The Colleton County School Board of Trustees held a Regular Meeting on October 15, 2004 at the District Offices.
Chairperson Sharon Witkin called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Lynn Stroble. The Pledge was recited by those present and the Civility Pledge was recited by the Board members.
Special guests were the Cottageville Safety Patrol and Flag Corp., and they delivered the Colleton County School District Mission Statement: Colleton County School District will prepare every student to graduate with a 21st century education to be globally competitive for their chose college and/or career path. The Cottageville Flag Corp then delivered its Mission Statement: To exhibit positive patriotism as we demonstrate respect for our fellow peer staff and the flags or our state and country. We take pride in raising our flags daily as a symbol of gratitude for our many freedoms. Next the Cottageville Safety Patrol delivered its pledge: I promise to do my best to report for duty on time, perform my duties faithfully, strive to prevent injuries, always setting a good example myself, obey my teachers and officers of the Patrol, to report dangerous student practices, and strive to earn the respect of the fellow students. Recognition and thanks was given to CES principals for their work with these fine students and their schools.
Chairperson Witkin then called for a motion for the approval of the agenda. A motion was made, seconded, there was no discussion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Chairperson Witkin then informed those in attendance that two of the School Board were not present.
Witkin then call for a motion for the approval of the minutes for the regular Board meeting held on September 17, 2024. A motion was made, seconded, there was no discussion, and the motion passed unanimously.
Chairperson Witkin, Board Members Lynn Stroble, and Superintendent Jessica Williams attended a Beyond the Basics Conference where they discussed strategies to get CCSD test scores to be the best they can be. There were also data rich sessions that the hope is to use that information to drive in class instruction
Superintendent
Jessica Williams then took the podium to announce student recognitions. The recognitions were for students who go above and beyond in their s schools. Those students recognized were:
Sawyer Von (BSEEC)
Marcus Pinckney (CES)
Hunter Carter (CCMS)
Jessica Adams (CCHS)
Monica Sanchez (CALC)
Autumn Sherry (not present)
Russell Steele (not present)
Jersey Green (not present)
Lexi Starsmith (not present)
Mrs. Williams then moved onto staff recognitions. The staff member recognized was Coach Wayne Alston. At the end of last school year Coach Alston was voted as Region 6 representative by the other athletic directors in Region 6 for the 2024-2025 school year. In September he was also voted as the Region’s Athletic Director of the Year 2024-2025. Coach Alston was unable to attend and the Assistant Superintendent Dr. Wright accepting on Alston’s behalf.
In a bittersweet announcement it was revealed that 2 Board members, Ms. Mary Jones and Ms. Patricia Simmons, would no longer be serving after this meeting. Ms. Jones served on the Board for 16 years and Ms. Simmons served for 12 years. Daughter Takeshia Jones accepted on her mother’s behalf and Ms. Simmons accepted her award herself. The ladies were met with applause and thanks for all they contributed to the CCSD school system through their Board service.
In honor of National Principal’s Month, Mrs. Williams recognized CCSD principals for their dedication and hard work at their respective schools. Those principals are:
Angel Ferguson (BES)
Tiffany Pearson (BSECC)
CES—Tashena Allen
FES—Joe Guarino
HES—Kyle Smalls (Sonya Inabinnet accepting)
NES—Lauren Behe
CCMS—Eddie Peeples (Asst Principal Tiffany McNeely accepting)
CCHS—Uirica Bodison (Assistant Principal Brandy Boseman accepting)
TCTC—Andy Kubik
Coordinator of CCAS—Dr. Ron Youmans
IMPACT Coordinator—Wesley McNeely
CALC—Chris Horvath (not present)
Chairperson Witkin then called for any public input. There was no public input and the meeting moved on to the Superintendent’s Report.
Superintendent Jessica Williams was elated to announce CCSD has made tremendous gains in SCSR ratings. CCSD had been formerly removed from list of underperforming districts. For the first time in 5 years CCSD had zero unsatisfactory schools, and for the first time 5 years, three CCSD schools achieved an average rating and two schools came within .05 of a point from achieving an average rating.
Deputy Superintendent of Education Matthew Ferguson in an email to CCSD Superintendent Jessica Williams to convey congratulations on the district’s achievement and that CCSD’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. He also shared the CCSD’s notable progress will be shared in the SC State Department of Education Press Release. Ferguson further commented SC Department of Education is proud to highlight the success CCSD schools achieved and they look forward to continuing to work together toward even greater accomplishments. Because of this improvement CCSD WILL NOT BE UNDER STATE SUPERVISION!
A celebration is being planned to allow the community and community organizations to come out and join in celebration of this accomplishment. A tentative date has been set for November 7, 2024 at the Civic Center in order to keep the momentum going to improve our district.
In other Superintendent report news, it was announced the CCHS graduation is scheduled to be held Friday, May 23, 2025 at 7:00 pm.
Next on the agenda was the Interim Superintendent’s, Dr. Cordelia Jenkins, Report on the Division Academic and Student Affairs where the core purpose is teaching and learning.
As of October 3rd, there is a total 4,559 students in district. Attendance reporting updates were given on the 45th day on 10/09 and at November meeting will Dr. Jenkins will share comparative data.
The Interim Superintendent’s, Dr. Martin Wright, Report on the Division of Operational Management was then given. Dr. Wright relayed there was no report at this time. He did, however, respond to a question from Chairperson Witkin regarding the CCMS parking lot and pick up and drop off area and the work being done there. Dr. Wright commented he would look into that and make sure there are visible caution/warning indicators for the protection of visitor, parents, and students.
At this time Chairperson Witkin called for a motion to enter into Executive Session. A motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously and the meeting entered into Executive Session. Upon return from Executive Session, Witkin called for a motion to return to Open Session. A motion was made, seconded, and approved unanimously and the meeting entered back into Open Session. A motion was made to accept the professional staff separation number 4; 2nd. A motion was made, seconded, and carried 3-2. Another recommendation was to accept staff employment number 1. A motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.
There were no further items on the agenda and Witkin called for a motion to be made to adjourn. A motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. The meeting then adjourned.
