[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6663054,"mediaKeyId","2391547-4af0dcabc0cb00b2198e8f0468e082c1","parentId",2391547,"title","Lexington 1 approves up to $50,000 for outside communications audit to inform strategic plan","audioSeconds",726,"startMs",10914000,"endMs",11640000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391547-4af0dcabc0cb00b2198e8f0468e082c1&start=10914&end=11640","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391547-4af0dcabc0cb00b2198e8f0468e082c1/thumbnail_10914000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6663054/South-Carolina/Lexington-1-approves-up-to-50000-for-outside-communications-audit-to-inform-strategic-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663054-6d00af1f319dc8842d72a0de999fc07d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773647892&Signature=Bcuuoxk9QddmVRcp5p81jptCSu86EyWYQUFpYV~U3Rrk7ALFy3PfSDFroBxR85mnvHi8rlF7dri2NAdFo1Uo8bajTKHDiijJ7XnHl~TA~1fPMfUQXeY9J6hQxkaK4dmOwrEOX2-O4~lD5CNZkh4rsycy-UWygScqCfvT9ra-UaMthfZGQO5BVQCzvTKkzvohpCESTmNJqO-6ht9M~0B3vxL9X4a7P9Qf5ccWg3x~mH~t6GvveniB2D8Lr7o6isVuuj6vXoqxirortBzRmWqdLp5Tm6RDVQ8Q5LRhQEh8y1sJwQzGHtiul9TbMV2uB21tZui~odEQl9pzl1CkeohrLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lexington 01","date","2025-02-26T03:17:04.493Z","article","Lexington County School District One trustees approved up to $50,000 from the general fund balance to hire an outside consultant to conduct a comprehensive communications audit, district staff said Tuesday.

Communications director Libby Ruth told trustees the research phase of a communications strategic plan is essential and that an external assessment would provide objective analysis of current materials, channels, stakeholder perceptions and comparative best practices. The audit — sometimes called a communications assessment in the public relations field — would include document review, stakeholder surveys and focus groups (internal and external audiences), and benchmarking against other successful districts.

Ruth said the work is intended to inform a detailed multi-year communications strategy that supports district strategic goals, specifically parent engagement and outreach that research links to student outcomes. She said the request was not a campaign proposal: the audit would test current practice and identify priorities; any subsequent marketing or outreach work would be a separate decision based on audit findings.

Several trustees asked whether the district could perform an internal review. Ruth replied staff could undertake some elements but said an outside consultant can produce statistically reliable surveys, conduct neutral focus groups, and compare district practices against national best practices without internal bias. She estimated the likely range for a comprehensive outside audit at $30,000–$40,000 and asked the board to approve up to $50,000 as a conservative cap.

After questions from trustees, the board voted to authorize up to $50,000 from the general fund balance for the communications audit. Procurement staff will draft an RFP specifying the scope (research, stakeholder input, channel review and benchmarking) and return with recommended proposals and a contracting plan.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","February 25, 2025 — Board of Trustees Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees approved up to $50,000 from the general fund balance to hire an external firm to conduct a comprehensive communications audit — an assessment district staff said is needed to shape a five-year communications strategic plan and improve parent engagement and outreach.","taxTitle","Lexington 01, School Districts, South Carolina","taxId",14917,"location","South Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6663059,"Board extends Pillion Middle School third assistant principal pilot after school reports gains in attendance and achievement",346,10562000,10908000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391547-4af0dcabc0cb00b2198e8f0468e082c1&start=10562&end=10908","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391547-4af0dcabc0cb00b2198e8f0468e082c1/thumbnail_10562000.jpg","/articles/6663059/South-Carolina/Board-extends-Pillion-Middle-School-third-assistant-principal-pilot-after-school-reports-gains-in-attendance-and-achievement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663059-cd62e8333723d0ba9211a1e5dec36a52/orig.mp4?Expires=1773647892&Signature=OmiaNyzqWYJy3XCUFjnD2JsSsRo49LtoXeEA4sluMuhnkFaB-Rvm46Hf50ucE8FrCNvvr1UOC2PSNjWN2lcu~akNKbPxCNzqwqJB3ioo1eBazMbEEP79jsyDIG2onWZmbRBtEjRl~VFPL24Cs~tN8faVrTtHZc-RzH3--V7D9jHN5LcAEnyUYk7vjqDlHaFjcpzNDWgoPgvRgku4C9uPLXvFFyUxbQAPjxYPuHhMdyRTvRBzGpUvPjSPGSWODN5wmZjoLKKFnv8FqpZbOIJ8TLGLuSUxkHC02iRX-WVOJo7kQDcZuuzmKK9RGe3NzZjFpiP1ouwKdCBYnzsE-Xn89w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees voted Feb. 25 to sustain a pilot program that provides a third assistant principal at Pillion Middle School for the 2025–26 school year, following a presentation from school leaders that tied the extra administrative capacity to improvements in attendance, behavior and instructional support.

