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Lexington School District 2, SC

Lexington School District 2 public meetings in 2023

28 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Thu Nov 30, 2023

Board Workshop

Board to consider first reading of clear bag policy and student dress code revisions

The Lexington School District 2 Board will hold a workshop to discuss and consider first readings of numerous policies, including a proposed clear bag use policy for district events, revisions to the student dress code, and updates to policies on parent-community relations, field trips, and student rights. The board will also enter executive session for legal advice and to consider a student expulsion appeal, and will review overnight travel requests for students and staff.

school-boardpolicy-revisionsstudent-dress-codeclear-bag-policystudent-expulsionparent-community-relationsfield-trips
✓ Decided: Board approves first reading of 53 policy revisions and additions

The Board of Trustees conducted first readings for multiple sets of policy updates regarding community relations, student conduct, and health. The Board also upheld a student expulsion appeal and approved two travel requests.

Thu Nov 16, 2023

Regular Monthly Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Second readings of budget, instruction, and operations policies up for board vote

The Lexington School District 2 Board of Trustees will decide on second and final readings of numerous policy revisions covering budget transfers, instruction, special education, and more. They will also elect officers, hear financial and administrative reports, and recognize students and staff. Public participation is scheduled.

educationschool-boardpolicybudgetinstructionoperationsrecognitionelections
✓ Decided: Board of Trustees elects new officers

The Board of Trustees held elections for its leadership positions. The board also approved several previous meeting minutes and selected two options for the 2024-2025 school calendar to move forward.

🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
1. Meeting Opening
7 yea
Kessler yea · Alford-Wooten yea · Castles yea · Branham yea · Rucker yea · Bray yea · Key yea
Thu Nov 9, 2023

Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Board to decide appeals on two challenged books

The Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting to determine appeals from the Materials Review for two books: 'A Good Kind of Trouble' by Lisa Moore Ramee and 'The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Friend' by Frederick Joseph. This is an action item requiring a board vote on whether to uphold or overturn the materials review decisions.

school-boardbooksmaterials-reviewappealseducationlexington-school-district
✓ Decided: Board votes to retain two challenged books in district libraries

The Board of Trustees ruled on appeals regarding the materials review of two books. Both titles were approved to remain in the district, though each was restricted to specific school levels.

🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
1. Meeting Opening
9 yea
Bray yea · Branham yea · Kessler yea · Castles yea · Alford-Wooten yea · Branham yea · Alford-Wooten yea · Castles yea · Kessler yea
Thu Nov 2, 2023

Board Workshop

Board discusses first reading of numerous instruction policies

The Lexington School District 2 Board will hold a workshop to discuss and conduct first readings of a large set of proposed revisions, additions, and deletions to Board Instruction (I-section) policies covering curriculum, academic freedom, special education, gifted/talented, health education, technology use, grading, and more. They will also consider an ACT 155 request to grant a high school diploma to a former Airport High School student and hold an executive session for a student expulsion appeal. Upcoming events include a career expo, teacher/staff reception, and the next regular board meeting.

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✓ Decided: Board approves first reading of multiple instructional policies

The Board of Trustees gave first reading approval to several sets of I Section Instruction policies, though some were pulled for further review. The board also approved a high school diploma request and upheld a student expulsion recommendation.

Tue Oct 24, 2023

Regular Monthly Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Board to consider second reading of policies student activities, personnel, transportation

The board will hear reports on finances, human resources, and school report cards and then consider second and final readings of policy revisions covering student activities, personnel, transportation, and other areas. Public participation is scheduled. The consent agenda includes approval of previous meeting minutes.

educationschool-boardpolicypersonneltransportationstudent-activitiesfinancereports
✓ Decided: Board approves meeting agenda and previous minutes

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the meeting agenda and minutes from three previous sessions. The meeting primarily consisted of administrative reports on school report cards, financial updates, and construction progress.

