Colearn Academy has partnered with the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina (PCSASC) to administer this year's Board of Directors election, helping ensure a fair, secure, and confidential election process.

This election is conducted in accordance with the South Carolina Charter Schools Act (S.C. Code of Laws Title 59, Chapter 40), as amended by Act 123 of 2026 (S.454, the Charter School Accountability Act), the school's Charter, and its Bylaws.

The governing board consists of seven (7) elected members. Three (3) board seats are up for election this cycle. Two (2) seats carry two-year terms, and one (1) seat will fill the remainder of an unexpired term (ending in December 2027). Terms will be assigned based on the number of votes each elected candidate receives.

Election Timeline

Meeting and Training Requirements

Meeting Requirements: Board Members are required to attend all board meetings.

Mandated board orientation: Per Act 123 (S.C. Code §59-40-155), within one year of taking office each new board member must complete an orientation program covering board duties, policy development, personnel, instructional programs, school finance, school law, state ethics laws, the Freedom of Information Act, and community relations. This orientation must be provided at no charge by the South Carolina Department of Education or an entity approved by the Department.

Annual training (new): After their first year in office, board members must also attend annual training provided by the school's authorizer covering laws, regulations, and fiduciary responsibilities unique to charter schools.

Background checks: All board members are subject to a SLED criminal background and a DSS Child Abuse and Neglect Registry check.

Conflicts of interest & multiple board service (new): Board members are subject to the conflict-of-interest restrictions in S.C. Code §59-40-75, including limits on financial ties to management organizations or vendors, and — effective after December 31, 2026 — a prohibition on simultaneously serving on more than one charter school or charter school authorizer governing board.