[{"_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",6544054,"mediaKeyId","3798173-45885d52a356c128f8c29eec837bff83","parentId",3798173,"title","Board deletes student drug testing policy, approves revisions to promotion, testing and conduct policies","audioSeconds",4802,"startMs",9689000,"endMs",14491000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798173-45885d52a356c128f8c29eec837bff83&start=9689&end=14491","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798173-45885d52a356c128f8c29eec837bff83/thumbnail_9689000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6544054/South-Carolina/Board-deletes-student-drug-testing-policy-approves-revisions-to-promotion-testing-and-conduct-policies","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544054-02b144bb3d2eac094e66dbcce011101f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153624&Signature=Og2aj3W4eWk~eXfj5~JbO-WW8AWlW8K6BIVnXpQZkC9KCz7zDj2r~cbzqExFyFhQnFT4poj2-7O0-wG1xB1ZYRY6XTG-uLvIghDLtdnOVKPxQ7yg5ILGD7sS36c9XxexrfBI1zXzj318P4uAZadT9ZGM9cEqNoqe~w5hBqmZxwksdLniQV7dGBQzwEx6CFn3NPoHsc9QI4wZQsmH-IP0WgLb9udxVMvSE-1V~HWLKnBBVGnt39PlXzs7EkAomhKoaMN5dYOdkI3ghPhv~zBiKzQQEDTBMwtgpx2Wg1cTffQ8QElD2s7XEXgR5smY6Fy2-diRZTHcKRTLbXnishu-~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lexington 01","date","2025-06-11T00:41:58Z","article","At its June 10 meeting the Lexington County School District 1 board approved a package of policy changes that included deleting the board's student drug testing policy and adopting revisions to instructional and conduct policies.

Administration recommended removing the student drug testing program from policy (policy JJIE and its regulation) because the district elected not to fund the program in the upcoming budget cycle. \"Based on our research, very, very few districts across the state are doing this,\" said Cooper, introducing the first reading; the district moved to align policy with current budget priorities by striking the program from policy.

Trustees also approved policy updates and new/renamed policies tied to curriculum and state law changes, including language reflecting the Read to Succeed Act changes (Act 114, 2024):

- IKE / IKER (promotion, retention and acceleration): administration clarified credit thresholds and alignment with state accountability. The board approved recommended language that sets promotion credit guidance intended to keep students on track for graduation while allowing targeted interventions. Administration said the recommended approach (five credits to promote from 9th to 10th with follow‑up to meet 12/18 credit checkpoints for later grades) is designed to keep students engaged and allow targeted recovery.

- IHCA (summer school): minor clarifications to the number of credits students may earn over summer were made and approved.

- ILB / ILBR and ILBB / ILBBR (district test security and state program assessments): revisions reflect Read to Succeed requirements and updated assessment procedures; no substantive changes since introduction.

- JICG (tobacco and nicotine use by students): board adopted a revised conduct policy addressing tobacco, e‑cigarettes and alternative nicotine products. Cooper clarified that drug violations (for example, vapes that contain controlled substances) remain governed by the district's drug and alcohol policy (JICH), and that the tobacco/nicotine policy is intended to address possession and use of nicotine or look‑alike devices.

- EEAEC (student conduct on buses): policy recodification and consolidation were approved; administrators and transportation staff will include bus conduct rules in handbooks and apply school discipline matrices for enforcement.

Board members discussed the disciplinary ladder for nicotine/vape incidents and whether consequences should be in‑school or out‑of‑school suspension; administration explained the policy's intent is deterrence and noted drug violations follow the district drug policy where appropriate. No member raised a formal objection; each policy motion carried by voice vote.

The board also heard an introduction of a revised curriculum management policy tied to the curriculum effectiveness audit and planned a formal reading in July and an approval vote in August, giving trustees and staff time to align the management plan with the written policy and to finalize language about review cycles and professional learning.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 10, 2025— Board of Trustees Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Lexington 1 trustees deleted a student drug‑testing policy and approved several policy updates required by the 2024 Read to Succeed changes and operational recodification, including promotion/retention rules, summer school and district test security.","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},6544057,"Board gives retiring superintendent an \"extremely effective\" evaluation; members praise leadership ahead of retirement",156,6781000,6937000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798173-45885d52a356c128f8c29eec837bff83&start=6781&end=6937","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798173-45885d52a356c128f8c29eec837bff83/thumbnail_6781000.jpg","/articles/6544057/South-Carolina/Board-gives-retiring-superintendent-an-extremely-effective-evaluation-members-praise-leadership-ahead-of-retirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544057-35d77fb13b8b9f1365f75424a8990be4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153624&Signature=YMyQk4x~GlsaBaM2gSVlpgVvoJ2dyv3EhU7t~hVz0~qMk961DLh-OSpXJv8ArNW9AzbxoSxXmoTob1aO8LmWe-epsKaz5etgLLQAObbWzH814bqchiJUvA6qCUdtXlymCb93GLzUOer9hi9l0LkO1u7JVw72l7EJmpET2Ssj6TsU1X330AW8oNv1jhQ9Uv9eR0NHgPj0jBuKU~CzQubgO9Q51BGW~afcvMCTW3CwnFmfup1RAbX4fjgKIBy20rAGGSwkgnt0UepHn2Vtx8CzpZtqS49UJr16cqgRyKJDQDySZXI9w8AeeE3iSnkq0QKwiFRfd8t-04e6ylxtZxVqNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lexington County School District 1 board voted on June 10 to conclude that Superintendent Doctor Postawait receive an overall \"extremely effective\" evaluation for the 2024–25 school year, and trustees used the public portion of the meeting to thank her for three years of service.

