Greenville County Schools revises, renames DEI policy: Board of Trustees notes

Here is a recap of the Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees’ June 24 meeting.

Approved: DEI policy revisions

The board voted 11-1 to approve revisions to the district’s policy regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. 

All references to DEI have been replaced within the policy, which was renamed Equal Opportunity and Fair Treatment. Related words, such as social emotional well-being, culture, race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation and disability, were also removed from the policy. 

A five-member ad hoc committee was established in the spring at the request of Board Trustee Jeff Cochran to review the policy. The committee met twice in May to discuss possible revisions.

The policy revision received initial approval during the board’s committee of the whole meeting on June 10. At the meeting, Cochran explained that the original policy, which was adopted in May 2021, could invite scrutiny from the federal and state governments that could lead to the loss of funding. 

Tim Waller, spokesman for GCS, said the district does not employ a DEI officer or have an established DEI department. The original policy outlined an evaluation rubric and accountability used to measure the success of DEI practices. These items were also removed during the revision.

Approved: FY2026 building fund budget

The board unanimously approved the building fund budget for fiscal year 2026. The approved budget included funding adjustments for six projects outlined in the district’s Capital Improvement Program.

• New Food and Nutrition Services Center, $1.9 million budget increase
• Ralph Chandler Middle School, $5.3 million budget increase 
• Central Office addition, $2.15 million budget increase
• New Bryson Middle School,  $2.8 million budget increase
• Fountain Inn K-8 conversion, $5.9 million budget increase
• New Donaldson Career Center, $4.6 million decrease

Superintendent Burke Royster said the funding adjustments were made due to the escalating construction costs from tariffs and unpredictable labor availability. The district’s Maintenance and Replacement System also received increased funding.

The board discussed whether the planned expansion project to the district’s central office building should be removed from the Capital Improvement Program to offset the increased project funding. The total estimated cost for the central office project is $17.1 million. This idea was ultimately voted down.  

Update: Special education review process

Royster also provided an update on the strategic review of the district’s special education services for students with disabilities. Surveys and multiple forums have been conducted to collect parent, public and employee input as part of the multi-step Shared Ownership Review Process.

Read more about the Shared Ownership Review Process

Multiple priorities and ideas were identified through the feedback process related to:

• Improving communication between parents and schools
• Enhancing the individualized education plan meetings 
• Strengthening the transition process for students with disabilities 

GCS plans to tackle some of the priorities during the summer. For example, the school district will explore potential software upgrades to Backpack or a new technology tool to enhance communication.

An administrator focus group will be established over the summer to help students transitioning to new schools or grade levels. Royster said a principal focus group will also be created to generate ideas “to ensure all students feel a sense of belonging.”

The school district will hold a two-day special education summit on Sept. 22 and 23 to further explore topics identified from parent, teacher and public feedback. Royster said selected parents, guardians, special education teachers, administrators and others will participate in the summit. 

Additional items

• The board approved a resolution authorizing the sale of general obligation bonds not exceeding $215 million for fiscal year 2026.
• The board unanimously approved the FY2026 special revenue budgets. The school district is expected to receive $159.9 million in federal, state and local funding for special projects. 
• The board approved a permanent and perpetual easement and right-of-way request by Upstate Greenways and Trails Alliance for a walk and bike trail at Hollis Academy.
• The board approved the city of Greenville’s request for a public access easement at Blythe Academy. This easement will allow the city to complete a safety improvement project along Augusta Street. 

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