Aiken County Board of Education Meeting on May 11, 2021 at the District Office at 6:00 p.m.

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Dates: 
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 - 6:00pm
THE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT OF AIKEN COUNTY
BOARD OF EDUCATION
AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
 
 
 
OFFICIAL AGENDA                      REGULAR SESSION 6:00 P.M.                   MAY 11, 2021
Location:                                        1000 Brookhaven Drive                               Aiken, SC
 
Tuesday’s meeting will be live streamed on our website, acpsd.net
 
 
REGULAR SESSION:      6:00 P.M.
 
CALL TO ORDER
 
MOMENT OF SILENCE & PLEDGE:        Dr. John Bradley
 
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
 
Special Called Meeting – Budget Workshop-April 13, 2021
 
Regular Meeting – April 20, 2021
 
 
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS:
 
  • Special Presentation – Goodwyn Mills and Cawood (GMC)
     
 
  • Public Hearing on Budget (public input on Budget issues only)
     
 
  • Public Participation
 
  • Mr. Doug Busbee – WSHS Agriculture Program
 
  • Mr. Landon Ball –  COVID-19 Guidelines

 
  • Office of Board Chairman
 
 
 

A.INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:  The following items are information only and do not require Board Action.

 
  1. Construction Status Reports for the Belvedere Elementary School Addition & Renovations Project (Dr. Murphy)
 
In an effort to keep the Board current on the status and budget of this school construction project, the Architects for this project, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture and the Administration prepare a monthly status report for the Board’s review.
 
  1. Construction Status Reports for the Hammond Hill Elementary Additions & Renovations Project (Dr. Murphy)
 
In an effort to keep the Board current on the status and budget of this school construction project, the Architects for this project, Cheatham Fletcher Scott (CFS), and the Administration prepare a monthly status report for the Board’s review.
 
  1. Construction Status Reports for the Millbrook Elementary Additions & Renovations Project (Dr. Murphy)
 
In an effort to keep the Board current on the status and budget of this school construction project, the Architects for this project, Goodwyn Mills and Cawood (GMC), and the Administration prepare a monthly status report for the Board’s review.
 
  1. Construction Status Reports for the Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary Phase 3 Addition Project (Dr. Murphy)
 
In an effort to keep the Board current on the status and budget of this school construction project, the Architects for this project, LS3P Associates LTD., and the Administration prepare a monthly status report for the Board’s review.
 
  1. Financial Report, as of January 31, 2021 (Mr. Traxler)
 
The financial report of January 31, 2021 is submitted in the approved format.
 
  1. Financial Report, as of February 28, 2021 (Mr. Traxler)
 
The financial report of February 28, 2021 is submitted in the approved format.
 
  1. Financial Report, as of March 31, 2021 (Mr. Traxler)
 
The financial report of March 31, 2021 is submitted in the approved format.
 
 
 
 
 

B.CONSENT ITEMS:  The following items will be voted on as a group, individual items may be discussed prior to a vote being taken.

 
 
  1. Ratification of Expulsions (Mr. Laurence)
 
The School Board, according to the Code of Laws for South Carolina Section 59-63-240, is authorized to expel students from school.Although the Board may receive recommendations for expulsion from others, it solely is empowered to take the final expulsion action.
 
  1. Out of District Transfer Requests (Dr. Minolfo)
 
Board Policy JFABC allows the Aiken County Board of Education to arrange with other school districts for the interchange of students.The policy stipulates that when students transfer out of the District, “the School District of Aiken County shall assume no responsibility for tuition to the receiving district.”
 
  1. Out-of-District Transfer Requests (Dr. Minolfo)
 
Board Policy JFAB allows the Aiken County Board of Education to arrange with other school districts for the interchange of students.The policy stipulates that non-resident students transfer into the District “the parent/legal guardian must assume responsibility for transportation.The Board will hold nonresident students to the behavioral and academic requirements set out in policy JFAA, admission of resident students.The district may charge tuition to nonresident students seeking to enroll in district schools.”
 
  1. Request to Admit Foreign Exchange Student (Dr. Minolfo)
 
School Board Policy JFAA establishes guidelines for the admission of the exchange students to the high schools in the School District of Aiken County.
 
  1. Request to Admit Foreign Exchange Student (Dr. Minolfo)
 
School Board Policy JFABB establishes guidelines for the admission of the exchange students to the high schools in the School District of Aiken County.
 
  1. Request to Admit Foreign Exchange Student (Dr. Minolfo)
 
School Board Policy JFABB establishes guidelines for the admission of the exchange students to the high schools in the School District of Aiken County.
 
  1. Request to Admit Foreign Exchange Student (Dr. Minolfo)
 
School Board Policy JFABB establishes guidelines for the admission of the exchange students to the high schools in the School District of Aiken County.
 