Mon Oct 23, 2023

Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Board considers superintendent's evaluation in executive session

This is a special meeting of the Lexington School District 2 Board of Trustees. The primary item is a discussion of the superintendent's evaluation in executive session, followed by possible action in open session. The agenda also includes approval of the agenda under the consent agenda.

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✓ Decided: Board concludes Superintendent and Board are unsatisfied with student achievement

The Board of Trustees held a special meeting to evaluate the Superintendent. Following an executive session, the Board unanimously agreed that both the Superintendent and the Board are not satisfied with the district's student achievement and that more work is required.

Fri Oct 13, 2023

Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Board to evaluate superintendent in closed session

This special meeting of the Lexington School District 2 Board of Trustees is largely procedural. The board will enter executive session to discuss the superintendent's evaluation, then reconvene in open session to take any action arising from that discussion if needed.

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✓ Decided: Board of Trustees holds special meeting for superintendent evaluation

The Board of Trustees met for a special session to conduct the Superintendent's evaluation in a closed session. No formal actions were taken on the items discussed during the executive session.

Thu Oct 5, 2023

Board Workshop/Special Meeting

Board to discuss personnel policy overhaul and student expulsion appeal

This is a Board Workshop/Special Meeting with no final votes expected. The board will hold an executive session to consider a student expulsion appeal and then discuss the superintendent's goals. The main focus is a series of workshops on proposed revisions to dozens of board policies, including a major overhaul of G-Section personnel policies and updates to nondiscrimination, transportation, and bus safety policies. Several policy items were pulled for further review.

school-boardboard-workshoppersonnel-policiesstudent-expulsionpolicy-revisionstransportationnondiscriminationsuperintendent-evaluation
✓ Decided: Board upholds student expulsion and approves first reading of multiple policies

The Board of Trustees voted to uphold the expulsion of one student following an executive session. Additionally, the Board approved the first reading of several groups of policy revisions covering nondiscrimination, transportation, and personnel management.

Thu Sep 21, 2023

Regular Monthly Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Final reading of policy revisions on board conduct, finances, and administration

The Lexington School District 2 Board of Trustees meets for a regular monthly meeting, recognizing students and staff, then considering a consent agenda and multiple first and second readings of policy revisions. Key action items include final adoption of policies on board member conduct, superintendent evaluation, fiscal management, and food services. The board also receives updates on the Performing Arts Center, monthly finances, and assessment data.

school-boardpolicy-updatebudgetfinancestudent-recognitionfacilitiesoperations
✓ Decided: Board approves first reading of student activities and forum policies

The Board of Trustees approved the first reading of revisions to Board Policy JJ regarding student activities and the addition of policies for limited open/closed forums. The meeting also included administrative updates on the Performing Arts Center construction and state assessment data.

Tue Sep 12, 2023

Special Called Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Board to decide appeals on three books: Ellen Outside the Lines, Me and White Supremacy, Woke

The Lexington School District 2 Board of Trustees will hear and decide appeals from the materials review for three books. They will also discuss proposed revisions to multiple board policies and administrative rules. An executive session is scheduled for receipt of legal advice, with possible action afterward.

educationschool-boardbook-challengespolicy-revisionspublic-hearingboard-conductlegal-adviceadministrative-rules
✓ Decided: Board votes to retain three challenged books in district libraries

The Board of Trustees voted on appeals to remove three specific books from school libraries. In all cases, the Board voted to uphold the district committee's recommendation to retain the materials.

🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
1. Meeting Opening
21 yea
Branham yea · Kessler yea · Castles yea · Alford-Wooten yea · Branham yea · Alford-Wooten yea · Castles yea · Kessler yea · Branham yea · Kessler yea · Castles yea · Alford-Wooten yea · Branham yea · Castles yea · Alford-Wooten yea · Kessler yea · Kessler yea · Castles yea · Branham yea · Alford-Wooten yea · Bray yea
Thu Sep 7, 2023

Board Workshop

Board workshop to discuss student activity, fiscal policy revisions, legal settlement

