested the board consider a $1,000 bonus for all full-time, permanent employees and a $500 bonus for all part-time, permanent employees. Mrs. Hood made a motion to approve Mr. Binnicker’s recommendation for a bonus ($1,000 full-time and $500 part-time) for permanent employees with a second by Mrs. Burgess. The motion passed 6-0 with 1 abstaining (Mr. Wilson).
Consideration to Transfer $120,000 of Local Options Sales Tax Funds to the Anderson One and Two Career and Technology Center for Equipment and Facilities for the Agriculture Program:
Mr. Binnicker recommended the Board approve transferring $120,000 of local options sales tax funds to the Anderson One and Two Career and Technology Center for equipment and facilities to support the
agriculture program. Mr. Binnicker indicated that Anderson School District Two will contribute $40,000 to support the agriculture program. Mrs. Cox made a motion to approve the $120,000 transfer with a second by Mrs. Hood. The board approved unanimously (7-0).
Consideration to Amend the Following Board Policies:
Consideration to Approve Policy ADF- District Wellness for Second and Final Reading:
Mr. Binnicker asked the Board to accept the amendments to Policy ADF-District Wellness. The
amendments have been made to meet state and federal guidelines. Mrs. Ellison made a motion to approve Policy ADF for final reading with a second by Mrs. Hood. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).
Consideration for Changes to Policy CCA- Organizational Chart- First Reading:
Mr. Binnicker asked the board to consider changes to the District’s current organizational chart. Changes include combining the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction position and the Assistant Superintendent of Administration position (Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Administration) and creating two new Director positions (Director of Elementary Education and Director of Secondary Education). Members of the Board should contact Mr. Binnicker if they have questions about the changes. The revised
organizational chart will be brought to the board for second and final reading at the February board meeting.
Consideration to go into Executive Session to review the Superintendent’s Contract and Discuss a Contractual Matter Regarding Land Sale:
A motion was made by Mrs Ellison with a second by Mrs. Burgess to go into Executive Session to review the Superintendent’s Contract and to discuss a contractual matter regarding land sale. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).
Action following Executive Session:
Consideration of the Superintendent’s Contract:
A motion was made by Mrs. Burgess with a second by Mrs. Cox to extend Superintendent Binnicker’s contract for one year until June 30, 2024. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).
Consideration to give the Superintendent Permission to Enter a Contract for the Sale of Approximately 0.24 acres of Land for Economic Development Purposes.
A motion was made by Mr. Wilson with a second by Mr. Merritt to approve for Superintendent Binnicker to serve as the agent for the sale of the land. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).
Personnel:
Mr. Binnicker made the following personnel recommendations:
Recommendations:
Ms. Margaret Black, Media Specialist, Powdersville Elementary School Ms. Bridget Cowen, Fourth Grade Teacher, Powdersville Elementary School
Ms. Maya Dixon, Special Education Teacher, Anderson School District One Ms. Amanda Emery, Special Education Teacher, Anderson School District One Ms. Hannah Keller, Special Education Teacher, Anderson School District One
Mr. Alphonso Richards, Elementary Education Teacher, Anderson School District One Ms. Amelia Scales, Special Education Teacher, Anderson School District One
Mr. Kyle Stewart, Social Studies Teacher, Powdersville High School
Ms. Hannah Toole, Special Education Teacher, Anderson School District One
Mrs. Karla Schultz, Special Education Teacher, Anderson School District One Administrative Retirement:
Dr. Kelly Pew, Assistant Superintendent of Administration, Anderson School District One Transfer:
Ms. Hope Meares, Fifth Grade Teacher, Palmetto Elementary School to Instructional Technologist at Wren Elementary School.
Resignation:
Ms. Melissa Michael, Fifth Grade Teacher, Powdersville Elementary School Ms. Rachael Williams, Spanish Teacher, Wren Middle School
Leave:
Ms. Anna Izard, English Teacher, Wren Middle School
Ms. Tammy Poole, Kindergarten Teacher, Wren Elementary School
Ms. Ruth Saleeby, Special Education Teacher, Palmetto Elementary School Ms. Erin Vandiver, Second Grade Teacher, Wren Elementary School Board Action:
A motion was made by Mr. Wilson with a second by Mrs. Hood to approve retirements, transfers, resignations and leave requests. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).
Adjourn
A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Merritt with a second by Mrs. Ellison.
The motion passed unanimously (7-0).
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.
Acting Secretary:
Kelly U. Pew, Ph.D.