 
 
  1. Request to Admit Foreign Exchange Student (Dr. Minolfo)
 
School Board Policy JFABB establishes guidelines for the admission of the exchange students to the high schools in the School District of Aiken County.
 
  1. Request to Admit Foreign Exchange Student (Dr. Minolfo)
 
School Board Policy JFABB establishes guidelines for the admission of the exchange students to the high schools in the School District of Aiken County.
 
  1. Leavelle McCampbell School Alumni – Eddy Ferguson Donation to the Leavelle McCampbell Middle School – FY21 (Mrs. Glover)
 
Leavelle McCampbell Middle School has been given a $4,000.00 donation through the Leavelle McCampbell School Alumni from Eddy Ferguson.The funds will be used to to purchase science lab equipment in honor of this parents.
 
  1. Submission of the Distinguished Arts Program (DAP) 2021-22 Arts Curricular Innovation Grant (ACIG) Application by East Aiken School of the Arts – FY22 (Mrs. Glover)
 
East Aiken School of the Arts would like to submit an application to the SC State Department of Education for the Arts Curricular Innovation – Distinguished Arts Programs (DAP) Arts Curricular Innovation Grant in the amount of $18,000.00.This grant will assist in developing and implementing arts initiatives that support quality arts education programs and significantly improve student achievement in the arts. Distinguished Arts Program (DAP) grants provide funds for one-year projects.Funds will be used for professional development, substitutes, materials and supplies, student performances, and artist in residence activities.
 
  1. Submission of the Distinguished Arts Program (DAP) 2020-2021 Arts Curricular Innovation Grant (ACIG) Application by Aiken Elementary School – FY22 (Mrs. Glover)
 
Aiken Elementary School would like to submit an application to the SC State Department of Education for the Distinguished Arts Program (DAP) Arts Curricular Innovation Grant (ACIG) in the amount of $18,000.00. This grant will assist in developing and implementing arts initiatives that support quality arts education programs and significantly improve student achievement in the arts.Distinguished Arts Program (DAP) grants provide funds for one-year projects.If awarded, grant funds will be used to fund artist-in-residencies, professional development, and instructional supplies and equipment.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  1. Submission  of the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Grant – FY22 (Mr. Traxler)
 
The USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program provides all children in participating schools with a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day. It is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options.The FFVP also encourages the education of families and partnerships with members of the community as an overall way of increasing the health and wellness of both students and those in the community in which they live.The School Food Service Department is requesting to submit the $403,250.00 grant application for USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program on behalf of the following schools:
 
J.D. Lever Elementary$26,350.00Warrenville Elementary$18,100.00
Oakwood Windsor Elementary $21,400.00RSM Elementary$35,300.00
East Aiken School of the Arts$30,100.00Busbee Elementary$14,300.00
North Aiken Elementary$22,500.00Greendale Elementary$20,700.00
North Augusta Elementary$33,000.00Redcliffe Elementary$36,850.00
Jefferson Elementary$29,600.00Mossy Creek Elementary$30,450.00
Clearwater Elementary$19,850.00Byrd Elementary$29,950.00
Gloverville Elementary$17,850.00Graniteville Elementary$16,950.00
 
  1. Change Order Number 1 for the 2020 Remodeling of North Augusta Middle Restrooms (Dr. Murphy)
 
Credit for unused allowances……………………………. <$30,281.52>
 
 
  1. Change Order #1 for the Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School Addition Project (Dr. Murphy)
 
Change Order #1 for the Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School Addition Project for Aiken County Public Schools is submitted for your review and approval
 
  • Added scope at US1/Trojan Road widening per SCDOT
………………………………………………………………. $120,467.00
 
  • Install concrete slab with rubberized topping @Pre-K playground
……………………………………………………………….... $55,213.00
 
These items were not included in the original plans and specifications and therefore are cost ‘additive items.Owner contingency is adequate
 
Total Change Order #1 amount is …………………………… $175,680.00
 
 
 
 
 
  1. Replacement of Fire Sprinkler System Conversion at Warrenville Elementary (Dr. Murphy)
 
Bids were received on May 5, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. and publicly opened for the Replacement of Fire Sprinkler System Conversion at Warrenville Elementary.There was 1 bidder for this project with the lowest responsible and responsive bidder being H.G. Reynolds Company, Inc. with a Base Bid of ($232,000.00) to replace existing dry pendent sprinklers and dry pipe valves with standard sprinklers and valve sprinkler assemblies.The Facility Code Upgrades account for 2021-2022 has the funds needed to complete this project and design oversite with BGA Engineering Group.
 
