Fort Mill School Board Meeting Highlights
Special Recognitions
- Fort Mill History Museum – Recipient of SCSBA’s Champions for Public Education Award
Discussion of Year End Transfer
Mrs. Lordo presented information regarding a proposed Year End Transfer. The district anticipates the final revenues for the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 to exceed budget by approximately $5.3 million. Consistent with the prior year, the district is requesting that the board consider utilizing a portion of these funds for non-recurring expenditures that were requested during the operating budget process, but were not able to be funded with general fund monies. The recommendation includes:
- District-Wide ebook/Hardbound Media Center Collection to maintain Compliance Standards ($8 per Student)
- School Small Capital Purchases
- School Furniture Requests – Various Schools
- Technology – District Data Center UPS Backup Replacement
- Security – Additional School Radios (#25)
- New Classroom Set ups – Instructional Materials
- Middle School Athletics 2024-25 Equipment Replacement
- Band Instruments Additional – Catawba Ridge High
Curriculum Items:
- Teacher Professional Development
- STEAM Funding
- ST-ART Increase (Middle School GT Art)
- Contingency Fund
Names and Mascots for Elementary #12 and Middle #7 and Naming of the Early Childhood Center
Mr. Grey Young presented the proposed names, colors and mascots for the three new facilities:
Elementary #12 Recommendation
Name: Flint Hill Elementary School
Colors: Warm Red, Silver, Bright White
Mascot: Cubs
Middle School #7
Name: Flint Hill Middle School
Colors: True Red, Black and Bright White
Mascot: Red Foxes
Early Childhood Center:
Name: George Fish Early Childhood Center
Colors: Blue Sea Star, Yellow
Mascot: Dolphins
The names were selected following research about the areas for the facilities, a survey of the community and the historical significance. Specifically, the name George Fish, colors and mascot were selected to honor the previous George Fish School that served the area that the Childhood Center will be located in. The Center will continue the legacy of education started by the original school by serving all PreK students from across the district.
Math Lab Update
Dr. Mike Waiksnis along with the district academics staff presented a math lab update to the board. The vision of the math lab program is to develop a highly effective system of collaboration to support educators in growing and developing student-centered approaches to teaching and learning. The purpose of the math lab includes:
- Spread the love and teaching of math
- Showcase and enhance best practices in student-centered instruction
- Engage in reflective dialogue
- Support peers with the daily demands of the classroom
- Increase collaboration among teachers in non-threatening environments
- Establishing a system of ongoing professional learning
Teachers go through an application process to join the program. If accepted they attend mandatory PD and planning sessions, undergo three observations, participate in discovery and debrief session, and create designed lessons, activities and descriptions.
The benefits of participation in the math lab include:
- Reflective of instructional practices
- Build capacity for teacher-leadership
- Enhance collaboration and networking
- Additional instructional resources
- Stipend for MLT
- Recognition for serving as an MLT
Fort Mill School District ESports Update
Mr. Brian Spittle provided an update on the district’s new eSports program. ESports are competitive online gaming in team or individual competitions, played on computers or consoles as part of structured formal tournaments, leagues, or conferences. ESports require players to make quick decisions, adapt to changing situations, and think critically and creatively to solve problems. Teams require players to communicate effectively and work together to achieve a common goal. Esports also requires players to be responsible and respectful digital citizens, including understanding the importance of using technology and media meaningfully, protecting personal information, intellectual property, and other people’s rights.
Participating in eSports can help students develop self-awareness and self-direction and take ownership of their learning and progress through goalsetting, tracking progress, and reflecting on strengths and growth areas.
The district is currently in year one of a three-year implementation plan. The current competitive teams include:
- 70+ students participated in the club
- 43% of these students don’t participate in school sports, JROTC, theater, or other clubs.
- 30 students played in the spring competitive league
- Playoffs
- Rocket League
- 1 team in playoffs (5 students)
- Super Smash Brothers
- 11 students in playoffs
- Mario Cart
- 1 team in playoffs (4 students)
- Rocket League
Special Services Update
Dr. Amy Maziarz, Ms. Jenn Grant, & Ms. Lori Marullo provided an update to the board on the special services provided in the district. The update included information from four areas:
- Who We Serve: IDEA & Section 504 Legal Obligations
- Specialized Instruction: Services provided by Special Education Teachers
- Psychological and Related Services: Services that support students in their ability to access general or special education curriculum
- LEA Determinations: SCDE Special Ed Report Card
First Reading of Board Policy IKA Grading/Assessment Systems
Mr. Peter Olinger presented recommended change policy IKA. These changes include updating the administrative rule to the current grading scale in use in the district and an update to the policy text to reflect that the schools will follow the statewide uniform grading scale as approved by the State Board of Education for grades three through 12.
Early Childhood Center Approval to Negotiate AE Contract
The board voted to approve the district request to begin negotiation for the architectural services needed for the construction of the early childhood center.
Fort Mill School Board meetings can be viewed live or on demand on the district’s YouTube channel or with the link below.
