South Carolina / School Districts / Oconee 01
Board members debated the merits of returning district graduation ceremonies to Littlejohn Coliseum (Clemson) citing weather, accessibility and family logistics. No decision was made; staff will return options and availability at the July meeting.
South Carolina / School Districts / Oconee 01
A board member proposed a volunteer mentoring program that would pair retired educators with first-year teachers. The program would be cost-free to the district; the board asked staff to pursue implementation steps and include the idea in upcoming goal work.
South Carolina / School Districts / Oconee 01
District staff reported cohort growth from 45.18% to 48.15% of students "on track for success" between the end of first grade and end of second grade and set a districtwide second-grade growth target of 4.82% to reach a 50% on-track goal.
South Carolina / School Districts / Oconee 01
The school board gave final approval to the FY26 general fund budget on June 2, 2025. The districtfinance presenter reported May revenue and expenditure details, including a $1.4 million transfer to the capital fund and concerns about local tax and formula aid collections.
South Carolina / School Districts / Oconee 01
The board unanimously approved the FY26 general fund budget on second reading and authorized transferring $1.2 million from the district general fund balance to the capital fund to reduce the capital millage rate, after officials and public commenters debated reserves and spending priorities.
South Carolina / School Districts / Oconee 01
The Oconee County School Board voted unanimously to buy one set of portable weapons‑detection units to begin random screenings at secondary schools in the fall and pursue grants for further rollout.
South Carolina / School Districts / Oconee 01
Oconee County Schools reported early benefits from adding short weekly collaboration time for high school teachers (PLC time) and plans to explore expansion for middle and elementary teams.
South Carolina / School Districts / Oconee 01
A public commenter asked the board to strengthen policies on adult‑child boundaries and adopt Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children training and partner‑in‑prevention steps to reduce child abuse risk in district schools.
South Carolina / School Districts / Oconee 01
A community member asked the board to change district policy to eliminate a $500 fee charged to homeschool students participating in band and orchestra, citing House Bill 3802 and equal access provisions.
South Carolina / School Districts / Oconee 01
West Oak High School described a partnership between its agriculture equine class and the school’s functional skills class that provides riding and therapeutic activities for students with disabilities; a horse show is scheduled for May 17 at Michael Lehi Memorial Arena.