Board approves 2026-27 calendar, strategic arts plan, personnel actions and curriculum additions

The Chesterfield County School District Board of Trustees approved several administrative items by voice vote, including the 2026-27 school calendar, the district's strategic arts plan, personnel exhibits, and a new fundamentals of computing course for eighth graders.

The board approved the proposed 2026-27 calendar after district staff reported the results of a districtwide review. "Option 1 received 640 votes. Option 2 received 58 votes," Dr. Hale said, and the recommended calendar reflects the clear preference for option 1 while meeting state instructional requirements. A trustee moved to adopt the 2026-27 calendar; the board voted in favor.

The board also approved the strategic arts plan for the upcoming year and accepted personnel exhibits A through F on the personnel report after a staff recommendation by Ms. Cutchin, the coordinator of human resources. The board approved a recommendation to offer the state-approved fundamentals of computing course at the eighth-grade level; the presenter said the course is already approved by the South Carolina Department of Education and is a required state course for high school graduation.

Trustees took first-reading action on a revised student dress code rule (policy rule JICA-R) that updates student attire expectations and aligns the handbook with board policy, and they discussed a proposed revision to board committee rules (policy BDE) that would establish standing finance and facilities committees. Board members discussed committee membership limits and meeting frequency during that policy discussion but took the committee-policy item up for additional consideration at an upcoming meeting.

Other routine items approved included local board approvals of classes and an advisory council reappointment list. The board confirmed meeting dates and announced upcoming training opportunities for trustees.