The Anderson School District One Board of Trustees heard a report on the opening of the school year and update on the building program including a new development for the new Oak Hill Elementary School in Powdersville.
Superintendent Dr. Seth Young said District One began the new school year with more than 11,000 students. On day 18, there were 11,057 students in the District, 400 more than last year.
Young said that District One currently has 840 seniors and 380 students in K-4. “We had an incredibly smooth start,” he said.
“We were blessed to have a great opening,” Dr. Young said. “We are thankful for our teachers and students in all of our schools in Anderson District One.”
Three District One Band programs were recognized for being recognized by SC Band Directors Association (SCBDA) with the highest designation in the State for Outstanding Band Performance. Powdersville Middle, Wren Middle and Powdersville High School each received the recognition by SCBDA.
District One Finance Director Travis Thomas reported the Local Option Sales Tax for May brought in $3.3 million to Anderson County. Of that, 33.5 percent, or $1.1 million, comes to District One. $223,000 will go toward property tax relief and $899,000 will be used for capital projects, he said. The LOST fund balance currently has $21 million.
Chief Academic Officer Brad Moore presented information on District One SC-Ready Performance levels and High School Achievement.
Moore said that students in grades three through eight were among the top five in the state on SC-Ready ELA and Math scores, meeting or exceeding proficient. However, even with the top five rankings, he said the proficiency scores show District One has “Work to do.”
On High School Achievement End of Course (EOC) District One students ranked fourth in the state on Biology and were in the top ten on English and US History.
Advance Placement (AP) students scored 3 or above and will receive college credits for the course.
On College/Career Readiness, eighty percent of District 1 & 2 Career and Technology Center students were deemed college or career ready.
“From K through 12, we feel there is a lot to celebrate,” Dr. Young said.
Dr. Jeff Wilson added that District One is constant in every grade level, but “We have work to do. There is a lot of room to grow.” He said the District will be focusing on Standards and intervention to improve scores. “The vehicle for continued improvement is the Professional Learning Community (PLC),” he said.
Report card data on the District and growth areas will be released in October.
Dr. Wilson also presented three policies for second reading. IMG Animals in Schools policy establishes guidelines regarding acceptable circumstances animals are allowed in schools.
With the exception of service, animals, animals are not allowed on district property, in school facilities, at sporting events or on playing fields during school hours unless specifically approved by the school principal. It also addresses classroom pets.
KBE – Relatinships with Parent Organizations and Booster Clubs establishes the basic structure for board and district relations with parent organizations/booster clubs in response to state regulations. The revised policy requires background checks on treasurers of those organizations.
Policy AR JLCC-R Communicable/Infectious Diseases address safe and secure environment for students and employees, primarily dealing with head lice control practices.
All three policies were approved 5-0. Board members Melissa Hood and David Merritt were not present for the meeting.
The Board unanimously approved First reading on policy changes for AR JKE-R regarding expulsion of students. The policy addresses administrative rule and allows ten days for a students family to get an attorney.
The Board approved the Palmetto High School Band Booster Club and Cedar Grove PTO organization.
Dr. Wilson told the Board that 2025 graduation will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025 to allow for senior athletes who will be competing in the track state championship to also be able to participate in graduation ceremonies.
The Board also approved the District One Emergency Operations Plan. Dr. Wilson said any parent who may want to discuss the plan could contact him.
A draft calendar for school year 2025-26 is also under consideration for the five Anderson County school districts.
Becky Brady reported the Student Nutrition Program was able to provide $440,000 in indirect costs back to the General Fund.
In the building program, Dr. Young said the Powdersville High Stadium upgrade has been completed.
He also presented a timeline on several items related to the new Oak Hill Elementary School being built in Powdersville.
Dr. Young said the District will be looking at how the new school will affect Concrete Primary and Powdersville Elementary. The new school will draw students and teachers from both.
He said they will begin conversations with K-5 teachers at the schools and begin considering attendance zones for the three schools. He recommended a Principal for Oak Hill be hired in the Spring and that the District begin purchasing furniture. Oak Hill Elementary is expected to open in 2026.
The Board also approved naming the Conference Center at the new Oak Hill school to honor former Superintendent Robbie Binnicker.
Board members Melissa Hood and Wendy Burgess were selected Delegates for the 2024 Delegate Assembly to be held in Columbia in December.
