Bamberg board waives two storm-affected school days to preserve e-learning days

The Bamberg County School District Board of Trustees unanimously voted Oct. 7 to waive two previously missed school days — Sept. 27 and Sept. 30 — to preserve district e-learning days for potential future storm-related closures.

Superintendent Dr. Brown framed the request as a response to recent hurricanes that left many families without power, internet or cell service. "I'm asking for our board to consider and order to take action on waiving September 27th and September 30th," the superintendent said, noting that waiving those two days would preserve additional e-learning capacity for the winter or spring if more storms strike.

Board members discussed alternative options described in a State Department memo, including making up days, holding Saturday school, extending the school day, or using holiday breaks. Several trustees raised concerns that extending daily hours or scheduling Saturday school would be burdensome for families and could disrupt after-school programs and athletics.

Board members also confirmed that the district had already scheduled three makeup days for earlier storm impacts (from August) and had submitted a revised calendar to the state as required. After debate and clarification about state guidance, a trustee moved to waive the two days; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote with no opposition.

The waiver preserves up to three local waiver days allowed under the guidance referenced in the memo and leaves the district with flexibility to use e-learning days in the coming months if severe weather or infrastructure outages prevent in-person instruction. The board indicated it will revisit calendar decisions if additional closures occur or as the second semester approaches.

What happens next: Board records show the waiver passed at the Oct. 7 meeting; the district will maintain the revised calendar and the preserved e-learning days for future emergency use.