reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 4 - South Carolina Tuition Prepayment Program › Section 59-4-80. Application of Internal Revenue Service rulings.

The director shall solicit answers to applicable ruling requests from the Internal Revenue Service regarding the tax status of fees paid pursuant to a prepaid tuition contract to the contributor and to the designated beneficiary and from the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the application of federal securities laws to the program. The director shall make the status of these requests known to the board. In accordance with applicable law or Internal Revenue Service ruling, the board shall structure the program in order to allow for federal tax deferral on contributions to the fund.
HISTORY: 1997 Act No. 155, Part II, Section 4A.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 4 - South Carolina Tuition Prepayment Program › Section 59-4-90. Payroll deductions.

The Comptroller General and the chief finance officers of state agencies, departments, and institutions maintaining separate payroll accounts may arrange for contributions through payroll deduction to the fund the appropriate payment in accordance with a tuition prepayment contract, at the request of a state employee.
HISTORY: 1997 Act No. 155, Part II, Section 4A.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 4 - South Carolina Tuition Prepayment Program › Section 59-4-100. Program and fund not liable for taxes, fees or assessments; contributions deductible; money or benefits received not taxable if used for specified purposes.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, neither the program nor the fund is liable for income taxes, and neither the program nor the fund is liable for local taxes, fees, or assessments. In addition, contributions to the fund credited to a beneficiary's account entitle the contributor to a deduction for purposes of the state individual income tax, and these contributions must not be included in the South Carolina gross income of the beneficiary or anyone required to support the beneficiary. Furthermore, earnings on the account, tuition waivers, credits or payments for tuition, or any money or payout that the designated beneficiary receives or from which he benefits to the extent that the payments are used for tuition expenses during the same calendar year in which they are received shall not be included in the South Carolina gross income of the beneficiary or anyone required to support the beneficiary.
HISTORY: 1997 Act No. 155, Part II, Section 4A; 2001 Act No. 72, Section 4.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 4 - South Carolina Tuition Prepayment Program › Section 59-4-110. New participants prohibited.

(A) Notwithstanding another provision of law, the South Carolina Tuition Prepayment Program may not accept new participants until the General Assembly authorizes the program to accept new participants by joint resolution.
(B) This section does not affect the existing participants in the program, and the South Carolina Tuition Prepayment Program remains in full operation for this purpose.
HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 246, Section 1, eff July 1, 2008.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 4 - South Carolina Tuition Prepayment Program › Section 59-4-120. Tuition increase above seven percent prohibited for participating institutions.

For purposes of the Tuition Prepayment Program, the annual increase in tuition for an institution cannot exceed seven percent per year from Fiscal Year 2006-2007. To the extent that actual tuition for an institution exceeds an annual growth of seven percent per year, the institution shall grant a waiver of the difference to the designated beneficiary and must not pass along the difference to any student.
HISTORY: 2008 Act No. 246, Section 2, eff July 1, 2008.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-20. Persons eligible for membership; oath.

Any person shall be eligible for membership on the Board who is a registered elector of this State, and each member of the Board shall take the oath prescribed in the Constitution of South Carolina before entering upon the duties of his office.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-41.1; 1973 (58) 767.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-30. Compensation of members.

The members of the Board shall receive as compensation a per diem and mileage as is provided for members of the General Assembly.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-42; 1952 Code Section 21-42; 1942 Code Section 5280; 1932 Code Section 5287; Civ. C. '22 Section 2547; Civ. C. '12 Section 1706; Civ. C. '02 Section 1182; 1896 (22) 150; 1951 (47) 506; 1963 (53) 512.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-40. Meetings of Board; quorum; seal.

The Board shall meet on the call of its chairman or upon the request of a majority of its members at the office of the State Superintendent of Education or at such other place as may be designated in the call. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for transacting business. The official seal of the State Superintendent of Education shall be used for the authentication of the acts of the Board.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-43; 1952 Code Section 21-43; 1942 Code Section 5280; 1932 Code Section 5287; Civ. C. '22 Section 2547; Civ. C. '12 Section 1706; Civ. C. '02 Section 1182; 1896 (22) 150.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-50. Records, papers, and effects of Board; minutes of proceedings.

