Notes from the Thursday (May 19) Lexington 2 Schools Board Meeting

The Lexington 2 budget for 2016-17 will be about $76 million, and include no request for a tax increase.

In accordance with state protocol, Lexington 2 will go to a 10-point grading system for the 2016-17 School Year. It is is currently on a 7-point system. Under the new statewide plan, an “A will be from 90-to-100. A “D” will be from 60-to70. The change is being made to conform with other states, and to give South Carolina students more opportunities for scholarships when competing with states on the 10-point system.

The board approved a $6.5 million plan for cafeteria improvement at Congaree Elementary.

The school board approved $1.8 million for the first part of a plan to upgrade facilities- including the softball field and and a resurfaced track – at Airport High School.

Improvements for the i2Tech program at BCHS- costing $890,000 – were approved by the board. The upgrade includes a science lab and two class rooms. Completion date is scheduled for August.

The board approved a plan to upgrade Springdale Elementary School. Six new classrooms will be added, the traffic pattern will be expanded and re-routed for more safety, and many other upgrades are scheduled to be made to the school.

The price for school lunch and breakfast, in the district, is rising by 10 cents; and the price of breakfast will rise by 5 cents. The increase is mandated by the federal government, so that paid lunches will keep pace with free-lunch allotments. The federal rate for lunch is $3.15. There is a cap of 10 cents on an increase.