Greenwood, SC, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood School District 50 has initiated the Greenwood 50 recognition program to honor community members and educators making a notable impact. Awards were presented during a school board meeting, highlighting achievements among teachers, staff, and students. The district also reported improvements in academic performance, surpassing state averages in SCREADY test scores. Future efforts include safety enhancements and evaluations of school facilities.
Greenwood, SC – Greenwood School District 50 initiated the Greenwood 50 recognition program on Monday night, designed to honor individuals in the community, including teachers, staff, administrators, and students who are making a notable impact. During the school board meeting, various awards were presented to distinguished members of the community, showcasing the district’s commitment to recognizing excellence and achievement.
Among those awarded, the Knights of Columbus #7129 from Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church received a Greenwood 50 recognition award. Additionally, Amy Stabler, the child nutrition director for Greenwood School District 50 and District 52, was also recognized with a Greenwood 50 award during the event. Other awardees included Christian Foster, a senior from Emerald High School, and Lori Corley, the director at East End Academy. Beverly Alford, a sixth-and seventh-grade STEMS science teacher at Westview Middle School, was honored with a Greenwood 50 recognition award as well.
During the meeting, Shane Goodwin, the superintendent, shared that the district has improved its SCREADY test scores for the second consecutive year. Notably, District 50 surpassed the state average in English language arts and math for grades three to five and in fourth-grade science. Improvements were also observed in sixth-grade English, math, and science scores. Goodwin credited these educational advancements to leadership and instructional quality, particularly in elementary and middle schools.
However, the superintendent acknowledged that there are still areas needing improvement within the district, and plans are in place to maintain and build on this progress. In the latest SchoolDigger rankings, District 50 was positioned 20th in South Carolina, based on a combination of test scores, enrollment, and financial data.
Additionally, the school board decided against sending a representative to the SCSBA conference in December as part of their efforts to support spending cuts in the district. They cited concerns regarding the limited influence of attendance at the conference. To address stakeholder concerns, communication will take place during the SCSBA’s regional meeting scheduled at Emerald High School on October 2.
In terms of school safety and infrastructure, District 50 has applied for state funding to replace intercom systems across elementary and middle schools and to establish a district-wide weather system. A decision regarding the funding is anticipated following the state board’s meeting in November. Funding has already been allocated for the installation of safety doors in special education classrooms, with installation to begin once the doors are received.
Following a facilities study conducted two years ago, committees will assess whether to renovate or replace elementary schools, with future plans for a community referendum on this matter.
Key Facts Summary
- Recognition Program: Launched to honor community members and educators.
- Award Recipients: Included Knights of Columbus #7129, Amy Stabler, Christian Foster, Lori Corley, and Beverly Alford.
- Academic Performance: District improved SCREADY scores; surpassed state averages in multiple subjects.
- District Ranking: 20th in South Carolina according to SchoolDigger rankings.
- Financial Decisions: Board chose not to attend SCSBA conference to support spending cuts.
- Safety Measures: Funding applied for new intercom systems; installations for safety doors underway.
- Future Plans: Evaluation of facilities with potential community referendum.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Greenwood 50 recognition program?
The Greenwood 50 recognition program was introduced to honor community members, teachers, staff, administrators, and students making a difference.
Who received Greenwood 50 recognition awards during the school board meeting?
The awards were presented to Knights of Columbus #7129, Amy Stabler, Christian Foster, Lori Corley, and Beverly Alford.
How has Greenwood School District 50 performed academically?
The district has improved its SCREADY test scores for the second consecutive year and outperformed the state average in English language arts, math for grades three to five, and fourth-grade science.
Where does District 50 rank among South Carolina schools?
District 50 was ranked 20th in South Carolina in the latest SchoolDigger rankings based on test scores, enrollment, and finance data.
What financial decisions did the school board make recently?
The trustees decided not to send a representative to the SCSBA conference in December to support district spending cuts due to limited influence.
What plans are in place for school safety enhancements?
The district applied for state funding to replace intercom systems and is set to install safety doors in special education classrooms once they arrive.
What future evaluations are planned for the elementary schools?
Committees will evaluate whether to renovate or replace elementary schools, with plans for a community referendum in the future.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Greenwood 50 Recognition Program | A program to honor community contributions by various members. |
| Award Recipients | Knights of Columbus #7129, Amy Stabler, Christian Foster, Lori Corley, Beverly Alford. |
| Academic Performance | Improvement in SCREADY test scores for two consecutive years; surpassed state averages in key subjects. |
| District Ranking | Ranked 20th in South Carolina per SchoolDigger rankings. |
| Financial Decisions | No representative to the SCSBA conference to support spending cuts. |
| Safety Enhancements | Funding applied for new intercom systems; installation of safety doors in progress. |
| Future Plans | Evaluation of schools for renovation or replacement; community referendum anticipated. |
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Additional Resources
- WSPA: Greenwood District 50 Prepares
- Fox Carolina: New Superintendent Announcement
- WYFF: Greenwood Schools Heat Advisory Changes
- Index Journal: District 50 Climbs the Charts
- MSN: Upstate School District Chooses Finalists
- Wikipedia: Greenwood, South Carolina
- Google Search: Greenwood School District 50
- Google Scholar: Greenwood School District 50
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenwood South Carolina
- Google News: Greenwood School District 50
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