School Board addresses hiring process for safety officers and service personnel updates

The Berkeley County Board of Education meeting held on July 7, 2025, focused on several key issues, including personnel changes, hiring updates, and school safety measures.

One of the primary discussions revolved around the transition of certain employees into the Temporary Substitute Service (TSS) roles. These employees will resign from their current positions as they will not be school-based next year. However, they will continue to work in a full capacity, taking on additional duties as substitutes. The board noted that the hiring process for these positions has been ongoing, with a requirement to post job openings at least twice a year to comply with state regulations.

The board also addressed the current status of service personnel and teacher hiring. As of the meeting, 13 service personnel remained on the transfer list, while 79 positions had been filled. The hiring team is actively working to fill 102 remaining openings, with approximately 90 of those being classroom teacher positions. The goal is to reduce this number to under 100 before the upcoming vacation period.

Another significant topic was the hiring of school safety officers. All current officers are former law enforcement personnel, and the board discussed the importance of thorough background checks and reference checks during the hiring process. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of current vetting procedures, particularly regarding the potential risks associated with hiring individuals who will be armed and responsible for student safety. The board agreed to explore legal options to enhance the hiring process for safety officers, ensuring that they meet rigorous standards.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to address staffing needs within the Berkeley County Schools, as well as the commitment to maintaining a safe environment for students. The board plans to follow up on the legal guidelines regarding personnel records for safety officers to ensure the highest standards in hiring practices.