The Lexington School District 2 Board will hold a workshop to discuss proposed revisions to Board Policy JJ on Student Activities and the addition of Policy JJAB on Limited Open/Closed Forum. They will also review a large set of proposed changes to fiscal management policies (DA through DN), including deletions and revisions. The Board will receive legal advice regarding a settlement in executive session.

school-boardpolicy-revisionsstudent-activitiesfiscal-managementlegal-settlementworkshopbook-appeals
✓ Decided: Lexington School District 2 Board reviews student activity and fiscal policies

The Board of Trustees conducted a workshop to review proposed revisions, additions, and deletions to policies regarding student activities and fiscal management. No formal votes were taken on the policy changes during this session.

Thu Aug 24, 2023

Board Workshop

Board workshop discusses new and revised policies across many areas

The Lexington School District 2 Board holds a workshop to discuss proposed additions, revisions, and deletions to numerous board policies and administrative rules. Topics range from board member conduct and fiscal management to food services and student assessments. No votes are taken; this is a discussion session.

policyboard-workshopeducationschool-districtadministrative-policiesfiscal-policies
✓ Decided: Board reviews district policies and tables fiscal management items

The Board of Trustees reviewed two sets of proposed additions and revisions to district policies. Due to time constraints, all policies related to fiscal management were carried over to the September 7 workshop. The board also entered a closed session for legal advice regarding a potential claim.

Tue Aug 22, 2023

Special Called Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Board to decide appeals on five challenged books

The Lexington School District 2 Board of Trustees will hold a special called meeting to determine appeals from the Materials Review for five books, including 'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas. The board will also consider approval of the agenda and may take action following an executive session on legal advice.

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✓ Decided: Board suspends book appeal policy and rules on five challenged titles

The Board of Trustees voted to suspend Policy KEC regarding materials review and book appeals while it is revised. The Board also heard appeals for five specific books, resulting in some being retained and others removed.

🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Named votes as recorded in the official record.
1. Meeting Opening — Motion to Amend by Alford-Wooten that the book only be retained at the high school level;
25 yea
Bray yea · Branham yea · Kessler yea · Castles yea · Alford-Wooten yea · Bray yea · Branham yea · Kessler yea · Castles yea · Key yea · Alford-Wooten yea · Branham yea · Alford-Wooten yea · Castles yea · Kessler yea · Bray yea · Branham yea · Kessler yea · Castles yea · Key yea · Alford-Wooten yea · Branham yea · Castles yea · Alford-Wooten yea · Kessler yea
Thu Aug 17, 2023

Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Lexington Two Board considers major policy revisions and financial updates.

The Lexington Two Board of Trustees will review proposed additions and revisions to district board policies that govern operations, staff conduct, and financial management. Updated policies on competitive food sales and data retention will affect student services and privacy protections. Administrative reports will cover monthly finances, federal funds, enrollment, and PAC/DEC construction updates. The board will also hold an executive session to discuss legal matters, personnel appointments, and a tuition waiver request.

board-policiesfiscal-managementschool-administrationconstructionpersonnelenrollmenteducation-governance
✓ Decided: Board approves multiple sets of new and revised district policies

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the second and final reading of four policies regarding student goals, school nurses, and promotional materials. The Board also approved the first reading of several groups of proposed additions, revisions, and deletions to policies covering board conduct, school administration, and fiscal management.

Thu Aug 3, 2023

Back-to-School Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Board to consider free student meals for 2023-2024 under Community Eligibility Provision

The Lexington School District 2 Board of Trustees holds a back-to-school meeting to act on several policies and agreements. Key action items include a Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Pine Ridge for a school resource officer, approval of a mascot for New Bridge Academy, and first/second readings of policies on building maintenance and student discipline. The board will also hear updates on summer camps, instructional materials, and enrollment numbers.

school-boardeducationstudent-mealsschool-safetystudent-disciplinepolicymascotlexington-two
✓ Decided: Board approves free student meals and updates student discipline policies

The Board of Trustees approved free student meals for the 2023-2024 school year and updated policies regarding student discipline and building maintenance. The board also approved several administrative appointments and a memorandum of understanding with the Town of Pine Ridge.

