082526 Richland School District Two Board of Trustees Meeting

The Richland School District Two Board of Trustees held a work session meeting on August 25, 2026, focusing on several key topics including student screen time, facility updates, and policy revisions. The board approved motions related to student admissions into the adult education program and employment recommendations. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a detailed presentation and discussion on student screen time, instructional models, and the use of technology in classrooms, highlighting concerns about balancing technology use with direct instruction and student well-being. The board also received an update on the Spears Creek Church Road facility renovation project, including the hiring of design and construction teams through a competitive RFP process, with plans for phased renovations and partnerships with the Richland County Sheriff's Department. Additionally, the board discussed proposed revisions to employee leave policies, with motions to table certain policy changes to allow for further input from educators. The meeting concluded with a strategic planning activity to prioritize board agenda items and a review of the draft agenda for the upcoming September 8, 2026, regular board meeting, including motions to remove certain policy items and add a transportation update to a future workshop. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this session, but the facility update involved procurement through an RFP process for design and construction services.