By: Tracy Sanders, Co-Editor | tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
In a recent interview, Dr. Aaron Fulmer, acting Superintendent of Spartanburg County District Four, spoke with The Woodruff Times about school safety protocols, future planning, and the district’s approach to strategic scheduling. The conversation provided insights into the district’s proactive measures while acknowledging the challenges of managing community expectations.
Addressing Safety Concerns and Communication Challenges
Dr. Fulmer emphasized the importance of striking a balance between informing parents and preventing unnecessary panic in the wake of incidents.“We want parents to be informed,” Fulmer said, “but not create a panic.” He discussed the district’s handling of a recent student-related issue, emphasizing that while rumors had circulated early on, the inaccurate information did not originate from school officials. Instead, much of what was shared publicly had been distorted or misinterpreted outside of official channels.
The district aims to improve the process of timely communication to prevent the spread of misinformation. Fulmer acknowledged that the administration was cautious when releasing its initial statement. “I would hate to say there’s no danger, only to find out later there was more we didn’t know,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations.
Fulmer discussed the value of collaborating with local law enforcement and community leaders. Fulmer praised the involvement of school resource officers and emphasized the need for open communication between the district and both city and county officials.
Dr. Fulmer also highlighted the use of the Emergent 3 (E3) app, noting that all staff members at the district’s schools have it installed on their phones. E3 is a comprehensive emergency management platform that facilitates real-time communication, quick response coordination, and crisis management. The app allows staff to initiate alerts, including lockdowns, directly from their mobile devices, ensuring that first responders and relevant personnel are notified instantly during an emergency.
Enhancing School Safety Protocols
To ensure a safer school environment, Dr. Fulmer confirmed the use of metal detectors at main entrances and bus loops in Woodruff High School, with security staff monitoring them throughout the day. He also mentioned that metal detectors were being installed in Woodruff Middle School this fall.
Additionally, safety drills remain an essential part of the district’s protocols. “We conduct weather, earthquake, and crisis drills each year,” Fulmer said. He noted that these procedures ensure students and staff are prepared for various scenarios, including evacuation and reunification processes. “The evacuation only happens after the danger is over,” he explained.
Strategic Planning and Scheduling Changes
The district is currently undergoing a strategic planning process, a state-mandated initiative that takes place every five years. Fulmer explained that these sessions involve setting goals for the next five years and evaluating the district’s mission and vision.
A key part of these discussions involves exploring different scheduling models, including block and hybrid schedules. While some parents have expressed interest in block scheduling to facilitate college credit opportunities, Fulmer clarified that the district is evaluating multiple scheduling options. “We’re not just looking at block scheduling—we’re exploring what works best for all our students and staff,” he said.
Managing Growth and Future Facilities
With rapid community growth, Fulmer acknowledged that the district must adapt to an increasing student population. The construction of a new high school, set to be completed by the end of 2025, is a significant step in accommodating this growth. “The new high school will be built for 1,500 students with room to expand,” he shared, explaining that it’s designed to be adaptable for future needs.
Fulmer also discussed the challenges of maintaining manageable student-to-teacher ratios, particularly in lower grades. “Our board is focused on reducing class sizes, especially in grades K (kindergarten) through eight,” Fulmer noted, adding that overcrowding is an ongoing issue the district is working to address.
Building Trust through Transparent Communication
Fulmer expressed the district’s commitment to transparency, noting that parents and community members will have opportunities to provide input through strategic planning meetings at the school level.
If you’re a parent interested in becoming more involved, we encourage you to contact your child’s school and express your interest.
Author: Tracy Sanders
