Berkeley County Board of Education Meeting Summary
Meeting Overview
The Berkeley County Board of Education held a regular meeting that included board actions, superintendent updates, instructional planning, construction updates, personnel matters, and several action items.
The board approved the meeting agenda at the beginning of the meeting.
Board Vacancy Appointment
The board discussed filling a vacant board member position.
During discussion, board members stated that they wanted community members’ participation in the decision because voters had elected the current board members. They noted that the individual with the next highest number of votes was Mr. Damon Right and recommended filling the vacancy with him.
The motion to appoint Mr. Damon Right to fill the vacancy passed, with one opposing vote.
Superintendent’s Announcements
The superintendent shared that proposed 2026–2027 superintendent goals would be provided to board members for review before the August 17 meeting.
The proposed goals are intended to align with the district’s newly adopted 2026–2031 strategic plan and focus on:
- Strengthening high-quality instruction and student achievement.
- Improving support provided to schools and classrooms.
- Recruiting, developing, supporting, and retaining employees.
- Continuing to strengthen the organization while advancing the board’s vision.
The superintendent asked board members to provide feedback on the draft goals before the next regular meeting.
Preparing for the New School Year
The superintendent thanked employees who worked throughout the summer preparing for the return of students and staff, including:
- Custodial teams.
- Maintenance and grounds crews.
- Transportation staff.
- Child nutrition staff.
- Technology teams.
- Principals.
- Teachers.
- Central office staff.
The superintendent highlighted the district’s 2026–2031 strategic plan and its focus on the vision of every student being empowered to reach individual success every day.
The superintendent described the district’s “RISE” vision as representing:
- Student growth and success.
- Strong relationships.
- High-quality instruction.
- Supportive learning environments.
- Partnerships with families and the community.
Board Announcements
Board members shared brief community announcements and encouraged residents to have a safe and enjoyable week.
Citizens’ Forum
The board reviewed Citizens’ Forum guidelines, including:
- Speakers receive three minutes.
- Comments must follow meeting expectations.
- The board listens to public comments but does not engage in discussion during Citizens’ Forum.
One community member addressed the board regarding religious exemptions related to vaccinations and requested that the district honor exemptions referenced in state and federal discussions.
Instructional Update
District instructional leaders provided an update on preparation for the upcoming school year.
Professional Learning and Staff Preparation
The district reported multiple training activities for staff, including:
- Magnetic Literacy training for teachers.
- Elementary mathematics training.
- ECAT training focused on supporting early childhood classrooms.
- Science of Reading training.
- Secondary mathematics training.
- English language arts writing training.
The district reported that 67 secondary mathematics teachers participated in training at North Middle School and that academic specialists participated as well.
Staff Return and Orientation
Staff were scheduled to return on August 12.
The district discussed preparation activities, including:
- Required employee trainings.
- Safety training.
- Evaluation system information.
- IEP-related information.
- Financial training.
- School-level planning.
The district also reviewed teacher orientation schedules and protected teacher work days.
Curriculum and Instruction
The district discussed implementation of instructional resources, including:
- Magnetic Literacy.
- UFLI resources.
- MTSS supports.
- Bridges and Kickstart math resources.
- Reading supports.
- Quick Phonics Screener.
The district stated that this school year would focus on implementation of previously adopted materials rather than introducing widespread new changes.
Technology Use and Classroom Instruction
Board members discussed the balance between technology use and traditional instructional practices.
A board member expressed concern about increasing technology use and emphasized the importance of teacher-led instruction and writing skills.
District leaders explained that:
- Digital requirements had been reduced.
- Personalized pathways were targeted at approximately 30–40 minutes per week for ELA and math.
- Teachers and principals have flexibility in scheduling technology use.
- Magnetic Literacy includes daily writing activities.
- Handwriting and cursive instruction remain part of instruction.
The superintendent stated that the district should continue evaluating technology use to ensure resources are effective and not overused.
Third Grade Success Act Implementation
The board discussed communication and preparation related to the Third Grade Success Act.
