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H 5653

Lee County School District Board of Trustees

2025-2026 Regular Session

Clarifies Lee County school board elections and vacancies, sets 4-year nonpartisan terms, and caps compensation at $6,000 a year with potential increases.

Effective date 05/19/26
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Bill Summary · H 5653

Summary of Bill H 5653 (2025-2026) – Lee County School District Board of Trustees

Purpose and Intent

  • This bill amends Act 843 of 1952 (as amended) to clarify and update the processes related to the Lee County Board of Education (the Lee County School District Board of Trustees): how candidates file to run, how elections are conducted, how vacancies are filled, and the compensation for board members.
  • It also codifies the board’s status and powers as the official Board of Trustees for the Lee County School District, aligning with Section 59-15-10 of the South Carolina Code.

Key Provisions and Changes

Candidate Filing

  • Section 1(C): All individuals who wish to qualify as candidates for the Lee County Board of Education must file a Statement of Intention of Candidacy with the Lee County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, consistent with Section 7-13-352.

Election Mechanics

  • Section 1(A) and 1(B): The central governing body remains the seven-member county board of education, with one member elected from each of the seven single-member districts used for county council elections.
  • Elections are nonpartisan and held at the same time as the general election in November of each even-numbered year.
  • Terms are four years and commence January 2 of the year following the election; successors serve until their own successors are elected and qualified.
  • Initial term schedules (historical note for the 1980 slate) establish staggered terms: districts 1, 2, 3, and 7 would be elected in 2028; districts 4, 5, and 6 in 2030. The initial term lengths are determined by lot at the board’s first meeting.

Vacancies

  • Section 1(D): Vacancies on the board are to be filled by appointment, by a majority vote of the Lee County Legislative Delegation, for the remainder of the unexpired term.

Compensation

  • Section 1(E): Each board member may receive compensation not to exceed $6,000 annually. The board may increase this compensation by majority vote, but any increase cannot take effect until the start of the next term of office for those members.

Legal Status and Authority

  • Section 1(F): The Lee County Board of Education is reaffirmed as the Board of Trustees for the Lee County School District, possessing the powers and responsibilities outlined in Section 59-15-10 of the 1976 South Carolina Code.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Lee County Board of Education members (existing and future) and their terms.
  • Prospective candidates for the Lee County Board of Education.
  • The Lee County Board of Voter Registration and Elections (filing process for candidates).
  • The Lee County Legislative Delegation (appointment authority for vacancies).
  • Compensation framework for board members (up to $6,000 annually, with potential future increases).

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Effective Date: The act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
  • Elections: Nonpartisan elections held in November of even-numbered years; terms begin January 2 following the election.
  • Vacancies: Appointment by the Lee County Legislative Delegation for the remainder of the term.
  • Filing: Candidates must file a Statement of Intention of Candidacy with the Lee County Board of Voter Registration and Elections.
  • Initial staggered terms: 2028 (districts 1, 2, 3, 7) and 2030 (districts 4, 5, 6), with length of initial terms determined by lot.

Practical Implications

  • Clarifies and standardizes the candidate filing and election process for Lee County’s school board.
  • Reinforces nonpartisan elections and aligns terms with a fixed 4-year cycle.
  • Provides a clear mechanism for filling vacancies that may arise between elections.
  • Establishes a defined compensation framework for board service, with a mechanism to adjust by majority vote (subject to timing) and a cap.
  • Reaffirms the board’s constitutional status and authority as the district’s Board of Trustees.

Note: The bill was introduced and referred to the Lee Delegation on May 5, 2026.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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