The School District 56 Board of Trustees recognized two employees for outstanding work as part of the Special Recognition portion of Monday evening’s meeting.
Darryl Suber was presented the Spirit of 56 award for his efforts to improve attendance and behavior at the middle and high school level.
Also, Gabby Bates from Clinton Middle School was presented with the 2026 Upper Savannah Career Specialist of the Year Award. This honor acknowledges outstanding dedication to student success, professional leadership, and a continued commitment to advancing college, career, and/or military readiness through high-quality career development and advising practices within the region, a district statement said.
The School District also has made this announcement related to the MS Bailey Child Development Center:
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Carol Anne Barnes as the new Director of MS Bailey Child Development Center!
“Dr. Barnes brings a passion for early childhood education and a commitment to helping our youngest students learn and grow each day. We are thrilled to have her joining the District 56 family and look forward to the leadership and care she will bring to MS Bailey. We are so excited to have you at MS Bailey!”
Board business included receiving its monthly financial report, following an April 20 FY 2026-27 budget discussion meeting. Next year’s budget likely will receive the first of two readings at the May 18 board meeting.
Reports to the board included one from Curriculum & Instruction related to the Virtual Academy. This is the district’s announcement related to this new program:
“We've got EXCITING NEWS!!!! District 56 will pilot the ‘Laurens District 56 Virtual Academy’ for 6th-12th grade students in 2026-2027! The process for applying for the program involves completing an application. Students must have access to reliable Internet in order to be successful. Here are the basics:
1. Students would work from home on coursework via a software platform.
2. Attendance and lesson completion are monitored by a staff member.
3. Students are considered to be D56 students and can participate in all eligible activities.
4. There are a limited number of spots for the program.
5. Out of district and homeschool students are welcome to apply if interested. You do not have to be a current D56 student to apply.
6. Applications will be reviewed and participants will be notified of acceptance in mid-June or before.
7. The deadline to apply is June 1st, 2026.
Here's the link to the application:
https://forms.gle/Wt2H9fA63VeurAhe9"
The board also adopted 16 resolutions acknowledging the contributions of retiring employees. The Retirement Dinner is this Monday (May 4) evening at the District Conference Center in Clinton.
Next meetings of the District 56 Board of Trustees will be May 18 and June 22, 7:30 p.m. at the Conference Center, 100 Legion Dr., Clinton. Commencement for Clinton High School will be May 29 in the high school’s main gym; that also is the last day (180th day) for students.
