Narrative Summary
Summary
The Fort Mill School District Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on October 21, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with all seven board members present. The meeting opened with the election of new board leadership and featured an extensive recognition segment honoring student and staff achievements across multiple schools. The board received informational presentations on the district's monthly financials, the South Carolina State Report Card, and Dual Credit Pathways, before voting on several policy and curriculum items. The meeting concluded with an executive session addressing legal, contractual, and personnel matters, adjourning at 10:12 p.m.
Key Decisions & Votes
- Election of Board Leadership — Kristy Spears elected as Chairwoman and Lipi Pratt elected as Vice-Chairwoman. Vote: not recorded by tally.
- Policy BEA — Livestreaming of Board Meetings — Motion to accept the recommendation of administration to approve Policy BEA Livestreaming of School Board Meetings as presented. Vote: 7-0. The district has livestreamed meetings for several years; the policy is now required under South Carolina law and reflects no procedural changes.
- Policy GCLE and GCLE-R — Unencumbered Time for School Nurses — Motion to accept the recommendation of administration to approve Policy GCLE Unencumbered Time for Nurses as presented. Vote: 7-0. Policy responds to a South Carolina General Assembly budget proviso requiring 30 minutes of daily unencumbered time for school nurses.
- Approval of New High School Courses (2026-2027) — Motion to accept the recommendation of administration to approve new high school courses for the 2026-2027 school year as presented. Vote: 7-0. Courses include AP Business with Personal Finance, AP Seminar, ARV 110: Computer Graphics, ARV 212: Digital Photography, and multiple Honors-level arts and media courses.
- Personnel — Assistant Principal Appointment — Motion to accept the recommendation of the administration to name Ms. Leah Cox as Assistant Principal to Fort Mill Middle School. Vote: 7-0.
- Executive Session — Motion to enter Executive Session at 8:51 p.m. to discuss legal, contractual, and personnel matters. Vote: 7-0.
Watchlist Flags
- School Facilities: Consideration of Approval of Courses — The board approved an expanded course catalog for the 2026-2027 school year, which may reflect or drive programmatic space and staffing needs at the high school level.
> "The board voted to approve new high school courses for the 2026-2027 school year including AP Business with Personal Finance, AP Seminar, ARV 110: Computer Graphics & ARV 212: Digital Photography, Band 5 and 7 (Honors), Concert Chorus 5 and 7 (Honors), Theatre 3 and 4 (Honors), Media Tech 3 (Honors), and Dance 5, 6, 7 and 8 Honors."
Action Items & Upcoming Dates
- David Phillips (Partner) to present OMB Compliance Supplement for Federal Program audits at the January Board meeting
- Nov. 18, 2025 — School Board Visits to FMES, FMMS, and DBES
- Nov. 18, 2025 — School Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
- Nov. 26–28, 2025 — Thanksgiving Break
- Dec. 4, 2025 — Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools of Excellence Award Recognition (Pleasant Knoll Elementary, Tega Cay Elementary, Catawba Ridge High School)
- Dec. 6–7, 2025 — SCSBA Legislative Conference
- Dec. 9, 2025 — School Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
- Dec. 19, 2025 — Instructional half-day for students with specified dismissal times
Agenda Items
-
1.01
Call to Order by Superintendent Grey Young
Superintendent Young called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
- Outcome
- no_action
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.1
- Tags
- None
-
1.02
Statement of Public Notice of Meeting
Superintendent Young stated that public notice was provided in accordance with S.C. Code of Laws 1985, Section 30-4-80-e to The Herald, The Charlotte Observer, CN2, and WRHI.
- Outcome
- no_action
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.1
- Tags
- None
-
1.03
Moment of Silence
A moment of silence was observed.
