SC School Board Bootcamp

This comprehensive full-day training covers the essentials of school board governance, equipping you with the skills and confidence to effectively serve your communities.

Board members of all experience levels, in particular recently elected trustees, are highly encouraged to attend. There is no cost to register and lunch will be provided.

Bootcamp Agenda

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM - Doors open, enjoy breakfast and coffee

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM - “A Crash Course in Board Member Responsibilities”

Effective service requires a clear understanding of your responsibilities as a board member. This opening session covers general statutory duties, the "Big Four” of district governance, and strategies for fostering a positive learning environment in your community.

Cindy Coats: Berkeley County School Board Trustee

10:10 AM - 11:10 AM - “Ethics and Accountability in School Board Service”

In this overview of the Ethics Reform Act, board members will learn about common conflict of interest scenarios and how to avoid them, campaign disclosure requirements, and other related topics.

Alex Sherard: Sr. Associate Attorney, White & Story, LLC

11:10 AM - 12:10 PM - “The State of Student Achievement”

Gain a deeper understanding of student outcomes and how academic performance is measured. Learn about the structure of education decision-making in South Carolina, from the role of the General Assembly to the Department of Education, and how this intersects with your district.

Dr. Oran Smith: Senior Fellow, Palmetto Promise Inst.

12:10 PM - 1:00 PM - Break for lunch

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - “School Board Budgeting 101”

Learn the mechanics of school finance and how to make responsible, student-centered budget decisions. From understanding your revenue sources to learning how to create a budget calendar, this session lays the foundation for being an effective steward of taxpayer dollars—and putting school funding to best use.

Aaron Beaulieu: Partner, School Operations Specialists

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM - “Embracing FOIA: A Tool for Public Trust”

Transparency is paramount to effective school board governance and public confidence. Here, we explore the critical role of the S.C. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), outlining board responsibilities, common compliance pitfalls, and best practices for responding to public records requests in ways that build trust and accountability with the community.

Alex Sherard: Sr. Associate Attorney, White & Story, LLC

3:10 PM - 4:10 PM - “Good Governance: Lessons on Parliamentary Procedure”

Well-run meetings set the tone for effective school board leadership. This session examines the fundamentals of parliamentary procedure, with a focus on Robert’s Rules of Order, to help board members manage discussion and debate, make decisions efficiently, and maintain a clear and transparent governance process. It will conclude with hands-on practice script exercises.

Dr. Bill Gillmeister: Call to Order Governance Services

Who is the Bootcamp for?

The Bootcamp serves a dual purpose, benefiting board members of all experience levels.

• For new board members, it offers a new member orientation experience focused on your duties and responsibilities, paired with proven leadership strategies designed to enhance your public service.
• Experienced board members will meanwhile enjoy a thorough refresher course and valuable continuing education. And with its unique focus on raising student achievement, the Bootcamp goes beyond what most board members encounter in conventional trainings.

Hotel information

CALN has reserved a Room Block at the Hilton Garden Inn, Spartanburg! To book online, find directions below:

Booking Link: CALN Training at Hilton Garden Inn

Booking Code: CALN

You can also call the hotel directly to book at 864-913-1200 and request the "CALN" rate for March 20-March 21, 2026. Those who wish to book online using their Hilton Honors account may do so by inputting the rate code "CALN" under "Special Rates - Group Code."

Please note that the cut-off date is set for February 18, about 4 weeks prior, so please book by or before then to secure the group rate! Also, there is a 72 Hour cancellation policy in place.

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