Charlotte K. Berger

cberger@thecherawchronicle.com

 CHESTERFIELD – Jefferson Elementary principal Wendy Folsom was presented with a plaque for the Palmetto Silver award at the September board meeting. J.R. Green, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction and Dr. John Williams, Superintendent, made the presentation.

 Jefferson Elementary School has been honored as a Palmetto Gold and Silver Showcase school by the South Carolina Department of Education. The Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards Showcase recognize schools that have shown positive experiences and successful educational programs.

 In other business, an architectural presentation was given by architects Goforth, Brown and Associates on the old Edwards School Renovation project. The areas of discussion included an information technology center, classroom space, and a possible meeting room. The project is still in the works regarding the renovations. “Students will have priority of the space occupied for learning and technology,” said Williams.

 Vick and board members also voted unanimously to allow appointed bids to be taken for 1,000 new bleachers at the high school and 600 at McBee High, which are in need of replacement.

 Other business included public comments in which three present Chesterfield County School Dist. Employees voiced their opinions regarding promoting within the district.

 Brenda Caulder, Kristen Smith, and Tonya Williams, all currently employed as Chesterfield County school bus drivers, stood before the board to voice their concerns about hiring outside of the district.

In the recent weeks, the three women were interviewed for another position within the school system. With much disappointment, none of the three were offered that particular job. According to Caulder, someone outside the school system filled the job. “Are we penalized because we drive a bus? There are employees that have worked with five to 12 years of experience that get turned down time and time again. We keep asking ourselves why we as employees cannot get these positions and let our positions be filled by those outside the district. Let them start at the bottom and work their way up the ladder like we did,” said Caulder.

 Chairman Chad Vick thanked Caulder, Williams and Smith for their concerns and comments and that the board would consider their concerns.