Felicia Jones, a community member who spoke during the public participation portion of the Sept. 23 meeting, urged the board to take several actions related to environmental testing, transportation access and firearm safety.

Jones said she had visited the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and asked the district to obtain PFAS testing kits for drinking water, suggesting the district could distribute kits or arrange testing for students. She described PFAS as linked to chemical pollution and asked the district to explore random testing for school drinking water and wells.

Jones also referenced a class‑action lawsuit settlement involving a company she identified as "Scout Motors" and suggested the district press for improved statewide rail connections (for example, rail lines from Savannah to Charlotte and Charleston to Atlanta) that could expand access to colleges and jobs for students across the state. Jones framed that suggestion as an economic and access issue for youth.

On firearms, Jones urged the board to consider policies that would prevent people taking certain medications from purchasing firearms, arguing that “nobody with certain mental illnesses should have access to a gun.” She acknowledged these are proposals and framed them as community safety suggestions rather than formal board requests.

Board members listened but did not take immediate action on the items raised; the remarks were recorded as public comment under Policy BEDH governing public participation. The district did not commit to any policy changes during the meeting; board members may refer public comment topics to staff for future consideration.