- Outcome
- no_action
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.1
- Tags
- None
-
1.04
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
- Outcome
- no_action
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.1
- Tags
- None
-
1.05
Approval of Agenda
Superintendent Young stated that, without objection, the agenda is approved as submitted.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.1
- Tags
- None
-
2
Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the School Board
Mrs. Kristy Spears was elected as Chairwoman and Mrs. Lipi Pratt was elected as Vice-Chairwoman.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.1
- Tags
- None
-
3
Approval of Minutes
Chairwoman Spears stated that the minutes of the October 21, 2025 Board Meeting are approved as submitted.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.1
- Tags
- None
-
4.01
Recognition of Catawba Ridge High School Band, 4A State Champions
Recognition of Catawba Ridge High School Band as 4A State Champions under the direction of Mr. Patrick Butler.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.1
- Tags
- recognition band state champions
-
4.02
Recognition of Catawba Ridge High School 100m Backstroke Swim 5A State Champion
Recognition of Catawba Ridge High School 100m Backstroke Swim 5A State Champion under Coach Tony Murray.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.1
- Tags
- recognition swim state champion
-
4.03
Recognition of Fort Mill High School Individual Swim Events 5A State Champions
Recognition of Fort Mill High School Individual Swim Events 5A State Champions under Coach VanBuskirk.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.2
- Tags
- recognition swim state champions
-
4.04
Recognition of Fort Mill High School State Champion Veterinary Science Team
Recognition of Fort Mill High School State Champion Veterinary Science Team under the direction of Mr. Timothy Pasour.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.2
- Tags
- recognition veterinary science state champion
-
4.05
Recognition of Fort Mill High School York County Sports Program of the Year
Recognition of Fort Mill High School as York County Sports Program of the Year under the direction of Dr. Latoya Dixon.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.2
- Tags
- recognition sports program award
-
4.06
Recognition of Nation Ford High School Band, 5A State Champions
Recognition of Nation Ford High School Band as 5A State Champions under the direction of Mr. Ray Linkous.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.2
- Tags
- recognition band state champions
-
4.07
Recognition of Nation Ford High School Girls Weightlifting Team, 5A SC Strength Coaches Associations State Champion
Recognition of Nation Ford High School Girls Weightlifting Team as 5A SC Strength Coaches Associations State Champion under Coach Michael Angelou and Coach Tyler Klipa.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.2
- Tags
- recognition weightlifting state champion
-
4.08
Recognition of Nation Ford High School Individual Swim Events 5A State Champions
Recognition of Nation Ford High School Individual Swim Events 5A State Champions under Coach Alyssa McAllister.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.2
- Tags
- recognition swim state champions
-
4.09
Recognition of PLT Team of the Year
Recognition of PLT Team of the Year under the direction of Dr. Mike Waiksnis.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.2
- Tags
- recognition award
-
4.10
Superintendent's Red Nose Award
The Superintendent's Red Nose Award recognizes staff who demonstrate school level excellence, empathy, and kindness as it relates to the 4C's of Mr. Young's administration: Culture, Community Engagement, Commitment, and Continuous Improvement. This month's award was given to Richard 'Stump' Eppes, Anne Ledford, Mandy Pyrc, and Lynn Marsh.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.2
- Tags
- recognition award
-
5
School Spotlight - Riverview Elementary School
Riverview Elementary's board presentation spotlighted the school's mission 'ALL learn, ALL grow, and ALL belong' and how this guiding belief shapes instructional decisions. The team shared notable academic growth including increased SC Ready ELA and Math scores, improved SC-Alt performance, and exceptional achievement among gifted learners. Through intentional collaboration including clear Tier 1 expectations, specialty PLCs, strengthened co-teaching practices, and aligned inclusive supports, teachers across all settings worked together to elevate outcomes for every student.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.2
- Tags
- school spotlight academic achievement elementary school
-
6.01
Public Participation - Silfab Solar
Mr. Brian Gracon spoke regarding Silfab Solar.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.2
- Tags
- public participation solar energy
-
6.02
Public Participation - Silfab Solar
Mr. Patrick Lloyd spoke regarding Silfab Solar.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.2
- Tags
- public participation solar energy
-
7.01