Trustee McCall moved the evaluation motion; Trustee Anderson seconded. Board members recounted accomplishments they attributed to Postawait's leadership: hiring in‑house counsel, establishing listening sessions in every school, driving the curriculum effectiveness audit, creating board briefs and advancing the bond referendum process. Trustee Pizzuti praised Postawait for frequent availability and for providing one‑on‑one explanations to trustees. Several colleagues noted the superintendent's role in rebuilding post‑COVID systems and strengthening strategic planning.

Trustees also used the meeting to recognize Postawait with public remarks and thanks before she retires. After members' comments, McCall reread the motion: \"after considering the board members' comments regarding Doctor Postawait’s performance, I move that we conclude as a board that Doctor Postawait receive an overall extremely effective evaluation for the 2425 school year.\" The motion carried by voice vote.

During the executive session reported earlier, the board also received a quarterly legal update; no action was required from that briefing, the chair said. Postawait delivered a prepared \"three‑year look back\" superintendent's report summarizing strategic planning, curriculum alignment work, increases in teacher pay and other operational accomplishments. She described the work as a team effort and emphasized the district's strategic plan and implementation steps.

No personnel action was taken in open session related to the evaluation; the vote recorded the board's evaluation outcome and the meeting included public expressions of appreciation for the superintendent's service.","The Lexington 1 board concluded its evaluation of Superintendent Doctor Postawait with an \"extremely effective\" rating for 2024–25, and trustees publicly thanked her for three years of leadership as she prepares to retire.",{"_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},6544062,"Independent procurement audit finds no findings for FY2024 in Lexington 1",226,4755000,4981000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798173-45885d52a356c128f8c29eec837bff83&start=4755&end=4981","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798173-45885d52a356c128f8c29eec837bff83/thumbnail_4755000.jpg","/articles/6544062/South-Carolina/Independent-procurement-audit-finds-no-findings-for-FY2024-in-Lexington-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544062-8882a5237de1e49656758138b02ec69d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153624&Signature=N~~bnzJjvg-qBJY~yfxcqngPPlm9VHJlAzpgNZ6dGRvnCVF0s0HZmfWYOA8yzpAezLnjg1CfqX46y6YbioX0ekVtNa9hw1UgIOGr3IdjQMQ3Q1uFHu-CUfD1ZcKf8SFfBGZb4bZlawABXXwxMJksunYDyx~Y7okLtKW5i6L6LPRvSlLjGLTXBkeAB7cuYFq7cDf6VOLRmvSbLTz4H41AlziZug0iBJFQ~vGGaBltdLx0a5oY8CB5tszBWNYVl-jYZ25RT9Y2VHsMju9cNhR9hGapJs3eKqYxCr8zIwJceHJ0unaeIea1aFOe94zuwIi-RLKudbNYKJA4ix~P7dQETw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An independent accounting firm told the Lexington County School District 1 board on June 10 that the district’s fiscal year 2024 procurement audit produced no findings.

Director Brian Nicholson of Malden and Jenkins presented the agreed‑upon procedures report required when districts exceed $75 million in budgeted expenditures. Nicholson said auditors reviewed a range of procurement controls and transactions including single‑transaction limits, procurement card usage, and selected construction and architecture procurements. \"We had no findings as it relates to these procedures,\" he said.

Nicholson explained the firm reviewed procurement cards to confirm monthly reviews were occurring and that no cards were inactive for six months; auditors also sampled larger construction and architecture procurements (three construction and two architecture procurements as required by state procedures). Board members asked whether the projects were selected randomly or haphazardly; Nicholson said the selections were random or haphazard as permitted by the procedure and that the report included the scope of what the auditors reviewed.

Trustees thanked the procurement team for their work; members of the public and board asked clarifying questions about the sample size and the level of detail in the report. The auditor noted the engagement provides assurance over the specific procedures performed but is not an exam covering all procurement activity. No corrective action plan was required because the report contained no findings.

