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Richland II trustees approve revised nonresident‑student admission policy effective 2027–28
Summary
The Richland School District Two board voted 7–0 to approve revisions to policy JFAB clarifying interdistrict transfer rules, magnet-program admissions, IEP placement procedures, and parity of nonresident fees; the revisions take effect with the 2027–28 school year.
The Richland School District Two board of trustees voted unanimously on June 24 to approve a revision to policy JFAB governing admission of nonresident students, with the change to take effect in the 2027–28 school year.
Trustee Tamika Washington moved to approve the revised policy; Trustee Shelley Williams seconded the motion, and the board recorded a 7–0 vote.
The revision adds explicit language to clarify that: magnet programs may use program-specific artistic or extracurricular criteria for admission; students with individualized education programs (IEPs) who apply to a school that cannot implement required services will be admitted to the district and offered alternate placement where services can be provided; nonresident students will be charged any fees assessed to resident students for comparable services or materials (for example field-study or athletic fees); and the policy clarifies sibling priority and athletics eligibility consistent with South Carolina High School League rules.
Dr. Franklin, the deputy superintendent presenting the draft, said administrators inserted language designed to provide additional clarity and to align the district’s practice with the state and the model policy from the School Boards Association. On fees, she said, "we didn't want nonresident families to think once they paid the tuition that there's nothing else to pay," and enumerated examples such as parking and club fees.
Board members raised implementation questions before the vote. Trustee Gary Dennis thanked administration for adding the South Carolina High School League guidance and suggested prominent placement on the application to make athletic-eligibility implications clear to families. Trustees also asked that administrative rules and communications make timelines and required steps explicit for families.
The board recorded the motion as approved 7 yes, 0 no. Administration said it will publish the revised policy and follow up with implementation details and administrative rules to guide schools and families.
Votes at a glance: the meeting also included unanimous board approval of the agenda, consent agenda and employment recommendations earlier in the session.