Thu Jun 15, 2023

Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Board to consider final approval of 2023/24 budget and policy updates

The Lexington School District 2 Board of Trustees will consider second and final reading of the 2023/24 general fund budget, along with multiple policy revisions including paid parental leave, public participation, and student policies. They will also vote on first readings of new student-related policies and an out-of-state chorus trip.

budgetpoliciesparental-leavestudent-travelschool-boardpublic-participation
Thu Jun 15, 2023

Public Hearing 2023/24 General Fund Budget

Public hearing on 2023/24 General Fund Budget

Lexington School District 2 holds a public hearing to receive input on the proposed 2023/24 General Fund Budget. The agenda includes a call to order, the hearing itself, and adjournment.

budgetpublic-hearingeducationschool-districtgeneral-fund
Mon Jun 12, 2023

Board Workshop

Board to hold budget workshop at June 12 meeting

The Lexington School District 2 Board will conduct a budget workshop during this meeting, with a public hearing on the General Fund Budget scheduled for June 15. The agenda also includes a consent agenda, executive session, and announcements for upcoming meetings.

budgetschool-boardpublic-hearingworkshopgeneral-fund
Thu May 18, 2023

Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Board to consider 2023/24 budget and 8% debt issuance

The board will hold a first reading of the proposed 2023/24 general fund budget and consider a resolution to issue annual 8% debt. Second readings of numerous board policy revisions are also scheduled for action. Additional items include approval of monthly financial reports, authorization to apply for Title I/III/N&D funds, and consideration of release time for religious instruction and student travel.

budgetdebtschool-policiesfederal-fundsreligious-instructionstudent-travelboard-meeting
Thu May 4, 2023

Board Workshop

Board to discuss budget, recruitment, and golf team travel

The board will receive a budget update and a presentation on recruitment and retention. They will also consider an action item for out-of-state travel for the Brookland-Cayce High School Boys' Golf Team. The meeting includes an executive session for legal advice.

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✓ Decided: Board approves student travel for Brookland-Cayce High School Golf Team

The Board approved a student travel request for a golf tournament and a consent agenda. Members also received presentations on a marketing strategy for recruitment and retention and a proposed general fund budget for 2023/24.

Tue Apr 18, 2023

Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Board to vote on final reading of multiple policy revisions

The Lexington School District 2 Board of Trustees will hold a regular monthly meeting with recognitions, reports, and action items. The board will consider second and final readings of numerous proposed policy revisions across governance, student admissions, and operations, as well as new business including course catalog approval and student travel requests.

school-boardpoliciescurriculumstudent-travelpublic-participationeducation
✓ Decided: Lexington School District 2 Board approves multiple policy revisions

The Board of Trustees approved second and final readings for several sets of board policies. Some policies were amended during the process, while Policy AB and a specific wording change for Policy BEDA were tabled or remained under discussion.

Thu Mar 16, 2023

Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Board to vote on new policy GCLE and revisions to numerous board policies

The Lexington School District 2 Board of Trustees will consider first and second readings of a proposed new policy on unencumbered time (GCLE), as well as first readings of revisions to multiple policies covering board governance, student admissions, and school operations. The board will also vote on an out-of-state travel request for JROTC students and hear reports on instruction, finance, and operations. The meeting includes recognition of student and staff accomplishments.

educationschool-boardpolicy-revisionsstudent-travelhonorsfinanceinstruction
✓ Decided: Board approves agenda and previous meeting minutes

The Board of Trustees approved the meeting agenda and minutes from the January 19, 2023, Board Meeting. The session primarily focused on recognizing student and staff achievements and receiving administrative reports.

