By: Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer | jeremy@thewoodrufftimes.com
The Spartanburg County School District Four Board of Trustees heard various department reports at their February meeting, including the acceptance of a state grant for security measures and more donated trees to be planted at the new high school.
Clark Simpkins, director of facilities and assistant business manager, told the board that a recent grant for $92,000 had come through from the South Carolina Department of Education. The funds were for security measures and will allow the district to upgrade the locks at the primary, elementary, and high schools. The new locks will default to the locked position, providing greater school security.
Simpkins also reported that the school had received another 75 donated trees to be planted at the new high school. This batch adds to the 51 trees that were donated and planted several weeks ago. TreesUpstate and The Noble Tree Foundation donated the trees.
In other reports, Chris Benfield, assistant superintendent of business and finance, told the Trustees that the annual BAN resolution would be coming before them for approval at the March meeting. The resolution approves a bond for the district to cover maintenance and capital projects for the coming two years.
Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fulmer informed the Board that February 14 and March 14 have been identified as make-up days for the time missed due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The district must find one more make-up day before requesting to have the remaining days forgiven by the state. The make-up days will be taken as e-learning days, which will exhaust the district’s allotment of e-learning days for the year.
In-school reports:
Woodruff Primary School reported that they will be collecting items for the Spartanburg Humane Society in February, and the school science fair will be held February 17 – 20.
Woodruff Elementary School reported that students enjoyed celebrating 100 days of school with “100 Days Brighter” neon outfits in January and the Bright Star Children’s Theater performed in January.
Woodruff Middle School reported that three wrestlers won their weight class at the Foothills Conference tournament, and Kayliegh Machado was the state runner-up in the 100-pound class.
Woodruff High School reported that the senior class bowling field trip drew 114 students, and eight senior athletes participated in “Signing Day,” indicating what college they plan to continue their athletic careers at.
The Board of Trustees meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the district office. The meetings are open to the public, and the next meeting will be on Monday, March 3.
Author: Tracy Sanders
