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Kaleb Wright and Cassie Land were recognized during the August 23 BCCSD meeting for perfect scores on SCREADY. Kaleb is accompanied by his younger brother, mother Felicia Wright, and father, Isaac Wright. Cassie Land is pictured with her parents, Joshua and Terresa Land.
Mauriyah Williams (right) receives her certificate for a perfect score on SCREADY from Macedonia Elementary-Middle School Principal Eryl Smalls.
Three students in Blackville and Williston were recognized for earning perfect scores on SC READY.
Kelly Edwards Elementary School students Cassie Land (fifth grade) and Kaleb Wright (4th grade) scored perfect scores on the SC READY math test. Mauriyah Williams from Macedonia Elementary-Middle School earned a perfect score on the SC READY reading test. All three students were recognized during the Barnwell County Consolidated School Board’s August 23 meeting in Williston.
“We are ecstatic about our three scholars who scored the maximum scores on the SC READY assessment. This means that our scholars have mastered their respective grade level standards at the highest level of proficiency. We are grateful for the teachers and parents who played significant roles in this accomplishment. This is the perfect example of everyone working together to ensure academic excellence!” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Marcella Shaw.
Facility Improvements
The board accepted the letters of condition from the USDA regarding two community facility grants.
One grant totaling $49,000 will purchase new marquees for the three schools in Williston. The district must provide a match of $30,100.
The other grant in the amount of $50,000 will fund cafeteria furniture. The district’s match is $20,000.
These grants were started about two years ago by the Williston District 29 School Board prior to the merger with Barnwell District 19. That’s why Blackville-Hilda’s schools do not benefit from these grants.
The board also heard from architect Bill Palladino about capital projects in Williston. The four main components include: renovating restrooms, improving accessibility, replacing windows at Kelly Edwards Elementary, and renovating the auditorium at the district office in Williston so it can be better utilized for theatre plays, lectures, and other events, said Palladino.
At the board’s August 9 meeting in Blackville, Interim Director of Operations David Corder discussed the district’s plan to upgrade the Blackville-Hilda High School football stadium. This includes 350 seats on the visitors side and 570 seats on the home side.
“The plan is to cut a center aisle on the home side of the stadium and add handrails. The visitor's side will be demolished, and new bleachers will be installed,” said Corder. “This is being done to bring the stadium up to code.”
The total cost of the project is $232,000, which will be taken out of Blackville's General Obligation Bond. Tyler Construction was the only contractor to bid on the project.
The board approved moving forward with phase one modifications to the stadium.
Personnel
The board approved several employee actions during their two August meetings:
Resignations: Julian Faust (SPED TA at Blackville-Hilda High School), Andre Simmons (ISS Monitor at Macedonia Elementary-Middle School), Craig Martin (Physical Education Teacher at MEMS), and Zebnobvia Bagley (Softball Coach at Williston-Elko High School).
Terminations: Edward Green (Pre-ETS College and Career Transition Coach)
New Hires: Bianca Dash (Nurse at BHHS), Jessica Catid (Creative Writing Teacher at WEHS), Rushani Derrick Burke (Physical Education Teacher at MEMS), Jessica Pym (Fine Arts Coordinator), Leslie Hazel (Pre-ETS College and Career College Transition Coach at BHHS), James Still (ISS Monitor at BHHS), Shadine Washington (ISS Monitor at BHHS), and Stanley Williams (Assistant Football Coach).