District leaders stated that:
- Communication materials for families are being prepared.
- Diagnostic assessments will begin after students return.
- Families will receive information explaining results and available supports.
- MTSS supports will be communicated to families.
Bond and Construction Project Updates
The board received updates on multiple construction projects.
Early Learning Academy Project
Updates included:
- Flooring, cabinetry, and interior work nearing completion.
- Kitchen equipment installation underway.
- Exterior paving work underway.
- Substantial completion targeted for August 11.
- A ribbon-cutting event was discussed for August 19.
Mount Ridge Primary School
The district reported:
- Exterior concrete work progressing.
- Interior painting underway.
- Restroom tile installation underway.
- Mechanical work continuing.
- A turning lane project expected to finish before August 20.
- Substantial completion remaining scheduled for October 22.
- A goal of moving students and staff into the building during the last week of October.
Mount Ridge Middle School Modular Classrooms
The district reported:
- Twenty-five modular classroom units had been placed on site.
- The modular buildings are intended to support more than 400 students.
- Interior connections, flooring, and ceiling work remained underway.
- Utility connections, including sewer, water, electricity, and internet, had been completed.
- The site was fenced for security.
Other Construction Updates
The board also received updates regarding:
- Another early learning project affected by extensive rock conditions.
- A requested water-line upgrade requiring a change order discussion.
- Window replacement projects funded through grants.
- Additional school improvement projects awaiting review and approvals.
Consent Agenda
The board approved the consent agenda.
Items included in the agenda materials included:
- Meeting minutes.
- Chaperone requests.
- School property use requests.
- Curricular and extracurricular trip requests.
- Budget supplements and transfers.
- Payment of bills and invoices.
- Other listed consent items.
Action Items
Autism Classroom Workforce Initiative
The superintendent presented a recommendation regarding the Berkeley County Schools Autism Classroom Workforce Initiative and a three-step increment scale with an autism certification salary schedule.
The superintendent explained that the proposal was intended to support consistent access to qualified educators and stable instructional teams for students with autism.
The proposal was presented for board consideration.
Copier Contract Renewal
The board considered renewal of the copier contract.
District staff reported:
- The contract would continue for the third year.
- The pricing structure included less than one cent per black-and-white copy and seven cents per color copy.
- Approximately 92 machines are used throughout the county.
- The estimated annual copying cost discussed was approximately $240,000.
- The vendor provides local service support.
The board approved the action item.
Weed Control Contract Renewal
The board considered renewal of the district weed control and fertilization contract.
District staff reported:
- The contract was originally bid in 2025.
- The renewal continued the established pricing.
- The contract covered district facilities and athletic fields.
- The total contract amount discussed was $132,566.
The board approved the renewal.
The board considered replacement of an intercom system at Tuscarora Elementary.
District staff reported:
- The existing system dates back to the early 1990s.
- Portions of the current system were not functioning.
- A replacement system would improve communication and safety.
- The proposed system was from a vendor used in other school buildings.
The item was presented for board consideration.
Personnel Actions
The superintendent-recommended personnel actions were presented.
The district reported personnel activity including:
- New professional and service personnel appointments.
- Resignations.
- Transfers.
- Leave actions.
- Substitute appointments.
- Other personnel changes.
The district reported a total of 165 professional, service, and substitute personnel actions.
The board approved the personnel actions.
Personnel Discussion
Board members discussed opportunities for recent high school graduates who may be interested in education careers.
Discussion included:
- Potential opportunities as aides, service personnel, or substitutes.
- Existing pathways for individuals interested in becoming educators.
- The district’s Grow Your Own program.
- Early childhood programs of study.
- Challenges related to substitute teacher requirements and recent state retirement-related rules.
The superintendent and staff discussed continuing to explore ways to create pathways into education careers.
Recognition
The board recognized the newest assistant principal at Mountain Ridge Intermediate.
The new administrator expressed appreciation for the opportunity and discussed returning to serve the district where she previously attended school.
Executive Session
The board approved entering executive session for a legal update.
The superintendent stated that no action was anticipated following the executive session.
