Welcome to the South Carolina Advisory Council for Educating Students with Disabilities (Advisory Council). Following are some things to know about publicly commenting at Advisory Council meetings:
The Advisory Council conducts meetings regularly for the purpose of carrying out its official business, as outlined by state and federal regulations. All Advisory Council meetings are open and accessible to the public, but are not public forums.
The Advisory Council is not a component of dispute resolution. The Advisory Council deals with global issues affecting the education of students with disabilities. If you have a child, teacher, or school-specific issue, please contact the Office of Special Education Services (OSES) Ombudsman at 803-734-2833.
As part of its business, the Advisory Council allots time on the agenda for public comment.
Before Public Comment Forum
Individuals wishing to address the Advisory Council should sign in as a visitor and indicate the issue to be addressed on the appropriate section of this form.
Individuals who need any type of accommodations should alert the Chairperson or the OSES staff liaison. If possible, every attempt will be provided to ensure that all guests have the accommodations they need.
Visitors are to sit in the designated visitors’ area. Comments or questions from visitors are only received during the public comment period.
During Public Comment Forum
Public comment is limited to no more than five minutes per individual.
Public comment can be verbal, or in written form which will be read by the Chairperson.
Public comments should be factual and objective. The use of names of students, parents, schools, or staff are not to be used when addressing the Advisory Council.
All public comments are to show mutual respect with courteous behavior and language.
The Council reserves the right to stop or deny any public comment that does not meet the afore mentioned parameters.
No action will be taken during the meeting of the Advisory Council on issues raised during the public comment forum.
A record will be kept of the individuals or organizations, and the issues they present to the Advisory Council. This information will be included in the Advisory Council’s annual report to the South Carolina Department of Education.
Following Public Comment Forum
Individuals and organizations are welcome to remain as guests for the duration of the meeting. A focus group for conversation among visitors will be held during the subcommittee work. Visitors are asked to remain with the focus group. If a visitor elects to attend a subcommittee meeting, s/he is reminded that public comment and participation in subcommittee work is restricted to subcommittee members and other individuals invited to participate by the subcommittee chair.
The Executive Committee will review the public comments received to determine if the issues fall within the scope of the Advisory Council and will determine the appropriate follow-up response.
If a follow-up response is necessary, it will be handled by telephone, electronic mail, or letter by the Advisory Council Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson, or by the OSES staff liaison.
You may make a public comment by completing and submitting the ACESD Public Comment form. If you have any questions, contact Cheryl Fitts, ACESD Liaison, at cfitts@ed.sc.gov.