New board members briefed on South Carolina FOIA and Robert—s Rules during "New Board Members 101"

Ashley Story, the district—s attorney, delivered a brief training titled "New Board Members 101" at the Jan. 13 board meeting, covering the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), executive session requirements and basic applications of Robert—s Rules of Order.

Story emphasized that FOIA for the school board is state law, not a federal requirement, and applies to meetings and district documents generated by the public body. She reviewed when a quorum constitutes a meeting, the limited circumstances that justify executive session (personnel, legal, security, property, investigative proceedings) and reiterated that no votes may be taken in executive session; any motion or vote must occur in open session after returning to public meeting.

On meeting procedure, Story advised board members to prepare clear motions and to wait for a second before discussion begins; she explained typical voting methods (voice, show of hands, roll call) and recommended the chair vote rather than abstain. She warned members about electronic communications that may create an unintentional quorum (email or group messaging) and advised that FOIA requests should be forwarded to district staff for processing within statutory timeframes. Story also urged consistent public messaging routed through the superintendent and the board chair.

The session was presented as a rapid, practical overview to complement formal association training scheduled for February; Story invited questions and encouraged board members to review district policies and FOIA guidance for further detail.