House passes School Forgiveness Legislation, with amendment

The School Forgiveness Bill took another twist Wednesday as the State House of Representatives gave its approval, but not before tacking on an amendment that must now go back to the state Senate.

Sen. Thomas Alexander, who represents Oconee County and a portion of Pickens County, said the Senate is studying the House-amended version of the School Forgiveness Bill, which now includes home-schooled and private school students.

“We’re carrying it over until tomorrow (Thursday) to make sure we gain a better understanding of the necessity of the amendment,” Alexander said. “If it’s an accreditation issue, I think we’re OK.”

School districts throughout the state canceled classes two weeks ago for anywhere from one to three days. Although inclement weather makeup days are typically built into school calendars, legislators have urged that the days be forgiven this year due to the state budget crunch.

The Senate version, approved last week, contains a couple of amendments — one of which includes the ability of school districts to waive up to three missed days throughout the state for any reason. Alexander said the bill could be sent to Gov. Mark Sanford for his signature if the Senate can agree today to the House-amended version.

“If not, it could go into next week because it would have to be sent to a conference committee to work out the difference,” Alexander said.

The fact that many school districts are nearing their scheduled inclement weather make up day is the reason Alexander feels the issue needs to be finalized as quickly as possible.

“We’re certainly sensitive to the time schedule we’re on to get this thing resolved,” he said.

Meanwhile, funding flexibility legislation that would allow school districts more freedom in addressing state budget cuts, remains under debate in the General Assembly. Last week, the full Senate Finance Committee passed a separate bill providing school districts with the freedom to delay contract renewals, furlough teachers to avoid layoffs, postpone certain assessment tests and shift money around to soften budget cuts.

goupstate.com

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