VIP News | February 2026

Six Greenville County Schools educators earned National Board Certification for the first time, while 14 additional teachers achieved certification renewals, bringing the district’s total to 261 National Board Certified Teachers—one of the profession’s most respected distinctions. First-time honorees include Sophie Benquet Gerardin, Victoria Dunaj, Damon Frahler, Kaitlyn Hamilton, Chelsea Huston, and Tarin Lewis. South Carolina ranks fourth in the nation with 9,697 National Board Certified Teachers statewide. The rigorous certification process, which can take one to three years to complete, requires educators to submit extensive portfolios—including classroom video, lesson plans, student work samples, and reflective analysis—and to demonstrate deep content knowledge through assessment exercises. The program is coordinated statewide by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, & Advancement (CERRA), which provides structured support to candidates throughout the process.

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance

2.01 Minutes, Regular Board Meeting – December 9, 2025

2.02 Minutes, Special Called Meeting – February 10, 2026

2.03 Minutes, Special Called Meeting: Annual Board Self-Assessment – February 10, 2026

2.04 Home Schooling Applications (Executive Session) – 7

2.05 Personnel Recommendations (Executive Session) – None

Appearance of Visitors

Adrienne Nelson - Future Teachers Academy

Sarah Beth Wood - Technology and Chromebook Usage

Daniel Wood - Chromebooks and the Lack of Textbooks Affecting Learning

Catherine Wood - Detriment of Chromebooks

Britton Swingle - Testing Security

Alexis Moore - Board Appreciation

Terrell Brown - Appreciation

Superintendent’s Report

In his Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Royster recognized the Board of Trustees for their hard work, leadership, and steadfast commitment to public education as part of January’s School Board Appreciation Month.

Dr. Royster also introduced the following leaders, who were approved at the recent special called meeting:

• Treva Lee, Director, Golden Strip Career Center

• Michelle Michael, Principal, Travelers Rest High School

• April Reese, Principal, Hillcrest High School

• J. Towers Rice, Principal, Lakeview Middle School

• Holly Rollison, Principal, Simpsonville Elementary School

Revision of Board Policy IA: Artificial Intelligence and Student Device Use

The Board of Trustees approved revisions to Board Policy IA which emphasizes student privacy, ethical and accessible use, transparency for parents, and consistent procedures across schools.

Innovative and Honors Course Approvals

The Board approved the expansion of Fine Arts, Related Arts, and Career and Technical Education offerings at the honors, high school, and middle school levels, further strengthening hands-on learning opportunities aligned with Graduation Plus.

Sanitary Sewer Easement at the Central Office

Finance Report

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

The meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.