By Heather Ruppe
The lines of voting districts within the Colleton County School Board have changed, affected by a new state law.
The new official map (See map on page 2A) was given to local officials by state leaders on Monday July 11 that changes the voting lines between Districts Six and Seven.
The changes in local school districts comes from S.C. Senate Bill 1235, which was signed by S.C. Governor Henry McMaster on June 22. The law took effect immediately when the governor signed it, and the new law will impact the coming November election for three seats on the Colleton County School Board.
The Bipartisan Bill was first introduced on April 5 by S.C. Sen. Margie Bright-Matthews (D-Walterboro). It was referred to the Colleton County Legislation Delegation on April 19, was then revised before being signed into law on June 22.
This bill changed the physical layout of the school districts in Colleton County, impacting the actual geography of the district’s current seven districts to reflect a population shift in the county.
According to the latest 2020 national population census, there are 38,604 people who live in Colleton County. In 2010, the census stated there were 38,892 people living in Colleton County.
“The new lines reflect a population shift in our county,” said Colleton County School Board Chairman William Bowman, adding the school board does not govern these changes. “Everyone will have fair representation on the board,” he said.
According to data provided by the Colleton County School District, District 1 has had an increase in population, going from 5,524 people to 5,744 people.
District Two gained some population, going from 5,565 people to 5,618 people.
District Three has lost some of its population, going from 6,103 people from 5,685 people.
District Four has relatively the same numbers between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, and District Five had an increase in population from 5,000 to 5,245 people.
District Six has had a small reduction in its population and District Seven has also had a population decrease, going from 5,858 people to 5,354 people.
There are three school board seats up for grabs in this year’s election: seats 2, 4, and 6. District Two is currently held by Tim Mabry. District Four is currently held by William Bowman. District 6 is currently held by Harry Jenkins.
