During a recent Kershaw County School District Board meeting, trustees discussed the implementation of a new cell phone policy aimed at reducing student distractions. The policy, which is set to be adopted, will be revisited for further refinement, particularly regarding disciplinary measures, before the next meeting.

In addition to the cell phone policy, the board reviewed a resolution concerning board member compensation. Effective January 2025, the new compensation rates were introduced, following a comparative analysis with similar districts, which indicated that Kershaw County's compensation remains on the lower end. The board plans to take action on the updated policy in December, with discussions highlighting concerns about attendance requirements for compensation eligibility. Some members expressed opposition to the removal of attendance stipulations, arguing for accountability similar to that expected of teachers.

Trustees voiced mixed opinions on the proposed compensation increase, with some members concerned about the financial implications, estimating that the total cost could exceed $100,000 annually when factoring in retirement and payroll taxes. Others emphasized the importance of board members contributing back to the community, noting their willingness to support school fundraisers despite the compensation discussions.

The board will continue to evaluate these policies and their implications in upcoming meetings, ensuring that all perspectives are considered before final decisions are made.