Board adopts three district policies on second reading

The Newberry County Board of Trustees approved three district policies on second reading during its July 21 meeting. The policies were presented by staff as second‑reading items and each was adopted by voice vote.

Policy AC: Staff said the update to AC (nondiscrimination and equal opportunity) consisted of an email address change. The board moved and approved the policy on second reading.

Policy BEDH: Staff explained that BEDH (public participation in meetings) was revised to clarify time limits for participants and to add protections for political viewpoints. Staff also walked board members through the online sign‑up process: residents may go to the Newberry K‑12 website, open the menu, select "Board members and meetings" and click the public participation link to complete and submit the BEDH form. If a participant provides an email address on the form, they will receive an emailed copy of their submission.

Policy KJI: The board approved KJI (relations with senior citizens and retirees) on second reading; staff did not note substantive changes during the discussion.

Why it matters: The BEDH clarification affects how members of the public register to speak at meetings. The AC and KJI approvals update district policy language and administrative contact information.

Ending: Staff will publish the updated policies and post the BEDH public participation form and instructions on the district website.