By: Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer
jeremy@thewoodrufftimes.com
The Spartanburg County School District Four Board of Trustees approved a contract to run a natural gas line to the new high school and two bond items that provide funding for capital projects, maintenance, and other materials for the district.
The Board approved spending $64,206 for Piedmont Natural Gas to run a natural gas line from its main feed to the new school. Dr. Aaron Fulmer, assistant superintendent for operations, accountability, personnel, and student services, explained to the board that since Piedmont is the only servicer to the area, there was no bid for the service. Funding for the gas line will come from the district’s construction fund and not the school bond.
Board members also voted to approve two bond items that provide funding for upkeep at the district’s schools. The items, which are approved every year, to fund various projects and equipment purchases throughout the year.
The first item was to approve a $700,000 bond anticipation note to fund a list of projects presented to the board in February, including HVAC upgrades, new weight room equipment, security upgrades, and more.
The second item is a $1.395 million general obligation bond, half of which is used to pay off last year’s bond note, and the other half provides the funding for this year’s bond note.
The Board also approved a new English/language arts textbook for the 2024-2025 school year.
In-school reports:
Woodruff Primary School reported that students and staff collected 200 items for the Agape Care Center of Woodruff; Wyatt Workman, Isaiah Lawson, Andrew Travis, Ryan Matz, Avril Sanders, Penny Oetken, Caylin Horton, Breonna Elmore, Brooke Crain, Charlotte Simmons, Sharjeel Rayan, Caroline Smith, and Deacon Woodbury all qualified to enter the Piedmont Region III Science Fair at USC Upstate.
Woodruff Elementary School reported that students held a Read-a-Thon during February and met their reading goal of 10,000 minutes; third graders completed research projects and presented for Black History Month about a historical or noteworthy figure.
Woodruff Middle School reported that the district would be hosting an archery tournament with 90 entrants from various schools – 20 being from Woodruff; the winter sports banquet is scheduled for March 18.
Woodruff High School reported that all winter sports athletes were recognized at the Winter Pep Rally; the WHS Career Fair was well attended, with 17 classes and 50 businesses participating. Principal Christine Morris also recognized wrestlers June Welch and David Stubbs for winning state titles in their respective classes.
Spartanburg County School District Four meetings are held on the first Monday of every month at the district office The next meeting will be moved to the second Monday, April 8, at 6:00 p.m.
Author: Tracy Sanders