Thu Mar 2, 2023

Board Workshop

Board workshop to discuss Walterboro Street traffic and emergency protocol

The Lexington School District 2 Board will hold a workshop to discuss the 'I Love You Guys' emergency response protocol and traffic rerouting on Walterboro Street. The board will also enter executive session to discuss the superintendent's mid-year informal evaluation and a personnel matter. No votes are expected except possible action on items discussed in executive session.

school-safetytrafficsuperintendent-evaluationpersonnelboard-workshoplexington-school-district-2
✓ Decided: Board authorizes bidding for Walterboro Street project

The Board approved the Consent Agenda and authorized the district to put the previously approved Walterboro Street project (Option 1) out for bid. The board also reviewed school safety protocols and discussed teacher retention ideas.

Thu Feb 23, 2023

Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Board to consider safety policy revisions and budget process for FY 2023-24

The Lexington School District 2 Board of Trustees will consider first and second readings of proposed revisions to several safety-related policies, including those on support services, disease prevention, vandalism, school closings, and a new administrative rule on visitors. The board will also discuss the budget process for the upcoming fiscal year and consider a first and second reading of a revision to the drug- and alcohol-free workplace policy. Additionally, the board will vote on multiple out-of-state and overnight student travel requests for athletic and student government events.

budgetdrug-policysafetyschool-travelperforming-artspolicy-revisionboard-meeting
✓ Decided: Board approves agenda and January meeting minutes

The Board of Trustees approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the January 19, 2023, meeting. The session included student and staff recognitions and administrative updates on school accreditation and construction. Financial and federal funds reports were postponed.

Thu Feb 9, 2023

Board Workshop

Board to discuss legislative update, school safety protocol, student progress

The board will hold a workshop to discuss a legislative update, the 'I Love You Guys' school safety protocol, and an academic update on student progress. The board may also go into executive session and later take action on items discussed. Announcements include early release, a convention, and upcoming meetings.

educationschool-boardworkshoplegislative-updateschool-safetystudent-progressexecutive-session
✓ Decided: Board approves personnel appointments and reports employee for breach of contract

The Board of Trustees approved a series of personnel resignations, retirements, and new hires. Additionally, the Board voted to report one employee to the State Department of Education for breach of contract. The meeting also included discussions on legislative updates and student progress monitoring.

Sat Jan 28, 2023

Workshop/Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Board to consider first and second reading of student discipline policy revisions

The Lexington School District 2 Board of Trustees holds a workshop/special meeting to discuss supporting the whole child, safety and drugs (law enforcement presentation), and academic updates including STEMscopes and Anatomage. In new business, the board will consider first and second reading of revisions to Board Policy JKAB on PK-2/elementary/middle school student discipline, and approve out-of-state or overnight student travel for two groups. The workshop also covers the budget process and a chairman wrap-up.

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✓ Decided: Board adopts new Superintendent evaluation format

The Board of Trustees approved a new format for the Superintendent's evaluation based on legal counsel's suggestions. The Board also approved two student travel requests and held workshops on social-emotional learning and school safety.

Thu Jan 19, 2023

Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Board to consider 2023-2024 school calendar, safety policy updates

The Lexington School District 2 Board of Trustees will consider approving the 2023-2024 school calendar and multiple school safety policy revisions, including policies on visitors, school resource officers, and security. The board will also review a $15,000 donation for an after-school program and receive the FY2022 financial audit presentation. Consent agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes.

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✓ Decided: Board of Trustees approves previous meeting minutes

The Board of Trustees approved the agenda and minutes from four previous meetings held between November 17, 2022, and January 10, 2023. The remainder of the meeting consisted of student and staff recognitions and the signing of ethical principles.

Tue Jan 10, 2023

Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Special meeting includes executive session and action

This is a special meeting of the Lexington School District 2 Board of Trustees. The board will hold an executive session and then take action on items discussed. The agenda also includes consent agenda approval and announcements of upcoming events.

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✓ Decided: Board approves personnel changes and student expulsion appeals

The Board of Trustees approved a series of personnel appointments, resignations, and terminations. They also voted on student disciplinary appeals and appointed an interim director for the Performing Arts Center.