The secretary shall be custodian of the records, papers and effects of the Board and shall keep the minutes of its proceedings. Such records, papers and minutes shall be kept in the office of the State Superintendent of Education and shall be open to inspection by the public.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-44; 1952 Code Section 21-44; 1942 Code Section 5279; 1932 Code Section 5282; Civ. C. '22 Section 2542; Civ. C. '12 Section 1705; Civ. C. '02 Section 1181; 1896 (22) 150; 1941 (42) 285.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-60. General powers of Board.

The State Board of Education shall have the power to:
(1) Adopt policies, rules and regulations not inconsistent with the laws of the State for its own government and for the government of the free public schools.
(2) Annually approve budget requests for the institutions, agencies, and service under the control of the Board as prepared by the State Superintendent of Education prior to being submitted to the Governor and to the General Assembly.
(3) Adopt minimum standards for any phase of education as are considered necessary to aid in providing adequate educational opportunities and facilities.
(4) Prescribe and enforce rules for the examination and certification of teachers.
(5) Grant State teachers' certificates and revoke them for immoral or unprofessional conduct, or evident unfitness for teaching.
(6) Prescribe and enforce courses of study for the free public schools.
(7) Prescribe and enforce the use of textbooks and other instructional materials for the various subjects taught or used in conjunction within the free public schools of the State, both high schools and elementary schools in accordance with the courses of study as prepared and promulgated by the Board.
(8) Appoint such committees and such members of committees as may be required or as may be desirable to carry out the orderly function of the Board.
(9) Cooperate fully with the State Superintendent at all times to the end that the State system of public education may constantly be improved.
(10) Assume such other responsibilities and exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be assigned to it by law or as it may find necessary to aid in carrying out the purpose and objectives of the Constitution of the State.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-45; 1952 Code Section 21-45; 1942 Code Section 5282; 1932 Code Section 5289; Civ. C. '22 Section 2549; Civ. C. '12 Section 1708; Civ. C. '02 Section 1184; 1896 (22) 150; 1914 (28) 450; 1915 (29) 188; 1923 (33) 147; 1927 (35) 354; 1928 (35) 1215; 1931 (37) 391; 1940 (41) 1763, 1886; 1947 (45) 55; 1963 (53) 512.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-61. Secondary occupational career and technology education courses for school district.

The State Board of Education, through local school districts and area career and technology centers, shall establish, maintain, and operate secondary occupational vocational education courses for secondary school students in public schools in accordance with guidelines and standards established by the board and in accordance with federal laws pertaining to career and technology education. The board shall approve secondary occupational career and technology education courses.
HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 394, Section 2; 2005 Act No. 49, Section 4, eff May 3, 2005.
Effect of Amendment
The 2005 amendment substituted "career and technology" for "vocational" in three places.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-63. Unencumbered time requirement; policies; school district adoptions.

