During the May 5 School Board meeting, Christine Walker was recognized as the Department of Education’s exemplary English to Speakers of other Languages teacher, or ESOL teacher. The board also recognized Sumter County Primary School Principle Renee’ Mays, Sumter County Elementary School Principle Teira Wallace, Sumter County Intermediate School Principle Mohan Gugulothu, Sumter County Middle School Principle Calvin Poole, and Sumter County High School Principle Marnie Dutcher for their work.

After recognitions, the board discussed the facilities use policy. Board member Abbis Bivins asked for clarification concerning the policy. Private organizations can rent school facilities, though the organizations are subject to restrictions, such as ones preventing them from serving alcohol or advocating for communism.

Bivins stated that to her understanding, organizations wanting to use the facilities for educational use or for the community were exempt from fees. According to the policy, “Community services and educational activities are exempt from fees, upon approval by the Superintendent of Schools or the Superintendent’s designee.”

While requests for the waiver of fees are conditional, Bivins wanted to know why charitable and community groups such as the Dwight Harris Boys’ Club, which is a domestic nonprofit corporation, were subject to fees for facilities use. She felt that charging them fees went against the policy.

Board member Rick Barnes commented on the issue, stating that he didn’t care how much charity an organization raised. He listed the facility costs the fees cover, which would otherwise be funded by the taxpayers.

Bivins was concerned that charging charitable organizations violated the policy. “Let’s do what’s right.”

Barnes restated the policy, emphasizing the need for commercial organizations to pay fees for their use of school facilities. He also commented on the decision to charge The Dwight Harris Boy’s Club facility fees. “He was creating great opportunities for the kids in the County, but he was charging a fee.” Barnes stated he did not want to be involved in Harris’s business or see his books. He felt they should get school money back from facility usage.

Bivins stated that simply because an organization charged participants its own fees for activities did not mean that the organization was making a profit.

Board member Edward Jackson expressed his opinion that the wording defining who was exempt was broad. Superintendent Walter Knighton stated that they would send the policy for legal review.

Board member Vincent Kearse suggested they expand the policy to make alumni who wanted to use the facilities exempt. Jackson stated that without an alumni association, there might be a need for define who was eligible if the change was made.