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Lexington 1 board hears first reading of capacity-based interdistrict transfer policy under state law
Summary
At its July 21 meeting, Lexington County School District 1 received a first reading for policy JFAB and administrative rule JFABR to implement a capacity-based interdistrict transfer program required by South Carolina Code §59-8-165; the proposal sets tuition at the district per-pupil amount (about $3,750 per semester) and ties eligibility to classroom-level capacity and student-teacher ratios.
The Lexington County School District 1 board on July 21 heard a first reading of policy JFAB and administrative rule JFABR to implement an interdistrict transfer program the state recently required.
Mister Cooper, who presented the item, told the board the change is driven by "South Carolina State Law 59 8 1 65," and described the district's approach as a "capacity based interdistrict transfer program" that follows the State Department of Education's model guidelines with district edits. He said districts must adopt procedural rules that include an application system, timelines, a wait list and enrollment criteria.
Cooper outlined three tuition-based paths already in the district policy: a parent owning property in the child's name with a tax-assessed value threshold, a student living physically closer to a district school, and students with specialized educational needs who are better accommodated in Lexington 1. "This is not a free for all," he said, emphasizing the program is tuition based and will be limited by classroom- and program-level capacity.
On tuition, Cooper gave the board an approximate per-student figure: "Approximately, $3,750 per semester," or about $7,500 annually, which he said equals the district's per-pupil allocation from the state. He added that tuition payments are handled through the finance department and recorded in the general fund.
Board members probed athletics eligibility and capacity calculations. A member asked whether transfers would still follow high‑school league rules; Cooper replied yes and said the model guidelines already reflect existing league language. On capacity he said a school would not be eligible for transfers if it is at 90% of capacity when analyzed at the classroom/student-teacher ratio and in specialized programs such as special education caseloads.
Cooper estimated that, at present, "12 to 15" students pay tuition to attend the district and stressed the program will not expand FTE or require new hires because transfers will be limited by capacity. He told the board the administrative rule specifies criteria such as attendance, discipline history and compliance with individualized education program requirements.
The item was presented as a first reading; no final action was taken. The board will return to the policy in a future meeting before any adoption vote.