(A)(1) The State Board of Education shall adopt and periodically revise as necessary a statewide policy that each local school board shall use to develop and implement a plan that directs the principal of each elementary school to provide at least thirty minutes of unencumbered time on each regular school day to all full-time teachers teaching in a grade between kindergarten through fifth grade. The policy also shall direct a principal of any elementary, middle, or high school to provide at least thirty minutes of unencumbered time on each regular school day to any teacher who is responsible for instructing a special education class for more than twenty percent of the school day with students who are removed from the general education setting.
(2) The statewide policy also must provide:
(a) the process that a local school board shall follow in developing an unencumbered time policy including, but not limited to, policy application, manner of application, and times of application;
(b) "unencumbered time" is defined as at least thirty minutes without any assigned duties or responsibilities;
(c) that unencumbered time may not be withheld or reduced unless it is reasonable and necessary due to extreme and unavoidable circumstances to ensure the safety and welfare of students and staff;
(d) that additional compensation may not be offered in place of unencumbered time, except as provided by Section 59-5-63(A)(2)(c) and as prescribed in the policy;
(e) penalties if a principal fails to comply with the local unencumbered time policy; and
(f) penalties if a local school board fails to comply with this section.
(B) The local school board shall adopt an unencumbered time policy at a regularly scheduled meeting within three months after the adoption of the statewide policy by the State Board of Education. The policy of a local school board must include, at a minimum, the policy of the State Board of Education but also may include additional provisions. If the State Board of Education revises the statewide policy, the local school board shall incorporate and adopt the revisions into the local unencumbered time policy at a regularly scheduled meeting within three months.
(C) The local school board shall submit its unencumbered time policy and any subsequent revisions to the Department of Education within thirty days of adoption.
HISTORY: 1984 Act No. 280, Section 1; 2022 Act No. 176 (S.946), Section 1, eff May 16, 2022.
Editor's Note
2022 Act No. 176, Section 2, provides as follows:
"SECTION 2. The provisions of this act must be completely implemented before July 1, 2023."
Effect of Amendment
2022 Act No. 176, Section 1, rewrote the section, providing at least thirty minutes of unencumbered time on each regular school day for all full-time public elementary school teachers.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-67. Reduction of paper work; computerization; grants for improving teaching practices and procedures.

(A) The State Department of Education shall provide for continuous training for district personnel to operate the computers provided and for continuous selection and evaluation of software.
(B) The State Board of Education, acting through the State Department of Education, shall establish and administer a competitive grant program whereby teachers will be awarded grants for the purpose of improving teaching practices and procedures within the budgetary limitations authorized by the General Assembly. The respective local school districts shall act as the fiscal agent for the grants. For purposes of this section the term "teacher" includes teachers, librarians, guidance counselors, and media specialists.
HISTORY: 1984 Act No. 512, Part II, Section 9, Division II, Subdivision C, SubPart 4, Sections 2, 3; 1985 Act No. 201, Part II, Sections 9(C), (N).
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-68. Uniform grading scale.

The General Assembly finds that given the fact the State provides substantial financial academic assistance to students of the State based on cumulative grade point averages and districts currently use a variety of grading scales, it is in the best interest of the students of South Carolina for a uniform grading scale to be developed and adopted by the State Board of Education to be implemented in all public schools of the State. Therefore, the State Board of Education is directed to establish a task force comprised of superintendents, principals, teachers, and representatives of school boards and higher education no later than June 30, 1999. The task force shall make recommendations to the board including, but not limited to, the following: consistent numerical breaks for letter grades; consideration of standards to define an honors course; appropriate weighting of courses; and determination of courses and weightings to be used in the calculation of class rank. The task force shall report its findings to the State Board of Education no later than December 1, 1999. The State Board of Education shall then adopt and school districts of the State shall begin using the adopted grading scale no later than the 2000-2001 school year.
HISTORY: 1999 Act No. 41, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-69. Implementation of regulations concerning Education Improvement Act.

The State Board of Education and the Commission on Higher Education in performing the duties and responsibilities assigned to them in the South Carolina Education Improvement Act of 1984 are authorized to promulgate regulations necessary to implement these provisions.
HISTORY: 1984 Act No. 512, Part II, Division V, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-70. Hearings and hearing offices.

(A) The board may, in its discretion, designate one or more of its members to conduct any hearing in connection with any responsibility of the board and to make a report on any such hearing to the board for its determination.
(B) The board in its discretion may also designate a hearing officer for the purpose of hearing matters relating to the suspension or revocation of teacher certificates. The hearing officer shall then make a recommendation to the board for final action.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-45.1; 1973 (58) 767; 2000 Act No. 351, Section 1.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-75. Out-of-field permits and teaching.

The State Board of Education shall review and make any necessary revisions to regulations to define the criteria for an out-of-field permit and for school districts to report out-of-field teaching for teachers who are not teaching one hundred percent of the time in their areas of certification or in a field in which the teachers have twelve or more academic hours from a regionally, state, or nationally accredited program, with special provisions made for phasing in middle level certification.
HISTORY: 2000 Act No. 393, Section 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-85. Teacher evaluation program standards and procedures.

