Around 80 students were recognized at the Lexington County School District One board meeting on Oct. 22 for achieving the highest raw scores on the South Carolina College and Career-Ready Assessments.

This exam is administered to students in grades three through eight, which is mandated by the Education Accountability Act.

Lexington One students excelled in both the English and math assessments.

The schools represented were Beachwood Middle, Carolina Springs Elementary, Carolina Springs Middle, Centerville Elementary, Deerfield Elementary, Lake Murray Elementary, Lakeside Middle, Meadow Glen Middle, Midway Elementary, New Providence Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary, Pleasant Hill Middle, Rocky Creek Elementary, Saxe Gotha Elementary, South Lake Elementary, White Knoll Elementary and White Knoll Middle. Students from River Bluff High were also recognized.

Roger Smith from River Bluff High was awarded the SCACA Golf Coach of the Year Award and was recognized for leading both male and female programs to class 5A state tournaments and showing leadership.

Shelia Gordan from White Knoll High received the SCATA Founders Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. Throughout the years, Gordan has shown to be an expectational leader in her line of work.

Anne Marie Taylor and Dr. Brent Powers, current board members, were honored for their time and service to the school district. Taylor joined the board in 2016, while Powers joined in 2010, both continuously advocating for Lexington One.

In other news 

Superintendent Gerrita Postlewait delivered her report discussing the action review of Hurricane Helene. A checklist was shown that included feeding sites, facility checks, transportation routes, WI-FI access, damage assessments and more. This checklist will help Lexington One prepare for future natural disasters.

Postlewait also provided rough estimates of hurricane-related damages. Tree removal would roughly cost $96,000, while building and equipment would cost $312,500, for a combined total of $408,500.

During public participation, a concern was raised about the district’s declining standing. In 2010, Lexington One was ranked sixth among school districts but has since fallen in the standings. Postlewait acknowledged the issue and emphasized there are ongoing efforts for improvement.

Lastly, the board discussed policy JICJ regarding the use of personal communication devices. Starting Jan. 1 and lasting until June 30, a new state standard will prohibit students from using devices during the school day.  

Schools will determine what constitutes the “school day,” whether that be from the moment students arrive on campus or when the tardy bell rings. Administrators will be responsible for consequences regarding violations, which may vary by school.

Lexington One is currently working on its plan for consequences and more regarding this policy.