School District plan gets contingent approval

School Board Meeting

The Abbeville County School District plan for reopening schools has met with a contingent approval, basically approved on a minor change, Interim Superintendent Dr. Mason Gary told the Abbeville County School District of Trustees Tuesday night.

The District, like other school districts in South Carolina, had submitted a plan for review by State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman.

The plan basically offers two options -- iTECH, and in-person instruction.

At press time, the highlights of the plan which the District submitted include two options for parents.

"There's going to be a virtual option for parents," said Tisdale, referring to the iTECH Academy. There will also be an in-person instructional option.

Schools throughout South Carolina were closed in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the coronavirus still raging, school districts have been grappling with the task of coming up with plans to educate students safely, and keep educators safe as well.

The trustees Tuesday night also welcomed a new board member -- Adam Rich of Due West.

Rich, who represents Area Seven, was elected in a July 14 special election to the board. He takes the place of Mark Peeler, who resigned from the seat a number of months ago for personal reasons.

The election to fill the seat that Peeler vacated had originally been set for April, but had been postponed due to the coronavirus epidemic.

The trustees approved a personnel contract, approved a 2020-2021 Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, and had first reading on Policies ADF and IHBF about District wellness and about homebound students.

The Superintendent's report included updates on finance, safety, technology and facilities, and policies KI-R, KI-E, IHA-R and IHA-E about such topics as visitors to schools -- all updated for the coronavirus.

The first day of school for students is August 17, Gary has said.

Also, the board:

• Agreed to have a special called meeting on August 4 at 5 p.m. to discuss Title Nine

policy, and to discuss public participation in the meetings.

• A number of the trustees are looking at ways public participation can be allowed safely.

Currently, school board meetings are live-streamed to the public due to the coronavirus

pandemic.

• Congratulated District director of maintenance and operations Mike Reepe on the good

job he and his personnel have done on maintaining District facilities.

• Discussed ways to publicize the excellent work, especially on the District

Website.