Liberty STEAM Charter
Minutes
LSC Board of Directors Governance Committee Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday October 22, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Location
LSC Network Office, 108 N. Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150
This meeting is held in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. A copy of the agenda has been made available to the local media & general public.
MISSION: Liberty STEAM Charter works to provide all students with equal access to a world-class K-12 education in an academically rigorous and student-centered learning environment, creating graduates who will be thoughtful and engaged citizens prepared to take on the leadership challenges of the 21st century. VISION: In partnership with our families and community, our vision is to provide real-world interdisciplinary, personalized, and project-based learning experiences through a STEAM-based academic program where graduates become the next generation of leaders, employers, and employees who contribute to the economic well-being of their communities and families. BOARD CORE VALUES: Commit to Excellence, Lead with Integrity, Welcome and Expect Accountability.
Committee Members Present
Brenda Hafner, Cameron Chandler, Greg Thompson, Kimberly Rauschenbach
Committee Members Absent
None
Guests Present
Amy Hansen, Dexter Butler, Trevor Ivey
I. Opening Items
A.
Record of Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, Mission and Vision Statements, Board Core Values
II. Consent Agenda
A.
Agenda Approval of Meeting Agenda and Previous Minutes
With no objections the consent agenda consisting of the meeting agenda and the previous meeting's minutes was approved.
III. Governance Committee Topics for Discussion
A.
Superintendent's Report
Athletics Program and Budget Roadmap
Coach Butler presented a proposed multi-year athletics budget roadmap. The preliminary plan includes a potential golf launch in the upcoming school year, followed by phased expansion into six sports at junior varsity and varsity levels.
The committee discussed validating projected costs with other schools, exploring opportunities for additional sports, and considering parent and board member involvement in future athletics planning. Facility rentals, transportation, tournament fees, coaching arrangements, and supervision requirements were also discussed. Further review and consultation will be needed before finalizing plans and costs.
Annual Financial Audit
The committee received an update on the independent audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The auditors issued an unmodified opinion, concluding that the school’s financial statements fairly present its financial position in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The Finance Committee completed its review and plans to recommend acceptance of the audit at the October 26 board meeting. The Governance Committee also confirmed its recommendation that the full board accept the audit.
Superintendent’s Update
The committee received an update on school activities and upcoming events. Dr. Hafner shared exciting news that Tameko Wilson, Lead STEAM Enrichment Teacher for grades four and five, was named the National Project Lead the Way Launch Teacher of the Year. Board recognition is planned for October 26.
IV. New Business
A.
Requests for Future Agenda Topics/Committee Recommendations
Directors were reminded to submit requests for new business as future agenda topics.
Follow-Up Items
- Further validate athletics budget projections and anticipated operating costs.
- Continue discussions regarding athletics expansion, transportation, supervision, and potential parent and board involvement.
- Present the FY26 audit to the full board for acceptance at the October 26 meeting.
V. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
- Gov Athletics Multi Year Budget.pdf
- FY26 Audit Liberty STEAM Charter 2026 Financial Statements.pdf
- 2026 Audit at a Glance.pdf
- ALL 202610 Committee School Updates.pdf
The invocation was given, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the school’s mission, vision, and core values were reviewed.