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Board attorney urges new trustees to file ethics forms and complete mandatory training
Summary
At the special call meeting, board attorney Charles Boy reminded trustees to file statements of economic interest, explained the state's 24-hour public-notice requirement for agenda items, and recommended board liability training ahead of February association sessions.
At the Nov. 15 special call meeting of the Bamberg County School District Board of Trustees, board attorney Charles Boy gave a brief legal orientation for newly sworn trustees stressing compliance steps under state law.
Boy told trustees that the "South Ethics Act" requires every newly elected member to file a statement of economic interest and warned that late filings are common. He also explained that swearing in triggers mandatory training and encouraged trustees to attend Board Association training likely scheduled for February. Boy repeatedly offered the law firm's assistance and contact information for follow-up questions.
On open-meetings requirements, Boy emphasized that agenda items and meetings should be publicly noticed at least 24 hours in advance, and cautioned that "nothing done in a school board meeting... if it wasn't on the agenda... is still not passed" unless properly noticed. Dr Brown confirmed the meeting met the 24-hour notice requirement, including publication of the agenda.
Boy closed with practical advice on board-member liability and the need for training on how to conduct board business to reduce exposure to litigation; he said staff and counsel can provide individualized guidance outside public meetings. No formal motions or votes were taken during the briefing.
