Health advisory committee recommends tightening attendance language after members miss two meetings

The Beaufort County School District Health Advisory Committee recommended updating its bylaws to clarify when a member may be removed for missed meetings.

At a meeting convened by the committee chair, members agreed the attendance provision under Roman numeral 9 should read that if a member is absent "two or more meetings" within a calendar year — whether face-to-face or virtual — the majority of HAC members may recommend that the board remove the member. The language also specifies the member must be given written notice by the board chair and an opportunity to be heard before removal.

The recommendation matters because state regulation cited during the discussion prescribes a 13-member advisory committee but defines quorum as a majority of sitting members. Committee members said that while they lack a full slate of 13 people, the group needs a workable rule so it can continue to function and make recommendations.

"If a member within the calendar year is absent two or more meetings, either face to face or virtual, the majority of the HAC members may recommend to the board the removal of that member," the Chair said, putting the proposed language on the table. The Chair also said the committee would not take a formal binding vote at this meeting but would record the consensus recommendation and forward the amendment to the Academic Committee and then to the full board for action.

Members discussed whether to define "excused" absences and cited common academic categories — religion, death, medical and adjudication — as typically excused. Committee members also emphasized that virtual participation should count toward attendance, and that vacancies and dual-category applicants (for example, an applicant who qualifies as both "teacher" and "parent") would continue to be handled through the application process and academic committee review.

The motion to amend the attendance language was placed and recorded by the Chair; members present expressed assent and the Chair said the motion would be presented as an update at the Academic Committee meeting and later in the superintendent's report to the full board.

Next steps: The Academic Committee will receive the updated bylaw language as an informational item and may take a vote on a recommendation that will be forwarded to the Beaufort County School District board for final action.