The Dorchester District Two (DD2) School Board convened on Monday night, August 26, 2024, to discuss the first week of the new school year, enrollment figures, staffing updates, and other key district initiatives.
Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins kicked off the meeting by describing the start of the school year as "probably the most unusual start to a school year I’ve ever experienced." Despite the challenges, the district saw a positive increase in student enrollment, with 26,512 students currently enrolled, marking an increase of 350 students from this time last year.
Staffing and Recruitment
The district is nearly fully staffed, with a strong focus on filling any remaining positions, particularly in special education. Dr. Robbins highlighted the addition of 290 new certified employees, including 44 international educators and over 30 alternative route educators. DD2 also welcomed 214 new classified employees, bringing the total number of district employees to over 4,000.
Transportation staffing is also on track, with all bus driver positions filled; however, the district is still seeking substitute drivers. The superintendent also addressed safety measures, mentioning the ongoing review of communication and reunification plans and the continued use of metal detectors and enhanced safety protocols, especially following an incident at an away school last Friday.
Curriculum and Instruction
The board reviewed the district's curriculum initiatives, which include the full implementation of new English Language Arts (ELA) standards and the introduction of new math standards. The district is strengthening Tier 1 instruction and continuing its focus on Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) procedures and best practices. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) remain a priority, with elementary PLCs scheduled for Wednesdays to minimize after-school meetings.
Referendum and Facilities Update
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the district's ongoing referendum projects. A key update was the upcoming September 9th recommendation for a Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) contract. The Citizens Advisory Review Team (CART) will also hold an orientation meeting on September 16th, open to the public. Updates on these projects will be regularly posted on the DD2 website under the Referendum Tab.
Board member Justin Farnsworth emphasized the benefits of the CMAR approach over the traditional design-bid-build method, citing the successful construction of East Edisto School as an example.
Recruitment and Retention Initiatives
The district's Recruitment and Retention Task Force presented several initiatives aimed at improving staff morale and retention. Celebrations include the LEAP Afterschool childcare program for all staff, a 30-minute duty-free lunch for elementary teachers, and salary increases across the board. New incentives include a teacher signing bonus, longevity stipends, and transportation incentives. Projects in progress focus on building business partnerships, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities.
New District Hires
The board also welcomed three new district hires:
Lesli Ann Howell as Special Education Coordinator
LaDonna Davis as CTE Work-Based Learning Partnerships Coordinator
Lara Hayes as Substitute and Professional Development Administrator
Conclusion
The meeting concluded without updates from the policy, finance, and facilities committees, but the board remains focused on addressing the ongoing needs of the district as the school year progresses. Dr. Robbins and the board members expressed optimism despite the challenges and are committed to ensuring a safe and successful school year for all students and staff.
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