Bill to eliminate Charleston County constituent school boards headed to governor’s desk

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) — A bill to dissolve Charleston County’s constituent school boards is headed to Governor Henry McMaster’s desk after receiving final approval from lawmakers this week.

The measure, which abolishes the eight constituent boards and transfers their duties to the Charleston County School Board, was given third reading Wednesday in the Senate.

Constituent boards are responsible for considering student transfer requests, drawing attendance zones, and handling disciplinary matters in their respective districts.

They were formed in 1967 after state lawmakers voted to consolidate eight individual districts into one centralized district with a nine-member board. The model is unique to Charleston County in that no other district in the country operates under a similar governance structure.

The bill was unanimously passed in the House earlier this month. It now goes to the governor, who is expected to sign it.

The changes are set to take effect July 1.