The Beaufort County Board of Education legislative committee heard a briefing about a classroom partnership opportunity with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, the administrative/marketing arm associated with the Savannah River nuclear site.

Committee members were told SRNS has signed partnership agreements with 15 school districts in Georgia and South Carolina and that the organization can deliver six virtual courses to Beaufort County students. The district reached out to SRNS; staff found SRNS’ in-person catchment area does not extend to Beaufort County but that SRNS offered virtual options that would not cost students seat time, according to the presentation to the committee.

The chair said the superintendent and staff will “iron out the details” and determine feasibility. Committee members generally welcomed the opportunity but raised questions about whether virtual offerings would provide sufficiently interactive or hands-on experiences. Mr. Smith said he prefers hands-on learning and asked the administration to seek opportunities for students to have practical, tangible experiences when possible. Colonel Guyer said he wants to see a demonstrable product before judging whether the virtual offerings are suitable.

The committee asked staff to return with more specifics on course content, student interaction, any required equipment, and whether on-site visits or hands-on components could be arranged.