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District highlights recruitment gains, warns of funding uncertainty and previews dual-enrollment pathway

School District 5 Board of Trustees · January 13, 2026
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Summary

Superintendent Dr. Ross touted higher recruitment turnout and previewed redistricting outreach; academics described a proposed Midlands Tech associate-degree pathway for high schoolers that would require about 60 credit hours and pending board budget approval for transportation and summer coursework.

At the Jan. 12 School District 5 meeting, Superintendent Dr. Ross reported stronger recruitment numbers and outlined outreach tied to forthcoming redistricting, while academics previewed a proposed associate-degree pathway through Midlands Technical College.

"Last year, we had 262 potential employees registered for this event. This year, 467," Dr. Ross said, using the district recruitment drive as evidence of strong interest in district openings.

Dr. Ross also described redistricting outreach: mailers and a zone-locator map will be sent to families and posted on the district website; administrators said information about magnet/choice options and an Elementary School Magnet Fair will be provided, and the choice application window closes noon Jan. 28.

Chief of Academics Tina McCaskill introduced a prospective associate-degree pathway for sophomores at Midlands Tech's Harbison campus, contingent on board budget approval to cover transportation and other costs. "If they follow the pathway... they will have an associate's degree whenever they finish high school," McCaskill said, noting the model will require summer coursework and Midlands Tech instructors.

Trustees asked clarifying questions about credit hour totals, transferability to four-year colleges and advertising to families; McCaskill confirmed the associate's degree requires about 60 hours and said the district would provide estimated savings information for families while cautioning that transferability beyond South Carolina is not guaranteed.

The board also heard a short video and remarks about "building thinking classrooms," which the academics team said emphasize collaboration, immediate feedback, coding and hands-on integration across content areas.

Administrators urged trustees to review the governor's executive budget proposals and the state's funding model, which they said depends on weighted pupil units rather than headcount; that uncertainty was a central theme for the coming budget cycle.