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Board reviews interdistrict transfer policy changes required by new state rule
Summary
Kristy Kibler told the Georgetown County School District board that state law and Department of Education guidance require revisions to the district's interdistrict transfer policy and a new administrative rule; districts must submit policies by June 29, 2026, and the rule sets application, capacity, wait‑list, transportation and appeal procedures.
Kristy Kibler presented proposed revisions to the district's student transfer policy and a new administrative rule to comply with recent state law and Department of Education guidance.
"The legislation requires that all South Carolina school districts review and revise existing interdistrict transfer policies," Kibler told the board, adding the district must submit its revised policy to the South Carolina Department of Education "no later than 06/29/2026." She said the revisions consolidate prior policy sections into a single policy (JC) and move detailed procedural items into an administrative rule (AR JC‑R).
Kibler said the administrative rule follows the state model and will spell out definitions, the capacity study the district must perform, application timelines and the types of applications required. The rule will also require districts to publicize capacities at each school and classroom, describe enrollment priorities and define clear approval and denial criteria, including allowable grounds related to attendance and certain disciplinary offenses.
She said the rule will address wait lists, transportation provisions, appeal procedures and annual reporting and public notification requirements. Kibler noted that elements previously labeled "tuition" in the policy are now titled "interdistrict transfer fees," and that the board retains authority to waive those fees under specified circumstances.
Board members asked for clarifications about timing and process. One member asked when the revised policy takes effect; Kibler said it becomes effective for the 2026–27 school year and that the district must open an online and a paper application option no later than Feb. 1 of that year. She also confirmed that some fee‑waiver examples, such as county tax receipts, were moved from the policy into the administrative rule.
Kibler framed the presentation as an information item and said the board will have two additional meetings to consider the revisions before any vote to ensure the district meets the state deadline. The board did not take action on the policy at the meeting.
The district cited South Carolina Code section 59‑8‑165 and the Department of Education model interdistrict guidelines released April 28 as the bases for the changes.