Pillion administrators and instructional leaders said the additional assistant principal enabled more frequent classroom observations, targeted professional learning, and faster responses to attendance and discipline concerns. Principal-level presenters said the school recorded a 46% decrease in truancy incidents and an 8.2% reduction in chronic absenteeism during the year the pilot was in place. The school also reported increased instructional observations and targeted support for students with individualized education plans.

School leaders credited the third AP with enabling the leadership team to shift from reactive discipline to proactive interventions — weekly grade-level meetings now include an AP representative, which, the presenters said, improved teacher access to timely administrative support. The board voted to sustain the position for another year to allow the school to continue the work and provide time for administrators to measure longer-term outcomes.

The vote sustains the pilot for 2025–26. Board members complimented the school’s leadership and noted the decision is an example of the district piloting a targeted staffing investment to address demonstrated needs.","Trustees voted to continue the pilot administrator assistant position at Pillion Middle School for 2025–26 after school leaders reported improved attendance, reduced office referrals and measurable growth attributed to the additional administrative capacity.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6663065,"District review: College Center shows strong early returns; IB diploma enrollment declines but performance remains solid",1015,6420000,7435000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391547-4af0dcabc0cb00b2198e8f0468e082c1&start=6420&end=7435","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391547-4af0dcabc0cb00b2198e8f0468e082c1/thumbnail_6420000.jpg","/articles/6663065/South-Carolina/District-review-College-Center-shows-strong-early-returns-IB-diploma-enrollment-declines-but-performance-remains-solid","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663065-f4f6ae92770c25fc842aa680353af4af/orig.mp4?Expires=1773647892&Signature=nQStWNshwcTSVOneW1mKHdND1rx-h22dMiN0wSmsQ-N4fr0SmjN~fOm1jLL~kP69XQogt9UBjdF69UTZ5R2zLYZEx-0sfd0UKNFHT59J3kWrxtL4r9aGPo~UfVrQzEiub5qmIXDgufzZPbbg8~gDYFlpIxvWy8iyb2G0kWM8MBSYjJk7X2wjMfQ8ablV8gRqE-TZL182XF31x1MlcLZ7s6kfZHKgPBc4kKhGZrUzhLzyVk3NeXH2oElbD4EUnXQEO8enQrrZU4aS8WGRtwPA48bjLyBODPc8UQn~2gX4nEIJ71cRrG5X-Vui1NgywTKUZ7OhUWA0W7~Jduuu9fKVpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Feb. 25 board meeting Lexington County School District One staff presented formal program evaluations of the College Center (a district early-college program housed at Gilbert High School) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program at Lexington High.

College Center: Dr. Shane Phillips and College Center director Dr. Brandon Baskett reported that the College Center — established in 2020 and targeting students who historically perform in the academic middle with college aspirations — has seen high college-course success rates and potential long-term financial value to participating students.

The evaluation presented pass rates (C or higher) in dual-enrollment coursework that have improved in recent years for most end-of-course subjects, and although dual-enrollment withdrawal rates rose in 2023–24, staff said that increase reflected program withdrawal decisions rather than poor course performance. Enrollment stood at about 150 students for 2024–25, with district projections and recruitment efforts aimed at expanding capacity to 400 over time. The College Center uses an AVID framework, partners with Midlands Technical College and USC Sumter for credentialing, and graduated its first cohort in spring 2024.

Dr. Phillips’s report included a return-on-investment illustration: with a modest non-personnel annual cost for the College Center, graduates who complete two years of college coursework at no charge to families can produce substantial avoided tuition costs; the report estimated potential college-cost savings in the hundreds of thousands across the first cohort if students continue toward associate degrees.

The evaluators recommended continued recruitment, exploring scheduling and transportation adjustments to reduce conflicts with home-school extracurricular activities, and establishing consistent annual benchmarks to track enrollment, retention and college-course outcomes.

IB diploma program: The IB diploma presentation noted that Lexington High’s diploma students perform in line with global IB cohorts: about 80% of students who attempted the full diploma in the most recent graduating cohort earned it, with average exam points slightly below world averages but comparable overall. The district said 34 students were enrolled in the eleventh–twelfth grade diploma program for the current year, while 103 freshmen and sophomores were participating in pre‑IB coursework — a hopeful pipeline for future diploma enrollment.

