Board schedules self-evaluation retreat, holds executive session and closes workshop

The board discussed policy BAA, which requires the board to conduct an annual self-evaluation during a retreat, and members began scheduling that retreat for June or July.

Dr. Margaret Canyon, the policy committee chair, summarized the policy and its aims: "The evaluation will assist the board by providing a baseline for effective goal setting and long range planning," she said, describing the instrument the state association will provide and the evaluation's intended outcomes of identifying strengths, guiding training and improving governance.

Board members debated timing and format—one- versus multiple-day options and an afternoon versus a Saturday morning session—and requested the assessment instrument from the school board association. A former board chair told members she did not have a copy of the association's instrument; the chair said she would request it.

Before moving into closed session, the chair reminded members to follow board policies on school visits and to coordinate with the superintendent to avoid disrupting instruction, including signing in at school offices when visiting.

The board moved into executive session pursuant to section 30-4-70 of the South Carolina Code of Laws of 1976 as amended; the chair stated that no formal action or voting would take place during the executive session. The board later returned to open session by motion. The transcript records voice votes carrying the motions but does not record roll-call tallies.

Superintendent Dr. Moore briefly addressed the board after open session, thanking members for their confidence and saying he had begun meeting staff and would be visiting schools. "I'm looking forward to just getting involved in the work and working with all of you," Dr. Moore said.

The chair moved to adjourn; a voice vote carried the motion and the meeting ended.