The State Board of Education and the Department of Education shall review and refine, as necessary, the professional performance dimensions in the state's teacher evaluation program (ADEPT) established in Section 59-26-30(B) to ensure the dimensions are consistent with nationally recognized performance-based accreditation standards and certification standards of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification standards. National board certified teachers shall be included in this review. A report on the changes to the dimensions must be provided to the Education and Public Works Committee of the House of Representatives and the Education Committee of the Senate no later than September 1, 2001. The Department of Education shall implement a pilot program to develop procedures and obtain information for including student achievement as a component in the teacher evaluation program (ADEPT). No fewer than five school districts must participate in the development and pilot of the procedures. At least one district designated as impaired is to be included in the pilot if the district chooses. The development of the program is to begin no later than September 1, 2000. A report on the progress of the project and recommendations concerning its implementation is due to the Education Committee of the Senate and the Education and Public Works Committee of the House of Representatives by March 1, 2001.
Further, the Department of Education shall develop guidelines for the teacher induction program, established in Section 59-26-20, which shall include sustained long-term coaching and assistance. Information on best practices in teacher induction programs must be disseminated to school districts. By July 1, 2000, the State Department of Education shall adopt criteria for the selection and training of teachers who serve as mentors for new teachers as a part of the induction program.
HISTORY: 2000 Act No. 393, Section 4.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-90. Powers and duties of State Educational Finance Commission and State Schoolbook Commission devolved upon Board.

All powers and duties provided by law for the State Educational Finance Commission and the State Schoolbook Commission are hereby devolved upon the State Board of Education.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-48; 1970 (56) 2503.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-95. Panels created to review accreditation requirements; membership; duties.

The State Board of Education and the Commission on Higher Education shall appoint a collegial panel of middle grade classroom teachers and teacher preparation faculty to review the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation requirements and recommend any additional training standards and needs for middle grade teacher preparation and professional development courses. The panel shall be a continuing body, shall include representatives of professional organizations, and shall:
(1) review the state's academic standards in the four core academic areas and current teaching courses;
(2) determine the knowledge and skills needed by teachers at the middle grades level to teach these standards and assess student progress in learning the standards;
(3) establish syllabi to guide the development of high quality teacher preparation courses; and
(4) develop assessments to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the curriculum.
HISTORY: 2000 Act No. 393, Section 5.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-100. Powers and duties of Board.

The Board of Education, as successor to the State Educational Finance Commission, shall disburse such funds as are provided by the General Assembly and shall have such further powers as are committed to it by this Title. It shall promote the improvement of the school system and its physical facilities. It shall make plans for the construction of necessary public school buildings. It shall make surveys incident to the acquisition of sites for public schools. It shall seek the more efficient operation of the pupil transportation system. It shall effect desirable consolidations of school districts throughout the entire State. And it shall make provision for the acquisition of such further facilities as may be necessary to operate the public school system in an efficient manner.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-56; 1952 Code Section 21-56; 1951 (47) 546.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-110. School system survey.

As soon as practicable the Board of Education, as successor to the State Educational Finance Commission, shall make a survey of the entire school system, which shall set forth the needs for new construction, new equipment, new transportation facilities and such other improvements as are necessary to enable all children of the State to have adequate and equal educational advantages.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-57; 1952 Code Section 21-57; 1951 (47) 546.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-120. Prescription of rules and promulgation of regulations.

The Board of Education, as successor to the State Educational Finance Commission, shall prescribe and promulgate, in the manner provided by law, reasonable rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of Sections 59-5-100 and 59-5-110, Chapter 21 of this Title, Article 3 of Chapter 67 of this Title and Articles 1 and 5 of Chapter 71 of this Title and such rules and regulations shall have the full force and effect of law.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-58; 1952 Code Section 21-58; 1951 (47) 546.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-130. Members shall not contract with Board.

It shall be unlawful for any member of the Board to make any contract or to be pecuniarily interested in any contract or otherwise make a profit from any contract with the State Board of Education. Any member violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or be imprisoned not less than three months nor more than twelve months, or both. He shall also forfeit the amount of such claim or of his interest in such claim. The violation of this section shall constitute sufficient cause for removal of the member from office.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-49; 1973 (58) 767.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-135. Governor's Institute of Reading; functions; funding.

