Aiken County School Board Welcomes New Members and Discusses Key Policy Changes

Aiken Welcomes New School Board Members

AIKEN, SC – The Aiken County Board of Education welcomed two newly elected members during its regular meeting on November 19, 2024. Colen Lindell and Liz Morris took their oaths of office, marking a new chapter for the school board and the community.

Who are the New Members?

Colen Lindell and Liz Morris were sworn in at the meeting, with Lindell filling the District 4 seat, which represents North Augusta. He was elected through write-in ballots during the general election on November 5. Lindell takes over from Dr. Patricia Hanks, who chose not to seek a second term. Liz Morris joins the board after winning a special election on November 12 for the District 6 seat, which covers the Midland Valley area. She succeeds Dwight Smith, who resigned in August.

What Did They Say?

Before the meeting, Lindell expressed his enthusiasm: “I feel good. I’m just excited to be able to represent North Augusta tonight and hopefully, like I said on the campaign trail, be a strong voice and an effective leader for them.” Morris shared her appreciation for the opportunity to work with educators who previously taught her children, stating, “I feel great, because so many of these people worked with my kids K-12…to be able to work with them on this level means so much.”

Reelection and Welcome Remarks

In addition to Lindell and Morris, reelected members Cameron Nuessle, John Bradley, and Deborah Tyler were also sworn in. Board Chairman Nuessle welcomed the newcomers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among board members to serve the best interests of the students. “Serving on a school board is no small task. Sometimes you’re asked to make difficult decisions and balance competing priorities,” Nuessle remarked.

Public Support and Funding for Education

Nuessle further thanked the residents of Aiken for their support in passing a penny sales tax designated for school construction and improvements. He stressed the significance of this funding as vital to enhancing educational environments. “This is another significant step towards our commitment in trying to provide our students with the best learning environment that we can,” he noted, addressing the need for modern facilities and equipment.

Policy Changes Regarding Electronic Devices

During the meeting, the board also discussed revisions to its policy on student use of cellphones and electronic devices during school hours. Under the new guidelines, elementary school students will not be permitted to have phones at school, while middle and high school students must keep their devices switched off and stored throughout the day. Dr. Corey Murphy, the district superintendent, explained that the policy aims to balance the need for safety and communication with the goal of maintaining focus in the classroom.

Project Management Concerns

Additionally, the board examined a proposal to authorize district administration to negotiate a contract with H.G. Reynolds company for managing the installation of new artificial turf on the football fields of Aiken High, Midland Valley High, and Silver Bluff High. Board member Jim Broome raised concerns over the costs associated with hiring an external company rather than utilizing district personnel. Murphy responded, stating that the district currently lacks the capacity to supervise several large-scale projects simultaneously. Nuessle confirmed that this matter would be revisited at the next board meeting.

Conclusion

The swearing-in of Lindell and Morris, alongside the ongoing discussions regarding policy changes and funding, highlights a time of transition and opportunity for Aiken County Public Schools. As these new members settle into their roles, the community looks forward to their leadership and contributions to the educational landscape.