School boards in South Carolina vary greatly. The smallest ones have five members, while the largest ones – Greenville and Horry – have the most with 12 members. Five, seven and nine members reflect the most prevalent patterns for district school boards in South Carolina. Exceptions include Beaufort with 11 board members, Spartanburg Two with 10 members and Darlington with eight members. Of the remaining districts 32 have seven members, 26 have nine members and 9 have five members.
For more information, please contact Jacelyn Arradaza.
Elections
Board members are elected in most of the 72 districts. Four districts have members appointed by a county board or legislative delegation. Sixty-two elections take place in November. Special elections and appointments occur in other months in the remaining districts.
Appointed
Only two boards have all members appointed by either a county board or their legislative delegation: Dillon Three (Latta) and Dillon Four.
Partisan/non-partisan elections
Most school board members are elected in non-partisan elections, some are appointed and some run in partisan elections. In two districts, candidates run in partisan elections – Horry and Lee Counties.
In two counties, Horry and Marlboro, the public elects the board chairman.
- Board Member Selection (PDF)
- Compensation (PDF)
- Demographics (PDF)
- Fiscal Authority (PDF)