(A) The General Assembly finds that:
(1) reading is the most important academic skill and the basis for success in school and work;
(2) test results indicate that a significant portion of South Carolina students score below the fiftieth percentile on nationally normed achievement tests; and
(3) it is necessary and proper to establish a comprehensive long-term commitment to improve reading as well as overall academic performance.
(B) There is created within the State Department of Education the Governor's Institute of Reading. The purpose of the institute is to create a collaborative effort to mobilize education, business, and community resources to ensure that all children learn to read independently and well by the end of the third grade. The purpose of the institute also is to mobilize efforts to improve the reading abilities of students in the middle grades and accelerate the learning of students reading below grade level. The Governor's Institute of Reading is based upon a collaborative effort of education professionals and reading experts and designed to promote reading in every school district. To accomplish this mission, the institute shall:
(1) review the best practices in the teaching of reading;
(2) provide teachers with professional development and support for implementing best practices in the teaching of reading; and
(3) award competitive grants to school districts for designing and providing a comprehensive approach to reading instruction based on best practices.
The State Board of Education shall develop guidelines for administering and allocating funds for the Governor's Institute of Reading. Grants must be awarded, beginning with fiscal year 1999-2000, to districts for implementing programs designed to achieve exemplary reading. The department may carry forward any unexpended appropriations to be used for this same purpose from fiscal year to fiscal year.
HISTORY: 1999 Act No. 100, Part II, Section 46; 2000 Act No. 393, Section 7.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-140. South Carolina Opportunity School, John De La Howe School, and South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind required to meet State standards.

Academic and career and technology training provided by the South Carolina Opportunity School, the John De La Howe School, and the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind must meet standards prescribed by the State Board of Education based upon standards prescribed by the South Carolina Department of Education for the academic and career and technology programs of these schools. The board may prescribe additional requirements as necessary. The State Superintendent of Education shall administer the standards related to the high school and elementary school programs. Reports from the State Department of Education, evaluating the education program and indicating whether or not the program meets the standards as prescribed, must be made directly to the board of each institution at regularly scheduled meetings. State Department of Education supervisory personnel must be utilized for evaluating the programs and reporting to each board.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-50; 1973 (58) 688; 2005 Act No. 49, Section 6, eff May 3, 2005.
Effect of Amendment
The 2005 amendment substituted "career and technology" for "vocational" in two places and made nonsubstantive language changes.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-150. Awards for civic contribution to public education.

The State Board of Education shall initiate an award program to recognize business and industries, civic organizations, school improvement councils, and individuals contributing most significantly to public education.
HISTORY: 1984 Act No. 512, Part II, Section 9, Division II, Subdivision F, SubPart 3, Section 2.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 5 - State Board Of Education › Section 59-5-160. Graduation of children who are new to South Carolina.

(A) In order to facilitate the on-time graduation of children of families who have moved to South Carolina during the child's twelfth grade year, the State Board of Education may:
(1) waive specific courses required for graduation if those courses were not specifically required for graduation in the student's most recent state of residence; however, the state board may not waive the number of courses required in ELA, math, and science. If a student does not have sufficient course credit to be issued a South Carolina diploma, the state board, to the extent possible, shall provide an alternative means of acquiring required coursework so that the student could receive a South Carolina high school diploma and graduation may occur on time; and
(2) may accept exit exams, end-of-course exams, or alternative testing required for graduation from the sending state in lieu of South Carolina testing requirements for graduation provided that all portions of these exams necessary for graduation from the sending state have been satisfactorily met.
(B) In the event the alternatives provided in subsection (A) cannot be accommodated after all alternatives have been considered, the State Board of Education shall work with other state boards and departments of education to help facilitate the receipt of a diploma from the sending state if the student meets the graduation requirements of that state.
(C) The State Board of Education shall develop guidelines and subsequent regulations to comply with the provisions of this section.
HISTORY: 2010 Act No. 246, Section 2, eff July 1, 2010.
Editor's Note
2010 Act 246, Section 5, provides as follows:
"This act takes effect July 1, 2010, contingent upon available funding and agreement by the Interstate Commission to SECTION 3 of this act."
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 6 - Monitoring Implementation Of Education Improvement Program › Section 59-6-16. Leadership network.

