VIP News | September 2025
September 24, 2025 Edition
Welcome to VIP News, a newsletter that is distributed to GCS employees and community leaders to update them about important GCS news and events. If you have any questions about the Board meeting or news articles, please contact the Communications Department.
News
2026 High School Graduation Schedule Announced
Sixteen GCS Students Named 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
Sixteen students from six Greenville County high schools have been named 2026 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists for their outstanding academic achievements. These seniors are among the nation’s top scholars and now have the chance to compete for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $26 million to be awarded next spring. To advance to Finalist status, each student must submit a detailed scholarship application with school endorsement, highlighting academics, leadership, community involvement, employment, and honors. They must also maintain strong grades, write an essay, and confirm their qualifying scores with SAT® or ACT® results. This honor showcases both the dedication of Greenville County students and the district’s commitment to preparing graduates for future success.
Reedy Laurel Elementary School Officially Dedicated
Unofficial Board Meeting Summary
September 23, 2025
Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jack Hammond, fifth-grade student at Woodland Elementary.
Adoption of Consent Calendar
2.01 Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - August 26 2025
2.02 Minutes, Board Workshop: Bond Financing - September 9 2025
2.03 Home Schooling Applications (Executive Session) - 12
2.04 Personnel Recommendations (Executive Session) - None
Action Items
SCSBA Delegates
The Board of Trustees certified its slate of delegates to the South Carolina School Boards Association.
Naming of J.L. Mann Academy Gymnasium
The board voted to name the J.L. Mann High Academy Gymnasium for Coach Ron Moore.
BEST Director Reappointment
The board approved the reappointment of Andrew Jones to serve an additional three-year term on the Building Equity Sooner for Tomorrow Board of Directors.
Information Items
Committee/Liaison Reports
Advocacy Committee
Mrs. Goodwin-Calwile attended the COSSBA Federal Advocacy Conference this month. Mr. Saylors reported the Committee is working on a strategy for reaching out to our Congressional members about how federal funding will be dispersed through the states.
Finance Report
The District’s monthly financial statements were presented to the Board of Trustees as an information item.
The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.