Dorchester County leaders meet for annual joint session

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – A joint meeting was held Tuesday between Dorchester District 2 school leaders and officials from the Town of Summerville and Dorchester County to discuss several issues including how South Carolina’s so-called “Constitutional Carry” law is impacting the county.

An update on some road projects was presented during the meeting. Among them was the Maple Street extension which is set to be completed in the summer of 2025 while a North Cedar Street extension – including a roundabout and reconfigured access onto Main Street – should be finished in early 2026.

Dorchester District 2 Superintendent Dr. Shane Robbins discussed how the district is expected to grow by 1,200 students in the next 12 months.

After lunch, several discussions were held, including one on the impact of the state’s new “Constitutional Carry” gun law for local law enforcement agencies.

Summerville Police Department Chief Douglas Wright said so far, things have gone smoothly in their jurisdiction since the bill was signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster on March 7.

“We are seeing people who are exercising their right to carry a firearm. Certainly, we’re hoping everybody’s going to be really responsible and adhering to the law and the stipulations to it. Our police officers haven’t had any issues at this point; we had some people at the Flowertown Festival who were open-carrying. We had Absolutely no problem with them whatsoever,” he said.

Chief Wright, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Sam Richardson and Superintendent Robbins discussed the issue during the session.

“About collaborating together, basically how the two agencies are working together with the school district to ensure the safety on school grounds,” he said.

The law does not allow you to carry guns on school property. Chief Wright says sharing information with agencies like this is important.

“We collaborate a lot around the Lowcountry, all the different chiefs of police and command staff, the sheriffs, we all work together really closely.”