1. Legislative Update
November 10, 2015

2. Statewide Turnaround School District
Statewide school district setup to improve low performing schools
Turnaround districts target bottom 5% of low performing schools in state
Priority schools removed from authority of local school district
Schools typically not returned to local school district
SCSBA Belief
SCSBA opposes the state takeover of low performing schools by mandating that they become part of a statewide reform, recovery or turnaround school district
SCSBA Rationale
Evidence that turnover school districts work is shaky at best
State of South Carolina has had statutory authority since 1998
Successful school turnaround linked to wraparound services

3. School Start Date
Uniform school start date legislation passed in 2006 linked to fixed dates for state administered tests
New state administered test contract may allow flexible testing window
Lawmakers support amending uniform school start date law in 2016 legislative session
SCSBA Belief
SCSBA believes that local school districts should have the flexibility to begin classes as soon as the second Monday in August
SCSBA Rationale
School calendar approval should be core function of local school districts
Districts have difficulty completing the first semester before the holiday break
Districts have few options for scheduling statutorily required make-up days

4. Opt-out Testing (H.4330/S.872)
Parents opt children out of standardized testing
Legislation allows parents to excuse their children from standardized tests
Schools are required to test all students under federal and state accountability laws or face penalty
SCSBA Belief
SCSBA has no official position, but is concerned about the amount of state testing being performed to grade performance of schools and teachers
SCSBA Rationale
Districts receiving conflicting messages from state policy leaders when it comes to testing
Legislation must include opt-out protections for students, parents, and districts
Amount of testing used throughout the year to assist with instruction is concerning

5. Our Aiken County Schools are Succeeding!
Sales Tax Video Conference
Ability for all of Aiken County citizens to hear message simultaneously
Citizens in attendance excited about message and video conference format
Our Aiken County Schools are Succeeding!