By: Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer
As the new school year approaches and with no action items on the agenda, the Spartanburg County School District Four Board of Trustees heard some updates from school officials at their first meeting of the new school year on August 2.
The meeting started with special recognition from Woodruff High School Principal Dr. Aaron Fulmer for June Welch. The freshman became the first-ever female state champion wrestler for the Wolverines last year. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Welch and her family could not attend the meeting. Still, Dr. Fulmer wanted to share her accomplishment with the Trustees.
Britt McKinney, director of federal and state programs, told the Board that the district’s reputation continues to grow and that they are receiving several requests from out-of-district to attend Woodruff schools. She said that officials had to cap many grade levels due to growth from within the district and cannot accommodate most of those requests.
McKinney also provided an update on COVID policies for the coming school year. Following a new budget proviso passed by the South Carolina State Legislature, the district is not allowed to require vaccines or masks in schools this year. She provided an information sheet regarding quarantine policies for students who test positive.
Business Manager Chris Benfield reported on a move to increase pay schedules for the district’s bus drivers. Based on the approved state budget, a 6 percent adjustment was passed, which was higher than the 3 percent the district was planning for.
“I think it’s a good investment in our people who are there with our students every day,” said Superintendent Dr. Rallie Liston.
Author: Tracy Sanders