District staff said IB enrollment has declined since a post‑COVID peak and suggested that expanded dual-enrollment offerings, which are often easier logistically for students, have drawn potential candidates away from the diploma. Evaluators recommended targeted recruitment, outreach to students in world-language immersion and other relevant tracks, exploring synchronous online course-sharing with nearby IB schools, and pursuing external sponsorships to offset program costs for families who move to the area for internationally portable credentials.

Board members asked about program comparators in other districts and whether the College Center and IB should be seen as competing options. Staff said comparisons are appropriate but stressed that each program serves different student needs and outcomes; staff recommended coordinated recruitment and clearer communications for families describing the different advanced‑study pathways available in the district.","Staff presented program evaluations for the College Center (an early-college model) and the International Baccalaureate diploma at Lexington High. The College Center reported improved college-course pass rates and potential college-cost savings; the IB program’s enrollment has dipped but student outcomes remain comparable to international peers.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6663069,"Lexington 1 trustees weigh moving to numeric grades starting in third grade; staff to return with two options",4385,3639000,8024000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391547-4af0dcabc0cb00b2198e8f0468e082c1&start=3639&end=8024","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391547-4af0dcabc0cb00b2198e8f0468e082c1/thumbnail_3639000.jpg","/articles/6663069/South-Carolina/Lexington-1-trustees-weigh-moving-to-numeric-grades-starting-in-third-grade-staff-to-return-with-two-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663069-ab4c89716fb6d446b253a08f89f0a565/orig.mp4?Expires=1773647892&Signature=cd~d9xeWDmfn24JwrvCWuoDV2W-1Xf01dN2QOUJiuE~Quyw2rvRpWa43HibDuQI1FyxX0iH9NsU0FzT~9Ry4biPy1nUgD03ApmQQ2pVhI76gIDzU00JMDeh5x-t8baH8Xsvlj-9igNvQzUdZhyQMCC4ncgM6A0~NwMWybJUUleWL4DIp0y9BPvoLFIrJMEH2ascZXqn2yTgf3pHKMTRV5FSqx9ukxZSKnCL1wa5FDahrSbFsu2GlSEaFdJs8W~98Jgo0jTVk5N5PZcGPs3qIUEMuZzxhoWRZYekHxi13n8Zi~joxP1hFlRt-ZG4ES1N8z9smXt87BUvOq-~G~RaKEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lexington County School District One trustees discussed proposed revisions to the district’s grading and reporting policy at their Feb. 25 meeting and directed staff to return with two draft options before second reading: one that would begin numeric grades in third grade (the administration’s recommendation) and one that would add numeric reporting for second-grade English language arts and math while keeping performance-based reporting elsewhere.

The proposed revisions, developed after advisory-group work and stakeholder input, would change how the district reports elementary student progress by moving away from a younger- grades-only standards-based model toward numeric grades at an earlier stage. Superintendent’s staff said the intent is to increase clarity for parents about student progress while preserving standards-based practices in the primary grades.

At first reading, district leaders described the rationale: K–2 remains a developmental period in which instruction focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy; beginning numeric grades at third grade aligns with the transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” The administration also proposed a long-term review cadence to ensure the policy is monitored and adjusted in line with the district’s strategic planning cycle.

Board members were split. Supporters said starting numeric grades in third grade improves clarity for parents and aligns with assessments used to track mastery. Others raised concerns about the potential early labeling of students, urging a gradual approach and proposing numeric grades in second half-time only for ELA and math. Several trustees urged more teacher input and asked staff to solicit additional feedback from elementary teachers and principals before second reading.

Dr. Mary Gaskins, chief academic officer, said staff will present two draft policy versions and implementation plans — one with numeric grading beginning in third grade and the other adding numeric reporting for second-grade ELA and math — and will consult teacher advisory groups on practical classroom implementation details such as how to report “exceeds” within a standards-based framework.

Board members also asked administrators to add a regular review schedule for the policy (board discussion favored aligning policy reviews with the district’s strategic-plan cycle). Trustees signaled that, while they value the recommendations from teacher and advisory committees, they must also weigh feedback from parents and classroom teachers across the district.

