VIP News | April 2026

Blue Ridge High has been named a 2025–26 Palmetto’s Finest School, earning one of South Carolina’s highest honors during a live statewide announcement shared at the school. The recognition reflects a year of standout performance, including being the highest performing high school in Greenville County, leading the district in academic growth across core subjects, and posting top gains in graduation rate, AP success, and career certification pathways. The award, presented annually by South Carolina Association of School Administrators, recognizes schools with innovative and effective programs that make a strong impact on students and their communities. Principal Ashley Wardlaw said the honor reflects decades of work since the school’s founding in 1954, crediting students, staff, and the Ridge Nation community for building a culture centered on strong relationships, student achievement, and shared pride in reaching this milestone.

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance

• Britton Swingle - Ed Tech

• Jeffrey Lawson - Mental Health Counselor

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Royster introduced the following new administrators for the 2026-27 school year:

• Barry Ledford, Principal, JL Mann Academy

• Dr. Donald Jones, Principal, Beck Academy

• Brook Patterson, Principal, Northwood Middle School

2024-2029 District and School Strategic Education Plans - 2026 Update

The Board of Trustees approved the updated 2026 district and schools’ strategic education plans as presented.

Transfer of Fund Balance

The Board approved $18,050,300 of the General Fund – Fund Balance to fund the total cost of items as presented to support a CTE program expansion, technology upgrades, professional development, and operational improvements across the district.

Architect Selection for New Donaldson Career Center

Trustees approved the architectural firm with which successful fee negotiations are achieved for the new Donaldson Career Center.

Long-Range Facilities Plan Capital Improvement Program

Board members voted to approve the March 2026 Long Range Facilities Plan and Capital Improvement Program as presented. They also voted to approve the transfer of $33,847,000 from the Unassigned General Fund-Fund Balance to the Building Fund to fund the Capital Improvement Program as presented.

Approval of Annual Audit Plan

The board approved the 2026-27 annual audit plan for the External Auditor as presented.

External Audit Services Contract

Board members approved the accounting firm Greene Finney Cauley, LLP to provide external audit services to the School District of Greenville County for a five-year period covering audits for FY 26 through FY 30.

Property Acquisition for Fountain Inn K-8 Conversion (Executive Session)

Trustees voted to approve the purchase of 1.20 acres adjacent to Fountain Inn Elementary School.

Lease Agreement with the City of Fountain Inn

Trustees also approved a lease agreement with the City of Fountain Inn for the Fountain Inn Elementary K-8 conversion.

Contract Non-Renewals (Executive Session)

The board voted to conditionally accept the Superintendent's recommendation that the contract of two Annual Contract employees not be renewed for the 2026-27 school year, subject to each employee’s appellate rights pursuant to Section 59-26-40 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

Student Discipline Appeal

The Board of Trustees voted to affirm the decision of the Hearing Officer and deny the appeal.

• The Board Officer Candidate Roster was presented:

• Chair

• Carolyn Styles

• Vice-Chair

• Angie Mosley

• Lynda Leventis-Wells

• Secretary

• Ann Marie Middleton

• Anne Pressley

• The FY 25 Procurement Audit Report was provided.

Finance Report

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

The meeting adjourned at 6:29 p.m.