By: Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer | jeremy@thewoodrufftimes.com
Woodruff High School students will soon have a new lunch option after the school board approved the purchase of a new pizza oven for the school, along with new technology equipment to maintain the district’s internet services.
The new pizza oven, from Bull’s Eye Brands, was presented to representatives from several districts in Spartanburg County. The pizzas are made fresh each morning and then cooked that day for lunch. District officials were provided a test of the system and indicated it was both efficient and tasty.
The trustees approved the bid for $170,990; however, officials said the final purchase price will be much lower than that. Several districts joined together for the bid, which will reduce the cost for each district.
Woodruff expects to pay approximately $35,000 for the oven equipment and $52,000 annually for the ingredients. The district received a grant that will cover the cost of the equipment, and the ingredients will likely be covered by the state reimbursable meal program.
Director of Facilities and Assistant Business Manager Clark Simpkins told the board that equipment is expected to be installed during spring break and will be serving students when they return.
The Board also approved two items to replace outdated technology equipment, updating and securing the district’s internet system. Justin Roper, technology director for the district, presented the items to purchase and install new access points and new switches for the district. The equipment will be installed in all existing buildings.
The purchase of the new access points was approved at $206,503.47 from Encore Technology Group. Approximately 80 percent of the cost will be covered by federal funds. The new switches were approved at $429,833.55 from ANC Group, which federal funds will significantly defray.
The Board also approved the purchase of new promethean boards—interactive digital whiteboards that allow teachers and students to engage with lessons using touch-screen technology— for the new high school. The interactive blackboards will be installed in all classrooms in the new building, matching the technology already used across the district. The purchase of 86 boards was approved at $168,018.20, which will come from the construction fund.
Finally, the board approved a new math textbook for the 2025-2026 school year. The state education department requires all new textbooks to be approved by the board.
In other business, Rachel Traynham, director of compliance and student support services, reported that the district is almost complete with its strategic plan update. The district held community meetings to present the draft and get feedback.
Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fulmer indicated that the process was compressed this year because the state was late providing guiding materials. He praised Traynham’s work in getting the process moved forward on the short timeline. The plan must be approved by the board by the end of April.
The Woodruff School Board meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the district office. The meetings are open to the public, and the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 5.
