At its January board meeting, the Dorchester School District Four Board of Trustees recognized employee and board service, reviewed progress on facility improvements, approved governance actions, and examined school improvement strategies focused on student growth and instructional effectiveness.
Everyday Heroes and Service Recognitions
The board continued the district’s Everyday Hero Employee Recognition Program by honoring three employees whose daily service makes a meaningful difference for students and families. Each honoree received a certificate and commemorative coin from the superintendent.
Mrs. Margie Lewis was recognized for 36 years of service as a school bus driver, safely transporting students to Williams Memorial Elementary, Woodland Middle, and Woodland High Schools. Mrs. Latisha Brown was honored for her work as a Student Concern Specialist and After-School Director at Woodland Middle, where she serves as a mentor, substitute teacher, and program leader. Mr. Michael Samson was recognized for his leadership at Woodland High as a student government sponsor and social studies teacher, promoting student leadership, professionalism, and school pride.
In addition to employee recognitions, the board acknowledged its commitment to ethical governance. Board members were recognized for reaffirming the South Carolina School Boards Association Ethical Principles, underscoring their responsibility to serve students, staff, and the community with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
The board also recognized longtime board member James L. Hodges for 35 years of dedicated service to Dorchester School District Four. Mr. Hodges received a Service Award presented by the South Carolina School Boards Association in appreciation of his decades of leadership, advocacy, and commitment to public education.
Board members emphasized that both employee and board recognitions reflect a shared commitment to steady service, sound leadership, and the long-term success of students and schools.
Facilities and Capital Projects
Several facility projects reached completion over the holiday break, including kitchen renovations, campus improvements supporting adult education and student services, and the installation of new interactive classroom displays at Williams Memorial and Clay Hill. Camera system replacements at Harleyville were completed, with final programming underway.
Additional projects are scheduled for summer, including major kitchen equipment replacements and infrastructure upgrades at Williams and Clay Hill. Food and Nutrition Services received an initial allotment through the South Carolina Cafeteria Program, with the opportunity for additional funding tied to in-state purchasing.
Transportation and Staffing Updates
Three new bus driver trainees completed training in December, strengthening district transportation operations. Recruitment and in-house training efforts remain ongoing.
School Improvement Plans and Instructional Focus
The board approved continuous improvement plans for Harleyville Elementary and Clay Hill Elementary following recent state report card results.
Harleyville Elementary outlined a focused strategy centered on aligning resources to student needs, strengthening core instruction, and expanding targeted small-group support, with progress monitored at regular intervals throughout the year.
Clay Hill Elementary presented a plan addressing challenges related to small cohort sizes, emphasizing daily intervention blocks, expanded use of multiple data sources, after-school academic supports, and enrichment opportunities.
Both schools will provide progress updates at established checkpoints to guide instructional decisions and adjustments.
Governance and Calendar Actions
Trustees conducted first and second readings on several district policies, approving updates and revisions. The board also approved the academic calendar for the upcoming school year, which includes a fall break, a full Thanksgiving week, and a school year ending before Memorial Day.
The next regular meeting of the Dorchester School District Four Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026.