COUNTY — On Oct. 28, the School District of Pickens County Board of Trustees met in executive session to conclude Superintendent Dr. Kelly Pew’s 2012-13 performance evaluation.

The annual evaluation is required by board policy and by the district’s employment agreement with the superintendent. This year, the evaluation focused on the district’s 2012–2013 goals and objectives in the four main areas of student achievement, finance, personnel/human resources and completing the building program. Specifically, on June 25, 2012, the board previously adopted goals, or priorities, for Pew, which are the criteria upon which the members evaluated her performance.

Following the executive session discussion and in open session at its meeting, the board publicly expressed its strong approval of Pew’s performance and her overall vision for the District, the State of South Carolina and public education in general. The board reaffirmed its strong partnership with Pew as they work together to refine and strengthen the educational programs offered to all students in Pickens County.

The board gave Pew an overall commendable and positive evaluation.

“Dr. Pew continues to be an outstanding educational leader and continues to demonstrate that she is dedicated and committed to improving the overall opportunities offered to our students,” school board chair Judy Edwards said. “Her background and experience in our system, as well as her depth of knowledge about all aspects of public education and in particular instructional matters, continue to be major strengths. The board commends Dr. Pew for her tireless dedication both to our students and community and is confident that she will continue focusing on improving the educational achievements of our students. As a board, we look forward to many more years of productive partnerships with Dr. Pew and the excellent staff she continues to assemble.”

In light of an outstanding job performance evaluation, the board authorized an amendment to the superintendent’s employment agreement with the district. In recognition of her outstanding performance and commitment to being out in the schools and community daily, the board acted to increase her in-district travel allowance by $250 each month, or $750 monthly. Pew’s contract currently extends through June 30, 2017.