The board received the report; no vote was required other than listening and asking clarifying questions.","An independent auditor reported no findings in the district's FY2024 procurement audit, confirming compliance with state agreed‑upon procedures; the board heard the report and asked procedural questions about sample selection.",{"_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},6544067,"District 4K evaluation finds readiness gains for attendees; staff recommend stronger math instruction and parent communication",1392,8295000,9687000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798173-45885d52a356c128f8c29eec837bff83&start=8295&end=9687","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798173-45885d52a356c128f8c29eec837bff83/thumbnail_8295000.jpg","/articles/6544067/South-Carolina/District-4K-evaluation-finds-readiness-gains-for-attendees-staff-recommend-stronger-math-instruction-and-parent-communication","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544067-52691e316a9cb5d67c176213c58868c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153624&Signature=Xm41zRYYGWXFn6SV3Rq0z0MEFxUAIXTZng3dvBxeXfrjM2xZGnW~RqVrMvTgex0nhxAtlYkmNNSfMUcTCW3GGVuTbZaE-H715wuqJVjn0xlF2~oK2kKh9pdxZr1yOUFcX--60OT8NcChUi7UK7P~nf7qsHIZ2vvIPNJ04MXE6979EiolNmHiACI91fn652XDLCbHzPkD-MddLCTIeN1WzyVYmqsYrocOkItq-AsDWphgourubw2ASP7V7GA46rW6fYkfR9wVm4wmsKjvLmdkkbG62~xDu7DAJCV9ZeDVHCM~QYKYqc0oZW7oHE-M2-HmVte9S4ThCGr9KNDhM~CBoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff presented a mixed‑methods evaluation of Lexington County School District 1\u0000s 4K programs during the June 10 meeting, reporting that children who attended district 4K classrooms demonstrated higher kindergarten readiness scores and stronger early reading outcomes than peers who did not attend district prekindergarten.

Shane Phillips, who led the program evaluation, told trustees the study used kindergarten readiness assessment (KRA) results and I‑Ready diagnostic data for students now in grades K–2 who had or had not attended district 4K programs. \"Students attending a Lexington 1 4K program showed a clear readiness advantage over those who did not attend,\" he said, reporting about 41% of 4K attendees demonstrated kindergarten readiness compared with 31% of non‑attendees.

Phillips said the findings varied by subgroup. For reading, 4K attendance showed persistent benefits; for math the results were mixed and identified math instruction as an area needing improvement. The evaluation also compared district (CERDEP) and non‑CERDEP programs and found non‑CERDEP programs outperformed CERDEP programs on the KRA in the dataset analyzed.

Staff used parent and staff surveys to capture program strengths and weaknesses. Survey results showed high overall satisfaction with 4K experiences, and staff emphasized areas such as following directions, classroom routines and physical development. Parents prioritized school–family connections. The evaluation recommended the district:

- Strengthen early math instruction and coaching for pre‑K and early elementary teachers;
- Improve communication to parents about developmental gains (staff recommended clearer quarterly progress reports and conferences);
- Review admissions communication and process because families reported confusion about wait lists and eligibility.

Jessica (district staff) and other administrators explained eligibility: seats are needs‑based and prioritized for children meeting criteria such as Medicaid eligibility, 185% federal poverty thresholds, or low performance on standard early screening (Dial scores in the bottom 20th percentile on two of three subtests). Staff said the district has expanded 4K capacity from roughly 400 students several years ago to about 705 total slated for the upcoming year, and that wait lists have declined as classes were added.

Board members asked for more detail on admissions criteria and on how increases in 4K slots are allocated across schools; staff said they would provide the precise eligibility rules and the roster of new 4K classes. Trustees also discussed the need to translate evaluation findings into measurable program changes, particularly for math instruction and family engagement.

No formal board action was taken on the evaluation itself; trustees asked administration to follow up with the recommended clarifications and an implementation plan.","An internal evaluation presented June 10 found Lexington 1 4K attendees showed higher kindergarten readiness and stronger early reading outcomes, while recommending improved math instruction, clearer admissions communication, and better reporting of developmental gains to parents.",{"_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},6544071,"Lexington 1 board approves $401.4 million general fund budget with raises, added positions",9609,3216000,12825000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798173-45885d52a356c128f8c29eec837bff83&start=3216&end=12825","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798173-45885d52a356c128f8c29eec837bff83/thumbnail_3216000.jpg","/articles/6544071/South-Carolina/Lexington-1-board-approves-4014-million-general-fund-budget-with-raises-added-positions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544071-4ca58e40639fd30c14ec0e144a7aed18/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153624&Signature=EwYid6NpEhhfhaIdGWJc8gjQ~H-b2NDe45qaXGuZT014J4lY0iQORXDm5WxwcaTTwQcukcB5bG44gDui5IF~wxs3LXDfP7iHJF3cJJfzIi9pwvqNhtfyjgDXp5LpDxWqiGqdai~m5arBvcZMVMxOd8v~7YJIMuVnsbhcXlxDXLWP88owPqkkWMdsAqVkFU5WeNHpByb3GC7o91933tOwO2J0-F9WbnDLGc4l0YO7RHz1WztHw9vuVmzDJEW~nv977CpCGN1qCP-mw2I4XNi4yiqaZEl5u5J0D~csWTEkw1ygEA1~Bc9wrzOclssrivvUdQiJc87SvstCzJnSGiwweA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lexington County School District 1 board voted to approve the 2025–26 general fund operating budget on June 10, 2025, adopting a plan with approximately $401,392,479 in proposed general fund revenue that uses roughly $11 million of fund balance and adds district positions while increasing teacher and support pay.