The State Board of Education in consultation with the Business-Education Subcommittee shall appoint a leadership network of representatives from the private sector. The leadership network shall assist the State Board of Education business-education partnership program by: (1) promoting business-education partnerships, (2) evaluating business-education partnerships, (3) disseminating the benefits of business-education partnerships, and (4) formulating recommendations on goals and activities for the business-education partnership program. The leadership network shall meet at least quarterly and make regular reports to the Business-Education Subcommittee, State Board of Education, and Education Oversight Committee.
HISTORY: 1989 Act No. 194, Section 31; 1998 Act No. 400, Section 15.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 6 - Monitoring Implementation Of Education Improvement Program › Section 59-6-17. School attendance as requirement for licensing for operation of motor vehicle.

The Business-Education Subcommittee in consultation with the Education Oversight Committee shall study requiring school attendance as a condition of licensing for the privilege of the operation of a motor vehicle and shall provide a report to the General Assembly by January 1, 1990.
HISTORY: 1989 Act No. 194, Section 36; 1998 Act No. 400, Section 15.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 6 - Monitoring Implementation Of Education Improvement Program › Section 59-6-20. Public Accountability Division.

The State Board of Education and State Superintendent of Education must establish within the State Department of Education a special unit at the division level called the Public Accountability Division. This special unit must be eliminated on July 1, 1991. The unit head shall hold a position comparable to a deputy superintendent and must be under the direct supervision of and shall report to the State Superintendent of Education.
The deputy superintendent must provide all reports to the Governor, Education Oversight Committee, Business-Education Partnership for Excellence in Education, Business-Education Subcommittee, and State Board of Education, and respond to any inquiries for information.
The Business-Education Subcommittee shall serve as a screening committee for the selection of the unit head. The screening committee shall recommend for consideration three applicants. Final selection of the unit head must be made by the State Superintendent of Education after consulting with the Governor. All other positions must be filled following current state personnel and State Department of Education employment procedures.
The new unit is responsible for planning, monitoring, and reviewing programs developed under the Education Improvement Act and shall provide information, recommendations, and an annual assessment of the Education Improvement Act to the Governor, Education Oversight Committee, and Business-Education Subcommittee.
The operating procedures for the new unit are the same as the operating procedures for the three established divisions in the State Department of Education. The Business-Education Subcommittee shall review and approve all products produced by the new unit and make recommendations to the State Board of Education for final approval.
HISTORY: 1984 Act No. 512, Part II, Section 9, Division II, Subdivision E, SubPart 3, Section 2, 1987 Act No. 81 Section 1; 1989 Act No. 191, Section 2; 1989 Act No. 194, Section 25; 1998 Act No. 400, Section 15.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 6 - Monitoring Implementation Of Education Improvement Program › Section 59-6-30. Reports by State Board of Education; Business-Education Subcommittee to report to Business-Education Partnership; recommendations by Partnership; Business-Education staff to serve Business-Education Partnership.

The State Board of Education shall provide an assessment of the South Carolina Education Improvement Act of 1984 for consideration by the Business-Education Subcommittee and the General Assembly. A special assessment shall be provided on March 1, 1985. Commencing in 1985, an annual assessment must be provided by December first of each year and an appropriate amount of funding must be provided for this purpose. The Business-Education Subcommittee shall provide a report on the assessment to the Business-Education Partnership, and the partnership shall submit its recommendations to the General Assembly prior to February first. The staff of the Business-Education Subcommittee shall serve as the primary staff to the Business-Education Partnership and may solicit the assistance of the staffs of the House Education and Public Works Committee, the Senate Education Committee, the Education Oversight Committee, the Public Accountability Division, and the Governor's Office.
HISTORY: 1984 Act No. 512, Part II, Section 9, Division II, Subdivision E, SubPart 3, Section 3; 1985 Act No. 201, Part II, Section 9(M); 1989 Act No. 191, Section 3; 1989 Act No. 194, Section 26; 1998 Act No. 400, Section 15.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 6 - Monitoring Implementation Of Education Improvement Program › Section 59-6-100. Accountability Division established within Education Oversight Committee; selection of executive director.

