Board approves second reading of district wellness policy after debate over vendors and after‑hours marketing

The Bamberg County School Board held a second reading of Policy ADF (District Wellness) and debated how the policy will be implemented at schools and at after‑hours events. A board member pressed for clarity about who would choose curriculum and enforce standards; the transcript records concern that standards "do not apply to marketing that occurs at events outside of school hours, such as after school sporting events or any other events, including school fundraisers," a provision the board member called inconsistent with daytime standards.

Interim Superintendent Dennis Ulmer said the district will form a wellness committee after passage and that the committee will determine implementation details. A board member said the policy felt like "an unfunded mandate" because teachers will need materials and lesson guidance. The board moved to accept the policy on second reading; the motion passed on a voice vote with one abstention noted in the record. The chair asked administration to provide wellness‑committee membership and documentation on decisions so the board can monitor implementation.