High school teacher merit award program gets approval from Darlington County School District

DARLINGTON — Darlington County School District Board of Education approved a high school teacher incentive merit award pilot project during a regular meeting Monday.
Superintendent Dr. Rainey Knight briefly discussed the administration’s recommendation for the merit program.
The purpose of the project is to recognize annually high school teachers who teach English language arts (ELA) or math to students taking the High School Assessment Program (HSAP) for the first time; teachers who tutor English or math to seniors who still need to pass HSAP in order to graduate; and teachers who teach students that take end-of-course tests in English I, Algebra I or physical science.
The project focuses on high school teachers because of the growing difficulty in recruiting certified high school teachers. The goal is to increase HSAP and end-of-course scores in the district.
A teacher who met either of the criteria for the pilot project would receive $25 for every student who passes HSAP in ELA or math; $100 for every student who passes HSAP in ELA or math their senior year in order to graduate; and $25 for every student who makes an A, B, C or D on an end-of-course test.
Funds for the pilot project would come from the district’s Title II fund. The total based on projected amounts for student growth results for 2008 plus fringe benefits would be $94,107.
Also during the meeting, the board approved architectural firm Jumper Carter Sease to design the addition to Brockington Elementary Magnet School for Science and Technology.
The board also approved awarding contracts to the following: Southern Bleachers, based on their low bid of $801,500, to construct additional seating in the grandstands at Darlington High School’s football stadium; Sturdisteel, based on their low bid of $413,700, to construct additional seating in the grandstands at Kelleytown Stadium; and Gamble & Stuckey, based on their low bid of $1,049,500, to construct a new concession stand and new toilets at Darlington High School’s football stadium.
Rob Jordan, certified public accountant for Hill & Jordan LLC CPA, discussed a preliminary report of the district’s audit.
The board had an executive session to discuss a student-appeal hearing; receive legal advice concerning property at the former Thornwell campus; and discuss the superintendent’s evaluation.