(Minutes submitted are unofficial until approved at the next month’s regular monthly meeting.)
The Latta School Board of Trustees met for the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 11,
2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Latta Middle School Media Center. In accordance with S.C. Code of
Laws of 1976, as amended, Section 30-4-80(E). The Dillon Herald was notified of the time,
date, place and agenda of this meeting. The agenda is also posted in the District Office and on
the district website.
Trustees present were Ray George, Vanessa Harrison, Shawn Myers, Eleanor Powers and JoAnn
Williamson.
Eleanor Powers called the meeting to order and welcomed all present and Stephanie Ard opened
with prayer.
Eleanor Powers called to amend the Agenda to allow the Latta Middle School Update to go first.
There being no corrections or additions to the February 11, 2025 minutes Eleanor Powers called
for a motion to approve the minutes and the amended agenda. Ray George made a motion and
Joann Williamson seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous.
Carrie Ann Brigman welcomed everyone to Latta Middle School and Sarah Duprel introduced
the Latta Middle School Student Council President, Majoria Wheeler, Vice President, Landon
Gasque, and Secretary, Ellie Kirk. The council then presented a PowerPoint of all the different
activities they have attended and headed up to encourage growth and engagement at Latta
Middle School. Shelley Marsh and Emily Mew then shared about PBIS and “Target Time”.
Mrs. Marsh shared that PBIS focuses on encouraging positive behaviors rather than focusing on
reacting to negative behaviors. She also shared that this allows those students who are doing the
right thing to be recognized and rewarded. Mrs. Mew then shared about target time. Small
groups of children, who are identified by SC Ready scores, iReady scores, or weaknesses they
have in class, are pulled during electives which allows teachers to really focus on their areas of
weakness and encourage them that they can do. Carrie Ann Brigman then shared that Latta
Middle School was just awarded a grant for high dose tutoring. This will not only include
teachers but students from the high school who perform well in math will also come over and
pull small groups to work with.
OLD BUSINESS
Stephanie Ard shared the update on the 2025-2026 District Calendar. Joann Williamson made a
motion to approve the calendar. Vanessa Harrison seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous.
DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
Stephanie Ard presented the status reports for January 2025 on the General Fund budget.
Sandy Jones shared the progress with LETRS training at the elementary school and the Federal
and State Consolidated Monitoring results. She then shared the recommendations for the K-12
mathematics textbook selection for next year. Eleanor Powers called for a motion to approve the
recommendation lists from the schools. Joann Williamson made a motion and Vanessa Harrison
seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous.
Stephanie Ard shared operational report on our athletic facilities and the LMS/LHS cafeteria.
Stephanie Ard shared information about the Farm to School Summit she and two other
employees attended. She also gave an update on the classroom gardens and the greenhouse.
NEW BUSINESS
Stephanie Ard informed the board of additional resignations and a new hire. Eleanor Powers
called for a motion to approve the new hire. Joann Williamson made a motion and Ray George
seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous.
CITIZEN INPUT ON ITEMS OF GENERAL INTEREST TO SCHOOLS
None
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None
FORMAL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION
None
There being no further business, Joann Williamson made a motion to adjourn at 7:12 p.m.
Shawn Myers seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous.