Within the Education Oversight Committee, an Accountability Division must be established to report on the monitoring, development, and implementation of the performance based accountability system and reviewing and evaluating all aspects of the Education Accountability Act and the Education Improvement Act.
The Education Oversight Committee will employ, by a majority vote, for a contract term of three years an executive director for the Accountability Division. The director must be chosen solely on grounds of fitness to perform the duties assigned to him and must possess at least the following qualifications: a demonstrated knowledge of public education, experience in program evaluation, and experience in a responsible managerial capacity. No member of the General Assembly nor anyone who will have been a member for one year previously will be contracted to serve as director. The director will have the authority to employ, with the approval of the subcommittee, professional and support staff as necessary to carry out the duties of the division, which shall be separate from the administrative staff of the Education Oversight Committee.
HISTORY: 1998 Act No. 400, Section 9.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 6 - Monitoring Implementation Of Education Improvement Program › Section 59-6-110. Duties of Accountability Division.

The division must examine the public education system to ensure that the system and its components and the EIA programs are functioning for the enhancement of student learning. The division will recommend the repeal or modification of statutes, policies, and rules that deter school improvement. The division must provide annually its findings and recommendations in a report to the Education Oversight Committee no later than February first. The division is to conduct in-depth studies on implementation, efficiency, and the effectiveness of academic improvement efforts and:
(1) monitor and evaluate the implementation of the state standards and assessment;
(2) oversee the development, establishment, implementation, and maintenance of the accountability system;
(3) monitor and evaluate the functioning of the public education system and its components, programs, policies, and practices and report annually its findings and recommendations in a report to the commission no later than February first of each year; and
(4) perform other studies and reviews as required by law.
The responsibilities of the division do not include fiscal audit functions or funding recommendations except as they relate to accountability. It is not a function of this division to draft legislation and neither the director nor any other employee of the division shall urge or oppose any legislation. In the performance of its duties and responsibilities, the division and staff members are subject to the statutory provisions and penalties regarding confidentiality of records as they apply to students, schools, school districts, the Department of Education, and the Board of Education.
HISTORY: 1998 Act No. 400, Section 9.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 6 - Monitoring Implementation Of Education Improvement Program › Section 59-6-120. Collaboration between Accountability Division and other agencies.

The State Department of Education, the State Board of Education, and the school districts and schools shall work collaboratively with the Division of Accountability to provide information needed to carry out the responsibilities and duties of its office. The Division of Accountability may call on the expertise of the state institutions of higher learning and any other public agencies for carrying out its functions and may coordinate and consult with existing agency and legislative staff.
HISTORY: 1998 Act No. 400, Section 9.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 7 - Educational Television Commission › Section 59-7-10. Educational Television Commission created; appointment and terms of members.

There is hereby created the South Carolina Educational Television Commission, which shall be composed of the Superintendent of Education, who shall be a member of the commission, ex officio, and in addition the commission shall be composed of eight members to be appointed by the Governor as follows: One shall be appointed from each of the congressional districts, and one shall be appointed from the State at large, who shall be named by the Governor as chairman of the commission. The term of the member who serves ex officio shall be coterminous with the term of the office to which he was elected, and the terms of the members appointed by the Governor shall be for six years, except that of those first appointed two shall serve for terms of two years, two shall serve for terms of four years and three shall serve for terms of six years, after which the terms of all members shall be for six years.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-60; 1960 (51) 1779; 1991 Act No. 248, Section 6; 2012 Act No. 176, Section 1, eff May 25, 2012.
Effect of Amendment
The 2012 amendment substituted "eight" for "seven"; removed the word "six" preceding the phrase "congressional districts".
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 7 - Educational Television Commission › Section 59-7-20. Advisory committees.

