The Anderson School District One Board of Trustees held their November meeting in the auditorium at Powdersville High School. Powdersville High band members and parents were present for the meeting which included recognition of the Powdersville High School Band, recognition of former County Board member Steve Garrision, a presentation by the American Cancer Sociey and the annual audit report.
A video presentation of the State 1-A championship performance by the Powdersville High Band earlier this year was shown prior to the meeting. The band was recognized for the accomplishment by the Board with a plaque and a resolution from Anderson County Council which was presented by District 6 Council representative Ken Waters.
Superintendent Dr. Wayne Fowler said that he watched the band perform on Friday night prior to the State Band contest on Saturday and he “liked what he saw.”
He praised the band parents. “You are one of the hardest working group of parents I have ever seen,” he said.
He said the band’s state championship is the first for the new school and that people will remember that. He said even in 40 years, “There will be people who remember you have brought home that state championship.”
District 6 Representative Ken Waters read a resolution by the County Council recognizing the band’s accomplishment and presented Powdersville High Band Director Leslie Phillips with a plaque.
Powdersville resident and former County School Board member Steve Garrison was recognized and presented a plaque of appreciation for his service. Garrison served 8 years on the County Board and was a member of the School District One Board for 14 years.
Garrison said the board is one of four in the state who oversee the budgets of districts in their counties. He said the District One per pupil expenditure is one of the lowest in the state yet the district continues to get excellent results from students.
He praised the board and administration of the District office, the high schools to the elementary schools.
Amanda Seawell of the American Cancer Society and Wes Porter, organizer of the Relay for Life fundraiser in Northern Anderson County, recognized the District for 100 percent participation. They also presented Dr. Fowler with the Relay for Life Superintendent of the Year award. The award is presented to one superintendent who showed the most support of 85 Districts in the state that participated in the fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
The board elected Fred Alexander to serve as Chair, Nancy Upton to serve as Vice-Chair and David “Moochie” Merritt to serve as Secretary.
Melissa Hood was elected to serve on the Alternative School Board. Upton and Dr. Doug Atkins will serve on the Anderson District 1 and 2 Career and Technology Center Board.
It was the first meeting for newly elected board members Brenda Ellison and Mike Wilson.
Following an executive session, the board approved the following personnel recommendations:
Request for Leave – Tamara Cox, Palmetto Middle Media Specialist; Cassandra Gary, Cedar Grove Elementary, Grade 4; Beth Moore, Cedar Grove Elementary, Academic Assistance.
