Dorchester District 4's Board of Trustees convened for its November meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 6 PM. The evening began with the swearing-in of board members following recent elections.
Re-elected members Dr. James Hodges (District 1) and Mr. Tony Folk (District 3), along with newly elected Mrs. Jenny Infinger (District 2), took their oaths of office. The board then re-elected its officers, with Mrs. Phyllis Hughes retaining her role as Chair, Mr. Tony Folk as Vice Chair, and Dr. James Hodges as Secretary.
Alumni Generosity on Display
During the public forum, Mr. Lamant Boyd and Dr. Nancy Britt-Stevens, representing the St. George High School Class Reunion, highlighted their fundraising efforts to support local schools. The alumni group presented donations of $2,000 to Woodland Middle School and $1,000 to Woodland High School. Alumni in attendance included Dr. Tracy Jackson, Mrs. Corey Prentiss, Mrs. Alisa Lemon, and Mrs. Stacy Smoak. 
Mr. Boyd expressed pride in the alumni’s contributions, emphasizing their commitment to giving back to the community that shaped them.
Celebrating Everyday Heroes
The meeting also featured recognition of November’s Everyday Heroes, part of the district’s employee appreciation program, by Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Dr. April Sanders:
Ms. Michelle Council of Harleyville Elementary was celebrated for her exceptional dedication, stepping into multiple roles, including teaching physical education and Math RTI, while maintaining a positive and creative learning environment. 
Ms. Simmons of Clay Hill Elementary was honored for her flexibility in transitioning to a special education role over the summer, her teamwork with staff, and her steadfast commitment to student success.
Both honorees received certificates and commemorative coins from Superintendent Jeffrey Beckwith.
Operational Updates
Interim Chief of Operations James Martin provided updates on ongoing projects across the district, including:
- Water Access for Harleyville Elementary: Preparations are underway to demolish the old Department of Exceptional Children building, with the department relocating to the renovated Harleyville Middle School.
- Roof Repairs: Work will begin soon on the gymnasiums at Harleyville Elementary and Williams Memorial Elementary.
- Playground Enhancements: New equipment, including artificial turf, has been ordered for district schools.
Martin also highlighted the success of Election Day operations, which several district schools hosted without any issues, and shared plans to upgrade outdated kitchen equipment.
Superintendent's Highlights
Superintendent Beckwith shared exciting developments, including the ongoing success of Woodland Middle School’s SpaceTalk experience and plans to transform the former St. George Middle School media center into a professional development and board meeting space by February. He also presented the 2025 board meeting schedule, which was approved and will be posted soon.
Looking Ahead
Mr. Beckwith requested the need for a special called board meeting on December 3, 2024, to address policy updates required by the state. The next regular board meeting will be held on December 17, 2024, at Woodland High School.
Dorchester District 4 continues to prioritize community engagement, innovation, and the well-being of its students and staff as it advances its mission to serve the region effectively.