 
  1. Request for Proposals for 2021 Annual Contract for Fire Alarm Systems Inspections, Testing, Repairs, Security System Repairs, Intercom Systems Repairs, Data Systems, Access Controls, Camera Systems and Installs for Aiken County Public Schools. (Dr. Murphy)
 
Request for Proposals for 2021 Annual Contract for Fire Alarm Systems Inspections, Testing, Repairs, Security System Repairs, Intercom Systems Repairs, Data Systems, Access Controls, Camera Systems and Installs for Aiken County Public Schools were received April 13, 2021 @3:00p.m.Services are needed on an annual contract on a time and material basis coordinated through the Facilities Construction Department or Maintenance Department.After evaluating the proposals received, the Selection Committee believes the District would be best served if all four companies are selected:Precision Fire Solutions, LLC ranked 1sr as most responsible and responsive, Carver Security Systems, Inc. ranked 2nd, ComCabling, Inc., ranked 3rd, and DLS Alarm Systems, Inc. ranked 4th.The four companies will all be used in different capacities as an IDC annual basis.
 
  1. Live-streaming services, on-site equipment, technical support, and dedicated web pages for all Class of 2021 High School Graduations through Interactive Display Solutions, Inc. (Mr. Rosier)
 
Aiken County Public Schools has live streamed our high school graduations the last two school years.Earlier this year our plan was not to livestream if the graduations, which are again being held on campus in school stadiums, would be able to seat guests at full capacity. We now know this will not yet be possible, solidifying the need for live-streaming of our Class of 2021 High School Graduations.
 
 

C.INDIVIDUAL ITEMS

 
  1. Personnel Appointments (Mrs. Hart)
 
            The certified and classified personnel have been screened by the Human Resources      Department and interviewed, and/or approved by the Principals or supervisor for each.
 
 
 
 
  1. Aiken County Public School District’s Belief Statements and Mission Statement (Dr. Minolfo)
 
From April 26 through April 29, 2021, the Aiken County Public School District’s Strategic Planning Committee met to create the framework for a new strategic plan.Aiken County Public School District’s Strategic Planning Committee was comprised of a stakeholder group of individuals including teachers, parents, community members, administrators, chief officers, a board member, and the Superintendent.The committee completed the beliefs statements and mission statement.Further training and committee work will begin in August 2021.
 
 
  1. Changes to the following policies, First Reading (Dr. Minolfo)
Policy BB School Board Legal Status
Policy BBA Board Powers and Duties
Policy BBAA Board Member Authority and Responsibilities
Policy BC Board Member Conduct
Policy BCA Board Member Code of Ethics
Policy BDE Board Committees
Policy BHE Board Staff Communications
 
Policies are cyclically reviewed and, as needed revised and/or updated. The listed policies within School Board Governance and Operations section of the Aiken County Board Policies were identified for revision.
 
  1. Consideration of Providing Employee Assistance Plan through ESSER II Funding (Mr. Traxler & Mrs. Hart)
 
The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER II) resulted from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) that was signed into laws on December 27, 2020.The SC Department of Education is allocated $940.4 million in ESSER II funds.From that, our District is projected to receive $28,203,447.Funds must be spent by September 30, 2023. One allowable us is the provision of mental health services & supports.
 
  1. Proposed Revision to ESSER II Summer Program Pay (Mr. Traxler)
 
The original, comprehensive spending plan for the District’s $28.2 million ESSER II allocation was presented for Board consideration at its March 23, 2021 meeting.The plan included a summer program to combat learning loss.Proposed, and ultimately approved, pay rates for the ESSER II –funded summer program were part of the summer proposal.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  1. Revisions to the Code of Student Conduct – First Reading (Mr. Spears)
 
The Code of Student Conduct is reviewed and updated annually.As part of this process, a discipline steering committee consisting of community members, parents, educational leaders, teachers, board members, and administrators from all three grade levels reviews the Code of Student Conduct, and considers recommended additions, deletions, and revisions from school administration.Recommendations include the provision of clear guidance for school administrators in addressing student incidents with the intent of increasing consistency and appropriateness throughout the District.
 
 

D.INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS

 
  1. AGENDA ITEMS SUBMITTED BY INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS
 
  • Face Mask Policy – Mr. Crane
     
  1. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESSED TO BOARD MEMBERS
 
 
 

E.OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT

 
  • Superintendent’s Update
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

F.EXECUTIVE SESSION

 
  1. APPEALS
 
  • Student Appeal – Area 3
 
  1. EMPLOYMENT MATTERS
 
  • Administrative Appointment – a.
  • Administrative Appointment – b.
  • Consideration of Contractual Matter – c.
 
  1. CONTRACTUAL MATTERS
 
  • Property Matter – Area 4
 
  1. LEGAL BRIEFING
 
  • No Items This Meeting
 
 

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

ACTION OF ITEMS DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION

ADJOURN

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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