JICHS Policy on Livestreaming Board Meetings
Policy for Livestreaming of James Island Charter High School Board Meetings
Adopted: November 17, 2025, by JICHS Board of Directors
Pursuant to S.C. Code §59-19-85 and the South Carolina State Board of Education Model Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that each public school governing body, including the governing bodies of charter schools and special schools such as James Island Charter High School (JICHS), must make reasonable efforts to ensure the entirety of all meetings subject to the provisions of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act are open and accessible to the public and also available by means of live video and audio electronic access, hereafter referred to as livestream access, except during a lawful executive session. This policy has been developed in compliance with the General Assembly Bill A28, R46, S77 (S.C. Code §59-19-85), which requires each public school governing body to adopt a policy that requires the livestreaming of school board meetings. This local policy incorporates the State Board of Education (SBE) model policy in full and must be submitted to the State Superintendent of Education for SBE approval within 30 days of adoption.
I. Applicability
A. This policy refers to all meetings of the JICHS Board of Directors (the governing body), as defined under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act or Section 30-4-20(d). This includes but is not limited to:
● Regular board meetings;
● Special-called board meetings;
● Committee and/or subcommittee meetings;
● Board workshops;
● Budget workshops and/or hearings;
● Public hearings.
II. Policy Implementation
A. All portions of livestreamed meetings must be visible and audible in real time.
B. Subsequently, all livestreamed meetings must be posted on the JICHS website within no more than two business days of the meeting.
C. JICHS may use an online video service such as YouTube, Vimeo, or Facebook Live and will post visible links to livestreams in advance on the school’s website and/or social media accounts upon the posting of public notice of all livestreamed public meetings.
D. The broadcast of livestreamed meetings must be of sufficient video and audio quality so that viewers can easily hear the comments and be able to identify who is making comments. The use of a closed captioning service is strongly encouraged. Livestreamed meetings must be held in a location with sufficient access to quality audio/video equipment.
E. JICHS must publicize the availability of livestreamed meetings through the school website, social media, newsletters, and other communication channels.
F. This policy does not apply to lawful executive sessions.
G. If livestream access fails despite reasonable efforts, a clear audio and video recording of the meeting in its entirety must be made available on the website as soon as practicable and no more than seven days after the meeting.
III. Access to Broadband
A. JICHS will work with technology partners to develop and implement its ability to provide, expand, or improve existing livestream capacity.
B. If the JICHS governing body provides evidence of limited or no broadband access, it may request approval from the State Board of Education’s Policy & Legislative Committee for up to an additional twelve months to comply.
IV. Noncompliance
A. Penalties for policy violations or noncompliance will be based on escalating tiers based on frequency, duration, and severity. For a first offense, technical guidance may be provided through the South Carolina Department of Education. For subsequent offenses, a warning will be issued, and JICHS may be required to submit a written plan to the South Carolina Department of Education with specific details on how compliance will be attained. Persistent and egregious violations may be referred to the State Board of Education for review, and penalties may be assessed, but such determination shall not exceed one percent of state funds to JICHS.
Additional Provisions
● This policy may only be adopted or revised at a regularly scheduled meeting that is successfully livestreamed.
● This policy does not prevent or impede in-person participation by the public, except as may be reasonable and necessary for the orderly transaction of business.
● If the State Board of Education adopts a revision to the model policy, JICHS shall adopt and incorporate the revision into this local policy within three months.
● Funding may be available from the State for schools without streaming capabilities as of the 2024-2025 school year, if applicable.
For questions or further information, contact the JICHS administration at 843-762-2754. This policy ensures transparency and public access in alignment with state requirements