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Richland 2 trustees receive ethics training; district presents proposed 2027–28 calendar
Summary
An attorney specializing in education law led a board workshop on disclosure, recusal, executive-session confidentiality and procurement risks; the board also reviewed a proposed 2027–28 academic calendar with teacher start July 27 and student start August 4 (option B).
The Richland School District Two board received ethics training and a proposed academic calendar as part of its March 24 work session.
Attorney Andrea White of White and Story led a workshop covering South Carolina’s ethics code and relevant board policies. White emphasized trustees’ duties to disclose family employment relationships and gifts on the annual statement of economic interest, to recuse from discussions and votes that generate personal financial gain, and to avoid actions that create the appearance of impropriety around procurement. "If you have an immediate family member who is employed in the district, the ethics laws actually require you to disclose that to the board, and that disclosure needs to be made in writing," White said.
White also explained the practical consequences of violating confidentiality for matters discussed in executive session, including potential legal exposure and consequences for the district’s litigation posture and insurance. She advised trustees to refer constituent complaints to the superintendent and to avoid independent investigations or direct staff interventions.
In a separate presentation, Deputy Superintendent Marshallyn Franklin and teacher Antonetta Rogers presented option B of the proposed 2027–28 academic calendar. Franklin said the calendar committee developed and vetted multiple options; Rogers highlighted four features of option B: teachers would return Tuesday, July 27, with students returning Wednesday, August 4 (providing six days for teacher preparation); the year would include extended long weekends after each 45-day quarter with Friday and Monday off and Friday teacher workdays; the district would give two days for Presidents Day; and spring break would follow Easter (which produced mixed reactions among stakeholders).
Trustees asked clarifying questions and were told committee notes and calendar materials are available for review online. The calendar presentation concluded that option B balances instructional time, staff preparation and student well-being.
Next steps: trustees may consider the calendar in subsequent meetings after committee feedback; administration confirmed the board will receive committee documentation.
