SC S0070

Requires the State Board of Education to adopt a model code of ethics for local school board members, including penalties for violations

Local school boards must adopt their own code of ethics within three months of the state model's adoption, incorporating at minimum the state's model code

Board members cannot be prohibited from publicly discussing board policies and actions outside meetings, except for executive session matters

All elected, reelected, appointed, or reappointed school board members must complete mandatory training within six months of taking office, covering topics including ethics, nepotism, conflicts of interest, and district finance

Board members who fail to complete required training after receiving a letter of caution may be submitted to the Governor for removal; boards must annually certify compliance with training and ethics requirements