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Greenville County board approves student‑assignment plan, staff leave waiver and vendor safeguards; asks legislature to forgive eight storm days
Summary
Trustees approved a student‑assignment plan for Reedy Laurel Elementary and a package of action items including a request to the General Assembly to forgive eight school days missed for Hurricane Helene, a temporary waiver of policy GBRI providing up to six additional personal leave days for employees, and selections of an auditor and architect.
The Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees approved a slate of administrative and storm‑related actions at its Oct. 22 meeting, voting to adopt a student assignment plan for the new Reedy Laurel Elementary School and to advance several operational measures in response to recent storm damage.
The board approved the student assignment plan presented by planning and demographics staff, a move trustees praised for extensive public input and for reassigning students closer to their homes. "We held several public meetings… and we present that to you tonight for your final approval," Superintendent Dr. Eddie Royster said as he introduced the plan.
On book fairs, district leaders told trustees they had paused fairs earlier amid concerns about State Regulation 43‑1‑70 and had since negotiated vendor agreements that would require vendors to provide school‑specific book lists four weeks in advance, post the lists on school websites, prohibit substitutions without four weeks’ notice, and require parental permission. Committee leadership recommended holding formal action until agreements are finalized; trustees agreed to the committee’s recommendation to hold the resolution for future use.
The board voted to approve a resolution asking the South Carolina General Assembly to forgive eight school days missed between Sept. 27 and Oct. 8, 2024, because of Hurricane Helene. Dr. Royster said the district will also pursue potential alternatives, including asking the State Department of Education to consider whether extended daily minutes and other options satisfy required instructional time if forgiveness is denied.
Trustees approved a temporary waiver of board policy GBRI through June 30, 2025, authorizing the superintendent or deputy superintendent to grant up to six additional personal leave days, to be deducted from employees’ sick leave, for extenuating hurricane‑related circumstances. Several trustees questioned equity and which employee groups would be covered; LaVentus Wells said she believed relief should be broader.
Other actions carried by voice vote: approval of local Career and Technical Education innovative courses; certification of the district’s slate of South Carolina School Boards Association delegates; selection of Greenfinley Cawley LLP to conduct procurement audits covering fiscal years 2022–24 (with a FY25 audit and renewals through FY29 as an option); and approval of an architectural firm for the New Northwest Middle School following successful fee negotiations.
The board adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Votes at a glance
- 5.01 Student assignment plan for Reedy Laurel Elementary — Approved (voice vote) - 5.02 Resolution regarding book fairs — Held for future action (committee recommended hold) - 5.03 Resolution requesting waiver of eight missed school days to General Assembly (Hurricane Helene: Sept. 27–Oct. 8, 2024) — Approved (voice vote) - 5.04 Temporary waiver of board policy GBRI to grant up to six personal leave days (through 06/30/2025) — Approved (voice vote) - 5.05 Innovative course approvals (CTE courses) — Approved (voice vote) - 5.06 Certification of SCSBA delegates — Approved (voice vote) - 5.07 Selection of procurement audit firm (Greenfinley Cawley LLP) — Approved (voice vote) - 5.08 Architect selection for New Northwest Middle School — Approved (voice vote)