Monthly Financial/Impact Fee Update
Mrs. Leanne Lordo provided the monthly financial update for September 30 (third month in fiscal year) with total revenue of $34,399,978 and total expenditures of $52,476,122. Impact fees collected total $82,042,244 with $85,360,780 submitted in claims to York County. Notable updates include vehicle tax collections of $2,364,560, 5,164 total housing units, and monthly collection data for October and November.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.3
- Tags
- financial report impact fees budget
-
7.02
State Report Card Update
Dr. Mike Wiaksnis presented information from the State Report Card released by the South Carolina Department of Education. Fort Mill School District received excellent overall ratings for all three high schools, 6 middle schools, and 6 elementary schools rated excellent with 5 receiving good. The district ranked highest in SC Ready ELA and Math grades 3-8 and ranked first in College and Career Readiness among traditional public schools.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.3
- Tags
- state report card academic achievement performance
-
7.03
Dual Credit Pathways
Dr. Mike Wiaksnis and Dr. Gales Scroggs presented information about Dual Credit Pathways. Dual Credit courses allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time. College credit is awarded based on the final course grade and credits earned can often transfer to other colleges or universities.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.4
- Tags
- dual credit college readiness
-
7.04
First Reading of Policy JH and JH-R Excused Absences for Career and Technical Student Organization Experiences
Dr. Latoya Dixon presented first reading of Policy JH and JH-R Excused Absences for Career and Technical Student Organization Experiences.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.4
- Tags
- policy absences career and technical education
-
8.01
Consideration of Approval of Policy BEA Livestreaming of Board Meetings
The board voted to approve Policy BEA regarding the livestreaming of school board meetings. The district has livestreamed board meetings for several years pre-dating the new law. This new policy is now required under South Carolina law but does not represent any needed changes to the current procedures used.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Motion to accept the recommendation of administration to approve Policy BEA Livestreaming of School Board Meetings as presented.
- Moved / seconded
- Michele Branning / Scott Frattaroli
- Vote
- 7-0
- Source ref
- page: p.4
- Tags
- policy livestreaming board meetings
-
8.02
Second Reading of Updates to Policy GCLE and Administrative Rule GCLE-R Unencumbered Time for School Nurses
The board voted to approve Policy GCLE and accompanying administrative rule regarding unencumbered time for school nurses. This policy is needed in response to South Carolina General Assembly budget proviso to include school nurses in the daily requirement for 30 minutes of unencumbered time. Unencumbered time is defined as 30 minutes during the regular workday where teachers or school nurses are provided time that is self-directed and free from assigned duties or responsibilities.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Motion to accept the recommendation of administration to approve Policy GCLE Unencumbered Time for Nurses as presented.
- Moved / seconded
- Michele Branning / Scott Frattaroli
- Vote
- 7-0
- Source ref
- page: p.5
- Tags
- policy school nurses unencumbered time
-
8.03
Consideration of Approval of Courses
The board voted to approve new high school courses for the 2026-2027 school year including AP Business with Personal Finance, AP Seminar, ARV 110: Computer Graphics & ARV 212: Digital Photography, Band 5 and 7 (Honors), Concert Chorus 5 and 7 (Honors), Theatre 3 and 4 (Honors), Media Tech 3 (Honors), and Dance 5, 6, 7 and 8 Honors.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Motion to accept the recommendation of administration to approve new high school courses for the 2026-2027 school year as presented.
- Moved / seconded
- Michele Branning / Scott Frattaroli
- Vote
- 7-0
- Source ref
- page: p.5
- Tags
- curriculum course approval high school courses
-
9.01
Calendar of Events
Superintendent Young provided calendar of upcoming events including November 18 School Board Visits to FMES, FMMS, and DBES; November 18 School Board Meeting; November 26-28 Thanksgiving Break; December 4 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools of Excellence Award Recognition; December 6-7 SCSBA Legislative Conference; December 9 School Board Meeting; and December 19 Instructional 1/2 Day with specified dismissal times.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.5
- Tags
- calendar upcoming events
-
9.02
Enrollment Update
Superintendent Young reported that the current enrollment is 18,265.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.6
- Tags
- enrollment
-
9.03
Student Attendance Update
Student attendance rates are NFHS 95.5%, GHMS 97.2%, and OPES 97.8% (highest in the district).
