FORT MILL, SC — The Fort Mill School Board held its regularly scheduled meeting on March 3, 2026, highlighted by a massive wave of student recognitions and a timely safety briefing regarding an incident earlier that day at the Silfab Solar facility.
Safety Update: Silfab Solar Chemical Spill
Superintendent Grey Young opened the meeting with a statement regarding a chemical spill that occurred earlier that morning at the Silfab Solar facility.
While the incident caused concern within the community, Young reassured parents and staff that the district remained in constant contact with York County Emergency Management and Citadel EHS throughout the morning.
“This morning we received notification that a chemical spill had occurred at the Silfab facility and that York County Emergency Management was responding to the situation. At that time the district was informed that the spill did not pose any danger to our schools or the community, and that emergency plan activation at the school was not required in response. We are appreciative to first responders and York County Emergency Management for addressing this situation.
At the same time the district was in communication with York County Emergency Management, we were also in communication with Citadel EHS regarding the continuous air quality monitoring taking place at the Flint Hill campus. Citadel EHS was quickly able to confirm that no contaminants or chemicals were actively being detected on our site. This information further reinforced the information provided by York County that there was no danger to our schools as a result of this incident.
While the communications this morning happened quickly, as with any emergency situation involving our schools, district staff will review the processes and actions taken in conjunction with York County Emergency Management to identify any areas for improvement. It is the district’s goal to provide clear and timely communications to our parents and staff in the event of any emergency. We also understand that the Department of Environmental Services will be onsite at the Silfab facility to investigate the incident and review safety and emergency response protocols.
We understand the concerns shared by the community and are continuing to work with all parties involved to address issues within the district’s control. We remain committed to providing a safe and healthy environment at all schools and district facilities, and we will make any adjustments needed in support of this goal.”
Special Recognitions
- Superintendent’s Red Nose Award (February and March)
February
- Tiffany Vicars
- Sarah Lanford
- Laurie Luu
- Gabrielle Quinn
March
- Jenny Overman
- Heather Pecarro
- Joy Lynn Rozwadowski
- Lindsey Everhart-Cockerham
- Recognition of Student Art for Annual Financial Report and Program of Studies
- Recognition of Fort Mill High School Wrestling Team – 5A Division 2 State Champions
- Recognition of Fort Mill High School Wrestling Team Individual 5A Division 2 State Champion Lincoln Greene
- Recognition of Catawba Ridge High School Wrestling Team Individual 5A State Champions Alex Johnson and Carson Robertson
- Recognition of Fort Mill High School MCJROTC 2026 Air Rifle National Champion Joshua Prince
School Spotlight – Sugar Creek Elementary School
Principal Jenn Hendershot and her staff shared how the school is cultivating a culture of leadership rooted in kindness, respect, and integrity. These values are a part of the daily lives of students through several programs. The Student Ambassador program empowers students to serve as the face of the school, whether they are greeting competitors at the Battle of the Books, facilitating dialogue at the Veteran’s Day Breakfast, or welcoming visitors to campus.
The Kindness Crew sets a positive tone each morning by greeting arriving students with enthusiasm. This group also leads a Kindness Challenge and invites various classes to participate in Kindness Crew Fridays to keep the momentum going. In addition to these social initiatives, the Shark News team and the Breakfast Crew model responsibility and integrity by sharing important information with students and ensuring breakfast carts are delivered efficiently to the classroom.
The school’s commitment extends beyond the local school community through a new pen pal program with students in Guatemala, which allows our students to exchange cultural perspectives and build global friendships.
These programs promote inclusion by ensuring that Pre-K and special setting students are actively involved and the recognition of diversity through Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, as well as cultural celebrations like Diwali.
Career Preparation Services for FMSD Students
Mrs. Susan Brackett and Mrs. Katie McFadden presented information regarding student career exploration through career development and work-based learning initiatives. Students begin career education in middle schools with events like career day, career fair and job shadowing opportunities. Students also develop important career skills through mock job interviews and soft skills during mixer competitions. Guest speakers and mentors also work with students to begin preparing them for future career success. As students transition to high school, they participate in the I Get to Pick (IGP) process where they create an individualized graduation plan that allows them to focus on career interests. Career experience is expanded during high school through work-based learning. Students are paired with an employer that matches their desired career field to complete internships. This experience gives students hands on knowledge of a chosen career field and allows them to make connections that could benefit them in the future.
Report from the February 19-22 South Carolina School Boards Association Annual Conference
Board members provided an overview of the SCSBA Annual Convention, which was held February 19–22, 2026. The conference is designed to allow members to learn from state and national experts on topics ranging from board governance to community engagement to innovations in classroom technology, explore areas of particular interest, and connect with hundreds of school board members and other education leaders from across the state.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Grey Young provided an update on district enrollment, student attendance, and calendar events.
Enrollment Update
- Current enrollment is 18,264. (61 Winter Graduates in February)
Student Attendance
River Trail Elementary (98.01%), Pleasant Knoll Middle (97.06%) and Catawba Ridge High School (96.33%) had the highest student attendance for February.
Fort Mill School Board meetings can be viewed live or on demand on the district’s YouTube channel or with the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/@FortMillSchoolDistrict
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