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District reports instructional progress and summer capital work; transformation coach cites shift from tier 3 to tier 2
Summary
District leaders reported progress in instructional systems that moved the district from tier 3 to tier 2 on the state report card, and the buildings and grounds director presented retention-pond work and a broad summer capital schedule; trustees asked for clearer, actionable steps on strengthening tier-one instruction.
Dr. Cordelia Jenkins and district staff told the board on June 30 that targeted instructional work has produced measurable systems changes and improved the district’s state standing.
Dr. Jenkins presented findings from the district transformation coach, Mon'nique Jones Smalls, who has worked with Colleton County since July 2024. The coach’s report credited a strategic focus on data use, standards-aligned planning, stronger tier-one instruction, and PLC structures for helping the district move from tier 3 to tier 2 on the South Carolina report card. "Leadership teams became more intentional in using data to guide decisions and monitor instructional effectiveness," Dr. Jenkins read from the coach’s slides.
Board members asked for more specific, actionable explanations of what "strengthening tier-one instruction" means in daily classroom practice; Dr. Jenkins and a trustee clarified that tier one refers to core classroom instruction, with tiers two and three representing increasing levels of intervention for students who need additional support.
On facilities, Justin Simpson, director of buildings and grounds, presented recent work on district retention ponds conducted through an RFP with vendor Lake Doctors. He described eligibility requirements for right-of-way work and showed before-and-after photos of stabilization work, and said capital projects (landscaping, painting, carpeting, and targeted repairs) are on an accelerated summer schedule with substantial completion expected for non-classroom areas by mid-July.
Why it matters Instructional-system improvements and sustainability efforts are the primary vehicle for raising student outcomes; the facilities work and summer projects are meant to ensure safe, functional learning environments when school resumes.
What’s next Trustees requested clearer, school-level descriptions of instructional changes and said staff should provide follow-up materials explaining specific classroom practices tied to tier-one improvement commitments.