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.6
- Tags
- attendance student metrics
-
9
Executive Session
Chairwoman Kristy Spears stated that the Board was in need of an Executive Session to discuss legal and contractual issues and personnel recommendations. Ms. Branning made a motion to enter Executive Session at 8:51 p.m. and Dr. Frattaroli seconded the motion which passed by a unanimous 7-0 vote.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- 7-0
- Source ref
- page: p.6
- Tags
- executive session legal contractual personnel
-
13.01
Actions from Discussions During Executive Session
In Executive Session, the Board discussed legal, contractual, and personnel recommendations. Ms. Branning made a motion to accept the recommendation of the administration to name Ms. Leah Cox as Assistant Principal to Fort Mill Middle School. Dr. Frattaroli seconded the motion which passed by a unanimous 7-0 vote. No actions were taken on legal or contractual matters.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Motion to accept the recommendation of the administration to name Ms. Leah Cox as Assistant Principal to Fort Mill Middle School.
- Moved / seconded
- Michele Branning / Scott Frattaroli
- Vote
- 7-0
- Source ref
- page: p.6
- Tags
- personnel assistant principal appointment
-
5
Adjournment
Being no further business, Ms. Branning made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:12 p.m. Dr. Frattaroli seconded the motion which passed by a unanimous 7-0 vote.
- Outcome
- no_action
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- 7-0
- Source ref
- page: p.6
- Tags
- None
Votes
-
Consideration of Approval of Policy BEA Livestreaming of Board Meetings
Motion to accept the recommendation of administration to approve Policy BEA Livestreaming of School Board Meetings as presented.
- Vote
- 7-0
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.4
-
Second Reading of Updates to Policy GCLE and Administrative Rule GCLE-R Unencumbered Time for School Nurses
Motion to accept the recommendation of administration to approve Policy GCLE Unencumbered Time for Nurses as presented.
- Vote
- 7-0
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.5
-
Consideration of Approval of Courses
Motion to accept the recommendation of administration to approve new high school courses for the 2026-2027 school year as presented.
- Vote
- 7-0
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.5
-
Executive Session
Motion not recorded
- Vote
- 7-0
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.6
-
Actions from Discussions During Executive Session
Motion to accept the recommendation of the administration to name Ms. Leah Cox as Assistant Principal to Fort Mill Middle School.
- Vote
- 7-0
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.6
-
Adjournment
Motion not recorded
- Vote
- 7-0
- Outcome
- no_action
- Source ref
- page: p.6
Public Hearings
No public hearings listed.
Action Items
-
Present OMB Compliance Supplement for Federal Program audits at January Board meeting
- Owner
- David Phillips, Partner
- Due
- Source ref
- page: p.3
Upcoming Dates
-
School Board Visits to FMES, FMMS, and DBES
- Date
- 2025-11-18
-
School Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
- Date
- 2025-11-18
-
Thanksgiving Break begins
- Date
- 2025-11-26
-
Thanksgiving Break ends
- Date
- 2025-11-28
-
Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools of Excellence Award Recognition for Pleasant Knoll Elementary, Tega Cay Elementary, and Catawba Ridge High School
- Date
- 2025-12-04
-
South Carolina School Board Association (SCSBA) Legislative Conference begins
- Date
- 2025-12-06
-
South Carolina School Board Association (SCSBA) Legislative Conference ends
- Date
- 2025-12-07
-
School Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
- Date
- 2025-12-09
-
Instructional 1/2 Day for Students with specified dismissal times
- Date
- 2025-12-19
Watchlist Flags
No watchlist items flagged.
Uncertainty Notes
-
no_schema_validation
- Field
schema_version- Value
- Not applicable
- Note
- Schema is 0.1.0-draft; final validation must happen downstream in Codex.
-
vote_granularity
- Field
facts.agenda_items[*].vote- Value
- Not applicable
- Note
- Approved minutes record tallies but not per-member dissent.
-
watchlist_coverage
- Field
generated_narrative.watchlist_flags- Value
- Not applicable
- Note
- Watchlist found 1 confirmed flags.
-
enum_mismatch
- Field
facts.body- Value
school- Note
- Haiku returned body='school'; expected 'board'. Validator accepts any string.