Two District Five schools named to SC School Improvement Council’s 2019 Honor Roll

Irmo, SC - Two School Improvement Councils (SICs) representing Lexington-Richland School District Five have been named to the South Carolina School Improvement Council’s (SC-SIC) Honor Roll for their “significant efforts to foster civic engagement in public education.”

The SICs making the list of eleven from across South Carolina are Chapin Middle School and Dutch Fork High School.

“It's wonderful that our SIC is being recognized for their contributions to making Dutch Fork High School great,” said principal Dr. Gerald Gary. “Our members represent our parents, faculty and community and they consistently look for new ways to improve and maximize teaching and learning for all.”

Dutch Fork High School SIC chair Jim Mensch said the leadership and support the SIC committee receives has been a big part of the council’s success.

“We are extremely proud to be named to the 2019 SIC Honor Roll for the Dick and Tunky Riley Award,” Mensch said. “Our committee is always looking for ways to enhance the educational experiences for students at Dutch Fork High School. This recognition is a true team effort, and we look forward to more good things to come in the future.”

Chapin Middle School principal Anna Miller said she continues to be amazed by the work of the SIC at her school.

“I am excited and proud of our SIC and their dedication and hard work for our school,” Miller said. “Our chair, Renee Holstein, along with our entire council are completely invested in Chapin Middle School, and their efforts are truly a labor of love.”

"It is such a privilege to serve on an SIC with so many community members, parents, students and administrators who are passionate about making Chapin Middle School a safe and happy school for every student,” said Chapin Middle School SIC Chair Renee Holstein. “This recognition represents each person who volunteers their time to improve all aspects of our community at Chapin Middle School. If our schools are great, it makes our community stronger."

“The value and reach of our state’s School Improvement Councils cannot be emphasized enough,” said Tom F. Hudson, SC-SIC Executive Director. “The collaborative energies of parents, community members, educators, students, and other partners working together on identified needs and shared goals truly benefits us all. We are extremely proud of the dedication and accomplishments of this year’s Honor Roll SICs.”

Five finalists from this year’s list of Honor Roll SICs will be selected in February, with one to be announced as the winner of the annual Riley Award for SIC Excellence in April.

School Improvement Councils were established in state law over 40 years ago. Part of the Center for Educational Partnerships within the University of South Carolina College of Education, the SC School Improvement Council provides the member training, technical assistance, statutory accountability, and other operational resources necessary for the continued success of the community-based SICs in each of the state’s K-12 public schools.

More information on SC-SIC, the Riley Award for School Improvement Council Excellence, and award winners from previous years can be found online at http://sic.sc.gov.