School Board Hears Update on District's Vision 2015 Plan

Lexington-Richland 5 Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner said Monday night there are several schools working on magnet proposals in hopes of expanding magnet options in the district. 

During an update on the district's Vision 2015 plan, Hefner said staff are working on proposals for Nursery Road, Seven Oaks, H. E. Corley and Dutch Fork elementary schools, Irmo High School (include enhancements to the International Baccalaureate program) and Irmo Middle School.

"It is a brutal fact that we are experiencing increasing competition from many different sources," Hefner said. "Therefore, we must continue to strive aggressively to continue to be the best district and the best choice for folks that live here in our community."

Hefner said the district already has four magnet programs, which includes Irmo High School's International Baccalaureate program, Harbison West Elementary School's Escolares Academy, Dutch Fork High School's STEM Academy and the Alternative Academy for Success. 

Magnet schools in the district inlcude Leaphart Elementary School, the Center for Advanced Technical Studies and the new Spring Hill High School. 

Hefner said the district needs to offer a wider variety of programs.

Irmo, Chapin and Dutch Fork high schools will continue as traditional schools and offer one or more magnet programs.

At Spring Hill, students will be required to earn certification in a career area as a standard for graduation.

Hefner previously said the district's Vision 2015 plan "would help move the district forward as a world-class system."

The plan focuses on renovation/construction projects at Chapin, Spring Hill, Dutch Fork and Irmo high schools, and increasing the number of magnet and choice programs.

In other business:

• Approved first reading of proposed revisions to "I" policies concerning school wellness and student fundraising activities. 
• Dr. Bob Couch, the district's director of career and technical education, presented a slideshow of photos taken at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies of students participating in various course offerings.
• Mark Bounds, the district's public information officer, gave a brief overview of the status of the board's policy revisions. 
• The board discussed several proposed revisions in section "I" of the policy manual. Policies discussed included revisions to Secondary education, graduation requirements, and career/transition to work education.

The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Oct. 22 at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies, 916 Mount Vernon Church Road in Chapin.