The Commission shall appoint an advisory committee of educators and an advisory committee of technical experts, each of which shall consist of such numbers as the Commission may deem advisable, and the terms of the members of the committee of educators and committee of technical experts shall be for such length and under such conditions as the Commission may decide.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-60.1; 1960 (51) 1779.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 7 - Educational Television Commission › Section 59-7-40. Studies and reports; cooperation of State agencies; acquisition of property.

The Commission shall make a complete study of the use of educational television and its adaptation for instructional purposes in all of the public schools of the State. The State Department of Education and any other State agency shall render such assistance, advice and cooperation as may be within their means upon the request of the Commission. The Commission shall make such report with recommendations as may be desirable to the Governor and the General Assembly from time to time. The Commission may purchase, lease or otherwise acquire and operate such educational television, radio, and related equipment and facilities as are required to develop, promote and extend educational programs to meet the needs of the State and its citizens.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-60.3; 1960 (51) 1779; 1971 (57) 484.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 7 - Educational Television Commission › Section 59-7-50. Contributions; lease or sale of use of facilities, equipment, and other program related materials.

The Commission shall have the power to accept contributions from all persons, firms and corporations who may wish to contribute to the program, provided, that both the acceptance and use of any such contributions shall be subject to express approval by the State Budget and Control Board. The Commission may lease or sell the use of its facilities, equipment, programs, publications and other program related materials on such terms as the Commission deems advantageous, and funds received therefrom shall be used for Commission purposes.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 21-60.4; 1960 (51) 1779; 1971 (57) 484.
Code Commissioner's Note
At the direction of the Code Commissioner, reference in this section to the former Budget and Control Board has not been changed pursuant to the directive of the South Carolina Restructuring Act, 2014 Act No. 121, Section 5(D)(1), until further action by the General Assembly.
2023 South Carolina Code of Laws › Title 59 - Education › Chapter 8 - Education Scholarship Trust Fund › Section 59-8-120. Administration of fund.

(A) There is established at the department, the "South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund" that is separate and distinct from the general fund, consisting of monies appropriated to the department to provide scholarships to eligible students for qualifying expenses. The fund must receive and hold all monies allocated for it as well as all earnings until disbursed as provided in this section.
(B) The department shall administer the fund and is responsible for keeping records, managing accounts, and disbursing scholarships awarded pursuant to this section and as directed by the parent.
(C) Upon request of the parent and approval of an eligible student's application by the department, the State Treasurer shall transfer six thousand dollars per scholarship student to the Education Scholarship Trust Fund as directed by the General Assembly, unless an increased or decreased limit is authorized in the annual general appropriations act.
(D) The department shall create an individual online ESTF account for each scholarship student.
(1) The parent must be able to access the individual online account for the scholarship student using a secure portal.
(2) The individual scholarship student's account must be created within thirty days of the application approval.
(E) The department shall make payments to an individual scholarship student's account from the ESTF on a quarterly basis with the first payment being distributed by July thirty-first of each year.
(F) By September first of each school year and again on January fifteenth and March fifteenth of the school year, the department shall compare the list of scholarship students with the public school enrollment lists to avoid duplicate payments.
(G) Education service providers may not refund, rebate, or share a student's scholarship funds directly with a parent or the scholarship student. The funds in an account may only be used for qualifying expenses as defined in this chapter and provided by the department.
(H) The department may contract with qualified organizations to administer the program.
(I) The trust fund does not constitute a debt of the State or any political subdivision thereof, including school districts. The trust fund must be held and applies solely toward carrying out the purposes of this chapter.
HISTORY: 2023 Act No. 8 (S.39), Section 1, eff June 3, 2023.
Editor's Note
2023 Act No. 8, Section 3, provides as follows:
"SECTION 3. This act takes effect thirty days after approval by the Governor, provided that upon approval of this act by the Governor, the Department of Education shall begin undertaking and executing responsibilities incidental to the implementation of this act so that the provisions of this act may be fully implemented thirty days after approval by the Governor."