Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recognitions Safety Arts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Superintendent spotlights state champs, arts grant and safety sensors for schools
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Mark Smith recognized Landram High's state-champion girls team and dozens of student awardees, highlighted a $3.98 million federal Arts Now grant that will include two district schools, and announced a $180,000 state grant to buy smart sensors for middle and high school bathrooms.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Smith used his report to celebrate student achievement across Spartanberg School District 1, including recognition of the South Carolina 2A girls basketball state champions from Landram High School and dozens of junior-scholars and Beta Club award winners.
Dr. Smith also announced that Arts Now was awarded a $3.98 million U.S. Department of Education grant to support a five-year 'Excel' initiative (Expanding Creativity and Early Literacy through arts integration). He said the project will partner with six schools across Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina; Holly Springs Mlo Elementary and New Prospect Elementary were the district's two schools selected for the statewide participation.
On student safety, Dr. Smith and staff explained the district's recent award of a $180,000 state grant for "smart sensors" that can detect vaping in bathrooms, pick up certain key words including requests for help, and register gunshot sounds; alerts will be sent to principals by phone and email. Staff said the grant funds a 10-year contract to cover subscription costs so the district will not carry recurring operational subscription costs for the sensors next year.
Dr. Smith framed the recognitions and announcements as part of the district's broader efforts on academics, arts and safety. "It's always great to see a big crowd," he said during his remarks, thanking students, coaches and staff for their work. The district also plans to purchase handheld radios for all schools and continue cybersecurity training, officials said.
What happens next: Arts Now will begin its five-year work with selected schools; the safety team will plan sensor installation next school year and coordinate notification procedures with building principals.
