Board discusses moving graduations to Littlejohn Coliseum; staff to report options in July

The board discussed the possibility of moving district graduation ceremonies from high school stadiums back to Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, with board members noting accessibility and weather considerations and staff saying they will return a set of options at the July meeting.

Mister Hamby reported he had made initial contacts about availability at Littlejohn and that scheduling is constrained: "as soon as he responds to me with what he has available, I will let you all know, and then we'll see if it's even a I mean, it might not even be a mean, they had to you can't really do it a week and a half after. Right. You can't do it before they finish. So you've got a 4 or 5 day window."

A board member who spoke in favor of the move said returning to Littlejohn would help families who have multiple graduates across schools and reduce weather-related disruption: "That continues to be, you know, concern of mine that we go back to little John because, personally, I love seeing all the graduates, you know, graduates, all the from all the high schools, I love celebrating with all them and all their families. And, additionally, grandparents don't have to and cousins, you know, relatives don't have to choose, but if they have multiple, family members in graduation, they don't have to choose." The same speaker also noted concerns about stadium seating and parking at some high school ceremonies.

Staff said they could survey stakeholders (students, parents) if the board wanted and will bring availability and options back to the July meeting for further discussion. No motion or vote was taken on changing graduation venues at the June 2 meeting.