Lexington County School District One’s board of trustees passed an amended budget with a $7 million plus increase for the 2024-25 school year to allow for a salary increase for certified and licensed teachers and other professionals. School and district administrators are not included in the salary raise. 
During the summer when the board passed the upcoming budget, it was brought up that there would probably be an amendment. The board unanimously passed a $2,000 raise for all certified and licensed professionals bringing the starting teacher salary to $49,000. Teachers and other professionals should see the $2,000 adjustment by Oct. 10. 
Board Chair Anne Marie Green pointed out at the meeting that the board was conservative in preserving the fund balance while still allowing a bump in teacher and professional salaries. 
Before the salary increase, Lexington County compared to Newberry and Saluda counties with starting teacher salaries. This doesn’t take into consideration the millage increase or decrease of other counties.
In related news, Superintendent Dr. Gerrita Postlewait mentioned a small committee of board members, principals and other staff would be put together to examine salaries.
Bond referendum funds
The board approved the allocation of 2018 bond referendum funds for capital improvements at Pleasant Hill Elementary School and Lexington Elementary School. Pleasant Hill Elementary will receive new blinds and stage curtains while Lexington Elementary will receive new tack strips and interior signage upgrades.
The total cost of bond referendum funds for the two schools is estimated to be about $40,000. Pleasant Hill Elementary had money allotted in their funds for the approximate $30,000 cost so no bond money was necessary for their projects. Lexington Elementary had about $10,000 in its funds so the district would pull about $40,000 from the bond funds. 
Superintendent’s report
Superintendent Postlewait mentioned that as of the eighth day of school, enrollment for the district was at 26,621 which is an increase from last year. 
Chronic absenteeism was also addressed and the schools are focusing on students’ well-being by telling them how they’re glad they’re in school and how they were missed if they were absent. Lexington One was at 27% for chronic absenteeism as referenced in a report for the 2022-23 school year, putting them in a similar range as Lexington Two. Lexington Four had the most absentees, putting them at the top of the list.
Classrooms did face some staffing issues, but these were addressed with a combination of remedies including reassigning central services staff temporarily, contracted services and long-term substitutes. 
Bus drivers are being recruited as Lexington One has 147 drivers, putting the district at 87.5%. 
Oct. 14 will be the weather make-up day for the second day of school that was missed due to Tropical Storm Debby. That day will be an e-learning day.
In October, the board will have a first reading of a cell phone policy for the district. The state’s Board of Education is looking to ban cell phones in schools across the state.

Honors and awards
The 2024-25 school-level teachers of the year were recognized. From here, the district will go through a process of narrowing down and choosing the district-level teacher of the year. 

Each of the school’s teachers are listed below:
Halee Munsch, Beachwood Middle 
Candice Elliott, Carolina Springs Elementary 
Sarah Kelly, Carolina Springs Middle
Jessica Sanders, Centerville Elementary 
Elizabeth Ancone, Deerfield Elementary
Kelly Glover, Forts Pond Elementary
Wade Hasty, Gilbert Elementary 
Kelsey Covell, Gilbert High
Natalie Lewis, Gilbert Middle
Mylisa Apperson, Lake Murray Elementary
Kristie Shelly, Lakeside Middle
Emily Fisher, Lexington Elementary
Karen Allen, Lexington High
Danielle Mize, Lexington Technology Center
Jean Cochran, Meadow Glenn Elementary
William Slechta, Meadow Glenn Middle 
Dr. Katrinda Scott, Midway Elementary
Haley LaMarche, New Providence Elementary 
Elizabeth Koehler, Oak Grove Elementary
Lynn Dennis, Pelion Elementary
Robert Arcovio, Pelion High
Andrew Chavarria, Pelion Middle
Carlos Gonzalez, Pleasant Hill Elementary
Jacqueline Anderson, Pleasant Hill Middle
Jennifer Bonilla Chicas, Red Bank Elementary
Julie Vandiver, River Bluff High
Jennifer Ringo, Rocky Creek Elementary
Dr. Donna-Neisha Steele, Saxe Gotha Elementary
Robin Reeves, White Knoll Elementary
Allison Stone, White Knoll High
Jordan Henry, White Knoll Middle
Pelion Elementary School and Pelion Middle School were also recognized for winning first place in state and national competitions. River Bluff High’s Brianna Albetel was also recognized for winning first at a state archery competition.
Lexington High’s varsity baseball team was recognized for winning the 5A baseball state championship while their coach Brian Hucks was named the 2024 SCACA baseball coach of the year.

This story has been updated to reflect the following:  In the Aug. 29 issue, the story titled, "Lexington One board approves $2K salary bump for teachers, professionals," incorrectly stated that the sale of the general obligation bonds is  for the two elementary schools. The sale of the general obligation bonds is not for the two elementary schools. The board approved a motion allocating 2018 bond referendum funds for improvements at Lexington Elementary and Pleasant Hill Elementary Schools.