Board begins first read of new non-resident admissions policy to meet state law deadlines

At first read on June 23 the administration proposed a replacement JFAB policy governing admission of non-resident students and interdistrict transfers, largely adopting the South Carolina School Boards Association model policy with a local addendum exempting children of district employees from tuition.

The draft establishes a 90-day application window, requires the district to post the window in advance and sets a statutory final deadline for applications (no later than Feb. 28). Officials said the draft permits the district to approve transfers based on capacity, staff availability, class-size limits and students’ disciplinary and attendance records. The policy would prioritize siblings of currently enrolled non-resident students and allows the district to charge parents the difference if state transfer scholarship funds do not fully cover the per‑pupil cost.

Administration also recommended that the district not provide transportation for nonresident students who transfer in, but noted the board could change that decision. Trustees raised questions about athletic eligibility under South Carolina High School League rules and about the administrative burden of managing a larger transfer process. Staff told trustees they would assign executive directors and service teams to administer the policy and that the district must file a locally adopted policy with the state by an August deadline to avoid potential financial penalties tied to noncompliance.

Next steps: the policy will return for board consideration after trustees and staff work through implementation details, the application timeline and community communication plans.