No final vote was taken; the item was presented as a first reading and staff were directed to return with the two options and additional implementation guidance for the board’s second reading and vote.","Trustees gave first reading to revisions to the district grading and reporting policy, discussed whether numerical grades should begin in third grade or include second-grade English/Math, and asked staff to return with two versions that reflect board preferences before second reading.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6663073,"Lexington 1 board denies request to restrict The Hunger Games; book retained for middle school",1793,243000,2036000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391547-4af0dcabc0cb00b2198e8f0468e082c1&start=243&end=2036","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391547-4af0dcabc0cb00b2198e8f0468e082c1/thumbnail_243000.jpg","/articles/6663073/South-Carolina/Lexington-1-board-denies-request-to-restrict-The-Hunger-Games-book-retained-for-middle-school","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663073-7f27106258e77bea995fa5dbf4a079fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1773647892&Signature=LcgCvlhffmF6sZ5FnJsIV3g4N2t0NVzyPgBvG~OkvjUA0ILSMqdlXD4w62ijj7bPml7nx4QZLy48c1Jixh~UuUQQhDKOg9KZZgqieaPdVTQsKXv9UP9MCf5gCmmmAS6RipVfHFZ5NIWcCH~FvK8c5GAJh1vFvJfWp28M6Qv5PB9OfP~~89uB3ZflRyDNzcWHc7FgtAu-jKBUDEE485CakPNY5JkmnTrUUMwoss8BjWL1vyVACPpfxPASOjC91SWh6o-LbxPIPmzl~BA09fpMRG7ecjALHU9H6fM98kcNtNEHRNz6y-ONZF7lsj0nF3xqlMJm4T~uMSMGG1jAfO3~UA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a public hearing Tuesday afternoon, the Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees voted to deny a complaint asking that Suzanne Collins’ novel The Hunger Games be restricted to high school use, instead upholding district and school committee recommendations to retain the book as a curricular and library resource for middle school students (grades 6–8).

The complaint, filed Dec. 11, 2024, by Mrs. Nancy Wheeler requested the district limit use of the novel to grades 9–12. District staff and a review committee examined the book and applicable district and state policies before the board meeting.

Dr. Erica Bissell, the district’s executive director of teaching and learning and the district committee representative, told the board the reviewers had read the book in its entirety and consulted Lexington 1 policies KECR and IJJ and peer-reviewed reviews. “After thorough review and discussion, the committee concluded that The Hunger Games is educationally suitable and aligns with the intended learning standards for which it is being used,” she said, adding the committee recommended retaining the book for middle school use while ensuring alternatives for families who opt out.

Several community members addressed the board during the public comment period. Eighth-grader Zoe Durand of Pleasant Hill Middle School told trustees removing the book would strip students of “important learning and opportunities,” saying, “The Hunger Game addresses serious topics like poverty and the danger of excessive control. It encourages us to think critically about society.” Two parents, Sarah Jorgensen and Natasha Durand, urged trustees not to let one person’s preference limit access for others. Jorgensen said, “I should not have the power to determine what other people's children are allowed to read.” Natasha Durand added, “Banning books doesn't protect children. It limits them.”

Board members asked district staff how parental opt-outs are communicated and implemented. Bissell described a multi-channel approach: teachers include options in syllabi and welcome letters, schools notify parents several weeks ahead when an anchor text will be used, classroom-library checkouts are governed through Destiny (the library system), and parents may place checkout flags. She said when a parent objects, the district provides an alternative text aligned to the same standards and that students who opt out are typically given supervised alternative instruction during any whole-class exposure to the text.

After public comment and trustee questions, a motion was offered to uphold the district-level committee recommendation to retain The Hunger Games for middle school use, thereby denying the relief requested by the complainant. The board voted to adopt that motion. The complainant was not present at the hearing but, board staff said, will receive a written determination within 15 days explaining how the district applied the applicable regulation and policies.

The district framed the hearing under State Board of Education Regulation 43‑1‑70 and Lexington 1 policies KEC/KECR and IJJ, which set uniform procedures for selection or reconsideration of instructional materials and procedures for public concerns.

Trustees emphasized that the decision did not remove parental rights: multiple board members pointed to the district’s opt-out procedures and said the board would continue to accept individual complaints for review. Dr. Bissell and Mary Gaskins, the district’s chief academic officer, reiterated that when materials are used as required curriculum, alternatives are provided and that the committees had weighed whether the book met age- and developmentally-appropriate criteria.

The board did not adopt any new district-wide restrictions or policy changes at the hearing. The formal written decision will be sent to the complainant and will explain how the board applied the State Board’s criteria in its review.","After a public hearing and district committee reviews, Lexington County School District One trustees voted to deny a parent’s request to limit access to Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, upholding district and school-level committee recommendations to retain the book for grades 6–8 with opt-out alternatives for families.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lexington 1 approves up to $50,000 for outside communications audit to inform strategic plan

Board extends Pillion Middle School third assistant principal pilot after school reports gains in attendance and achievement

District review: College Center shows strong early returns; IB diploma enrollment declines but performance remains solid

Lexington 1 trustees weigh moving to numeric grades starting in third grade; staff to return with two options

Lexington 1 board denies request to restrict The Hunger Games; book retained for middle school