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VIP News | September 2026

VIP News | September 2026
VIP News |September 2026

September 23, 2026 Edition September 23, 2026 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.

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Greenville County Schools Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

Greenville County Schools will welcome six distinguished individuals into the GCS Hall of Fame during its annual Gala on Thursday, November 19, 2026. This year’s graduate inductees are Joey Batson, a 1979 Travelers Rest High graduate and longtime Clemson strength and conditioning coach; Paula DeCesaris, a 1991 Blue Ridge High graduate and NASA aerospace engineering leader; Grier Mullins, a 1968 Greenville High graduate and longtime public education advocate; Steve Owings, a 1971 Wade Hampton High graduate and co-founder of ScanSource; and Shammond Williams, a 1993 Southside High graduate who played 13 seasons of professional basketball. Retired educator Patrick “Pat” Sudduth, whose career included 57 years of service to Greenville County Schools as an educator, administrator and School Board trustee, will be inducted in the educator category. The Hall of Fame recognizes GCS graduates and employees whose achievements and service have made a significant impact locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.

GCS Releases 2027 High School Graduation Schedule

Greenville County Schools has announced its 2027 graduation schedule for all 15 high schools, marking the countdown to one of the most important milestones in a student’s educational journey. Graduation is the crowning achievement of years well spent in the classroom, but in GCS, earning a diploma is only part of the goal. The district’s graduation rate has reached 90.6 percent, an increase of more than 18 percentage points since 2012, while the Class of 2026 earned $191 million in college scholarships. Through Graduation Plus, GCS students are also preparing for what comes next. Last year, students earned 19,883 industry certifications and more than 2,500 completed internships, co-ops or apprenticeships with more than 750 organizations. Among the Class of 2026, 93 percent achieved Graduation Plus, leaving high school with something more than a diploma, such as college credit, an industry certification or another career-ready credential. 2027 Schedule

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

September 22, 2026

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Sydney Park, an eighth-grade student at League Academy.


Recognition

Board Chair Dr. Carolyn Styles recognized Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster for becoming the longest-serving superintendent in Greenville County Schools history, marking 15 years of dedicated leadership and service to the district.


Adoption of Consent Calendar

2.01 Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - August 25, 2026

2.02 Personnel Recommendations (Executive Session) - None

2.03 Home Schooling Applications (Executive Session) - 7


Appearance of Visitors

Sawyer Rentz - Dress code

Ellie-Anna Huelle - Dress code

Sophie Butz - Dress code

Hazel Swiger - Dress code

Sage Whitaker - Dress code


Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster introduced Dr. Meredith Blackburn, who is serving as acting principal of League Academy while principal Dana Swartzel is on extended leave through the fall semester.


Dr. Royster also honored S.C. Rep. Bruce Bannister with the Exceptional Service to Public Education Award for his longstanding support of public schools and dedication to Greenville County Schools students, educators and families.

Action Items

Property Acquisition for Future Growth (Executive Session)

The Board of Trustees approved the purchase of approximately 2.4 acres of land at 176 Woodside Avenue for future growth.


Physical Education Exemption (Executive Session)

The Board approved a physical education exemption for one student at Mauldin High School.


Student Discipline Appeal

Trustees affirmed the decision of the hearing officer and denied the appeal.

Finance Report

The District’s monthly financial statements were presented to the Board of Trustees as an information item.


The meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.

VIP News | Greenville County Schools
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