The budget matters because it funds teacher compensation increases voted through the district’s salary study recommendations, sustains lower student‑teacher planning ratios and adds operational staff the district says are needed for instruction and school supervision. The board carried the motion by voice vote after public comment and extended discussion by trustees and staff.

Doctor Price, presenting the proposal, said the salary study committee\u0000—made up of teachers, support staff, administrators and board members\u0000—recommended hiring and step changes that carry an estimated financial impact of $12,800,000. \"Since 2022, the starting salary for teachers in Lexington 1 has risen from $41,410 to $49,000 in this current year and to $52,000 if the proposed budget is approved,\" he said.

The budget package the board approved reflects board direction to pursue an iteration of the district’s “option 3a,” which included full salary study recommendations plus a set of \"would like to do\" items prioritized by principals. Miss Miller, summarizing fund numbers, said the proposed general fund revenue includes the use of $11,000,000 of fund balance and that salaries and benefits make up about 87–88% of total expenditures. She also noted the district is budgeting at a 96% fill rate for positions rather than 100% to reflect typical turnover and vacancies.

Trustees and staff described the major components: a larger beginning teacher salary (projected to reach $52,000 under the budget), increases to beginning support staff pay (from $14.71 to $15.60 per hour in the proposal) and bus driver hourly pay increases (from $19.29 to $20.47). The district presentation also said state revenue was expected to increase roughly $6.7 million but that uncertainty in the state funding formula required local revenue and fund balance to meet priorities.

Public comment included a speaker who urged the board to focus on academic outcomes rather than facilities and cautioned that rising spending had not produced proportional academic gains. The speaker noted state test trends showing reading proficiency roughly flat and math proficiency declining since 2019. Doctor Price and other staff acknowledged the relationship between spending and outcomes and described planned performance indicators to track the budget's impact.

Board members who supported the budget voiced conditional support that they expect measurable results. Trustee Vlachnick said her vote would be a \"one‑time leap of faith\" contingent on clear, measurable, student‑focused outcomes tied to positions and programs. Trustees said they expect key performance indicators and clearer metrics to return to the board in future months.

The board approved the motion to adopt the general fund operating budget after three readings earlier in the budget cycle and a public hearing that evening. The motion to approve was made by Trustee Rice and seconded by Trustee Pizzuti; the motion carried by voice vote.

The new budget funds curriculum and staffing priorities the district tied to its strategic plan, including expansions to 4K, math coaching and some assistant principal positions. Miss Miller said the district will present performance indicators and a plan for tracking the impact of new hires and program investments to the board in the months ahead.

The board and staff noted remaining fiscal uncertainties: final state revenue will be set after the 30‑day student count next May, employer health insurance legislation could increase costs, and the district intends to continue monitoring expenditures and fund balance through June 30, 2025. Miss Miller projected the district would end FY2025 near its planned balance once final adjustments and typical year‑end accruals are recorded.

Votes at a glance: the motion to approve the 2025–26 general fund operating budget (mover: Trustee Rice; seconder: Trustee Pizzuti) carried by voice vote.

Looking forward: trustees asked administration to return with specific, time‑bound performance indicators tied to the budget priorities — especially for teacher compensation, math coaching, and additional assistant principal positions — and said future budget decisions will be guided by measurable student outcomes rather than inputs alone.","The Lexington County School District 1 board approved the 2025–26 general fund operating budget that raises starting teacher pay, increases some support pay, uses fund balance and adds positions including math coaches and assistant principals after public comment and months of deliberation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board deletes student drug testing policy, approves revisions to promotion, testing and conduct policies

Board gives retiring superintendent an "extremely effective" evaluation; members praise leadership ahead of retirement

Independent procurement audit finds no findings for FY2024 in Lexington 1

District 4K evaluation finds readiness gains for attendees; staff recommend stronger math instruction and parent communication

Lexington 1 board approves $401.4 million general fund budget with raises, added positions