Parents and citizens press board on discipline policies and youth suicide; time limits enforced

Two public commenters used the board's public comment periods to press the district on discipline processes and the youth suicide crisis.

Megan Jones said it has been 24 years since the district updated its suspension and expulsion policies and described a FOIA request she said showed her 8‑year‑old was questioned by three administrators without being told why, not given warnings and denied appeal rights. Jones said she obtained disciplinary records "that does not show that the principal followed the policy, South Carolina code of law title 59 63 2 30" and said board members and district leadership had not responded to her emails. Chair Dr. Wimberley cautioned the speaker about naming specific student issues during public comment.

Later in the public comment period, Jason Brockert, who said he had lost a son to suicide, urged the board to remove time limits and to focus on the youth suicide epidemic. He continued speaking after the chair stated his time was up; the transcript records the chair saying "Your time is up" and Mr. Brockert replying that he had not received responses to his emails.

The board did not take formal action on either set of remarks during the meeting; public commenters were heard and trustees constrained remarks to the allotted time.