Darlington County Board of Education Worksession - Monday, September 28, 2026

The Darlington County School District Board of Education held a worksession on September 28, 2026. The board discussed a proposed contract with Rubicon to provide immediate 16-panel drug testing when an employee is reasonably suspected of being under the influence. The district would pay for testing, and the agreement had been reviewed by district attorneys; discussion covered test procedures, liability safeguards, and the need for two employees to accompany a person for testing. No vote approving the contract was reported. Staff said they would clarify whether the two-person procedure should be added to district rules and, if the board approves moving forward, inform principals of the process.

The superintendent reported a $125,000 workforce-development grant to expand the Keys to Career and internship program, and said annual bond financing had closed and the funds had been received for ongoing school construction. The Bay Road facility is planned to receive Southside 5K students in January, with new furniture and supplies; other work discussed included painting, cafeteria flooring, and an awning at district schools. No specific construction contract awards or spending votes were reported. The board also reviewed proposed student residency, attendance, and enrollment policies, with capacity and sibling-priority questions left for further work; no policy vote was reported.